LILLIAN NEAMAN

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LILLIAN NEAMAN

Lillian Neaman (nee Cantor), beloved life partner, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and the best friend anyone could ever ask for passed away on August 21 at the age of 92, following a brief and courageous battle with cancer.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving life partner of 44 years, Doug Skoog; her four children, Dale Marcus , Barbara Neaman, (Allan Finkel) Francie Neaman and Larry Neaman (Karine Liswood); five granddaughters, Blaire Malkin (Rob Bastress), Lexi Malkin (Mark Newberg) Gabrielle Chartrand, (John Chartrand) Jillian Swan (Alain Clement) and Alix (Trevor Boryskavich); and three great-grandchildren, Arlo and Della Anne Bastress and Julian Newberg. She was predeceased by her former husband Jack Neaman, her parents, Alex and Anne Cantor; her sister Phyllis; and brother-in-law Marshall Wilder.

Lillian was born in Winnipeg on February 16, 1934. She grew up in the North End where she attended Machray Elementary and St John’s High School. She formed lifelong friendships during those early years, many of which remained important to her throughout her life.

Lillian was a lifelong learner and believed deeply in the importance of education. She encouraged all her children to pursue their education and modeled that philosophy herself, by enrolling at the University of Winnipeg to obtain her Bachelor’s degree at the age of 47.

Lillian will be fondly remembered for her love of family and friends, and for the respect and affection she earned from all who knew her. She was a dedicated volunteer and gave generously of her time to many non-profit organizations, including the National Council for Jewish Women, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Gwen Secter Creative Living Center, and CancerCare, Manitoba.

She was also an astute and successful businesswoman. In 1996 she was named Manitoba Woman Entrepreneur of the Year. For many Winnipeggers, however, she will always be remembered as the owner of the Paper Gallery, which she owned and operated from 1976 to 1996.

Never one to sit still, Lillian was a consummate hostess. She and Doug loved entertaining and hosted countless elegant dinners for family and friends. She was also a talented gardener, and many people walking along the Crescent would stop to admire their lush and lovingly tended yard and garden. Lillian was an accomplished knitter who made beautiful afghans for family and friends, and especially for those who were struggling with illness. She often made them with the hope that they would bring comfort- and they became, in many ways, her own special kind of healing blankets.

Lillian’s funeral was held at Chesed Shel Emes on August 24, 2026. Honorary pallbearers were Fred and Charlie Finlayson, Dennis and Jean Giguere, Audrey Weidman and David and Leslie Wilder. Pallbearers were: Blaire and Lexi Malkin, Gabrielle and Jillian Swan, Alix Neaman and John Chartrand.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Lillian’s memory, may make donations to these charities that she was instrumental in founding: Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Lillian Neaman Women’s Endowment Fund. 123 Doncaster Winnipeg Manitoba R3N2B2 (204-477-7520) The fund was established to generate financial resources for organizations supporting Manitoba women – a cause that was especially meaningful to Lillian. Donations may also be made to the CancerCare Manitoba Guardian Angel Caring Room. 675 McDermot Avenue Winnipeg Manitoba R3E OV9 (204-787-4180). The Caring Room provides free support and items to help patients manage appearance-related side effects from cancer treatment.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 22, 2026