Obituaries
RITA GUNN November 29, 1941 – April 18, 2023
With deep sadness the family of Rita Gunn (nee Grushko) announces the passing of our beloved Wife, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, Aunt and Great Aunt.
Even before she graduated from St. John’s High School, Rita fibbed about her age and started working in the Eaton’s slipper bar. After a period in retail, she married Bernie Gunn, and moved to marketing and promotions for CKY Radio. She began her university education alongside motherhood, as an adult student. During this time, she became a crisis counsellor for Klinic, setting the stage for a lifetime commitment to feminism and social justice.
Well into her forties, Rita earned her Master of Arts in Sociology at the University of Manitoba, completing a thesis on the failure of the criminal justice system in supporting victims of sexual assault. This eventually became a book (co-authored with Candice Minch) published by the University of Manitoba Press: Sexual Assault: The Dilemma of Disclosure. She lectured in Women’s Studies at the university and was a guest speaker at conferences in Canada and abroad.
When many contemplate slowing down, Rita embarked on a career as a management consultant, co-founding Prairie Research Associates in 1988 with her second husband Gregory Mason and Kerry Dangerfield. Thereupon followed a 27-year career where she directed major studies in criminal justice, health, and the arts. One of her favourite projects was an evaluation of the Inuit Art Foundation, which saw her travel throughout remote northern communities visiting artists in their studios and homes. A painting gifted to her by Simon Tookoomee was among her treasured possessions.
Rita gave generously of her time, serving as a life member of the National Council of Jewish Women. She also was on the Board of MTC and led the revitalization of the Black and White Ball to become one of Winnipeg’s premier fund-raising events.
Rita lived life large. She was a fabulous cook, though any meal she prepared always seemed to have more leftovers than food at the start. She cared for her father when his health faltered and attended her mother during her years in long term care. She always dropped anything she was doing to support her grandchildren. She was the ideal travel companion, always game for an adventure and new sights. Anyone who met her quickly realized they had encountered a force of nature: charming, astute, and generous to a fault.
Rita was predeceased by her parents Jack Grushko and Pearl Grushko (nee Levine), sister Geraldine Sugarman (nee Grushko) and brother in-law Jack Sugarman.
Left to mourn and remember Rita are her husband Gregory Mason, sister Brenda Casey (Peter), son Danny Gunn (Karen Blicker), daughter Alana Gunn (Steven Gall), and grandchildren Matthew Gunn, Jeremy Gunn, Jonah Gall, Ariella Gunn, and Raeya Gall. Also deeply saddened by Rita’s passing are nephews/nieces Jeff Sugarman, Rochelle Winterton, Noah Casey, and Jessica Musoke (Ronnie), great nieces/nephew, Niria Sugarman, Aziza Musoke and Keon Musoke, sister-in-law Cathy Albrecht (Sam) and Skylar Albrecht.
The family thanks the palliative care team at WRHA and the caregivers who helped Rita pass at home after her prolonged illness. Most notably, we owe a debt of gratitude to Joy Senyondwa, who tended to Rita selflessly to the last. Also, we appreciate the kindness of Helen Funk and Valerie Firth who offered Rita hours of companionship and compassion.
If you wish to remember Rita, please donate to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or the charity of your choice.
Obituaries
MARK BERNARD SCHACTER
May 12, 1946 – October 19, 2025
We are sad to announce that Mark Schacter died peacefully in Vancouver on October 19, 2025, at age 79.
He was born in Winnipeg on May 12, 1946, and moved to Vancouver at the age of 22 to seek his fortune, and lived and worked there for the rest of his life, in a number of careers. He was a raconteur, a free spirit, a sports fan, a close observer of current events, and a good friend to many, as far away as Rio de Janeiro and Los Angeles. He attended the Canada-Russia hockey series in Moscow in 1972, flew on the Concorde to London, and went to Rio for Carnival on a number of occasions.
He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Brent Schacter and Sora Ludwig, nieces Miriam Stoller (Michael), Isanne Schacter, and Jennifer Schacter (Neil Rockman), grandnieces Reina and Maddie Stoller, Beatrice Schacter, and Sally Rockman, and grandnephew Jacob Rockman.
He was laid to rest in the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery near his parents on October 22, 2025. May his memory be a blessing.
Donations in his memory may be made to Yaletown House (www.yaletown.org) where he resided or to the charity of your choice.
Obituaries
GLORIA GERSHMAN
Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Gloria Beatrice Gershman (née Lipchen), lived 95 remarkable years filled with love, laughter, resilience, generosity, a youthful spirit and a touch of mischief. Gloria passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
She was predeceased by her parents Rose and Nathan Lipchen, her husband George Gershman in 2016 and her grandson Jesse Short-Gershman in 2014. Gloria is survived by her three children: Darryl (Diane), Shelley (David), and Stu (Niki), eight grandchildren: Rachel, Daniel (Yeraldin), Mike (Hannah), Kara, Emily, Ashley (Andy), Max, Zak, and two great-grandchildren Ari and Grayson.
Born in Winnipeg on November 27, 1929, Gloria spent her early childhood in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, before returning to Winnipeg in 1940. Gloria and George married in 1949, residing in Winnipeg until moving to Miami, Florida in 1958 and returning to Winnipeg in 1961.
Gloria attended business college and worked at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue and Glendale Golf Course. She volunteered in the community conducting hearing tests for elementary school children.
To our family, Gloria was our biggest supporter, our safe place, our guiding voice, and our example of what it means to be strong, independent, loyal, resilient, and generous. Gloria was known for her wonderful sense of humour and occasional salty language.
Gloria’s talents included sewing, knitting, needle working, cooking, baking, gardening and bowling. The family loved her homemade cookies.
She was devoted to her grandchildren and shared a special and unique relationship with each of them. She adored every moment she spent with Ari and Grayson, who brought her joy in her later years.
Gloria was a regular with the super seniors at the local McDonalds. During the Covid pandemic, she and her friends held “parking lot gatherings” at McDonald’s, sitting in their cars, chatting through windows, laughing, and refusing to let isolation dull their spirits.
She was an unofficial counsellor and second mother for many of our friends, offering warmth, insight, honesty, and love.
Gloria cheered (sometimes colourfully) for her Winnipeg Blue Bomber and Jets, rarely missing a televised game.
Mom wanted her family to live their best lives; Mom’s memory will forever be a blessing and legacy for her loving family.
Among the many people we thank, we give a special thanks to Dr. Ify Osagie and mom’s dear health care companion Tess Barillos.
Graveside funeral was held on October 20, 2025, at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery.
Donations in Gloria’s memory may be made to the Buddy Check for Jesse Society, supporting youth mental health in honour of her grandson: https://buddycheckforjesse.com/ donate/
Obituaries
MARC AARON COHEN
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Marc Aaron Cohen on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the age of 55, following a brave battle with cancer.
Survived by his parents Lawrence and Dolly (Reesa) Cohen, sister Michelle (Ben) Levich, nephew Seth Levich, auntie Deanna Cohen, uncle Sherv Sharagge, and many cousins.
Marc was in love with his career. He was passionate about trucking and was good at it, wearing several hats during his career. He was a dispatcher, a long haul and local trucker, and an instructor to new truckers, while working for several trucking companies including Quick Transfer, Big Freight, and Gershman Transport. Marc received numerous awards and recognitions during his career including the Elite Award for Excellence in Performance in 2014 and 2015 from Big Freight. His commitment to the trucking industry led him to be chosen for the Industry Excellence Award in 2015 from the Manitoba Trucking Association.
Marc’s second love was riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Being on his motorcycle brought him so much joy. He loved playing, watching and coaching football. He was active in the Nomad Football Club. Being outdoors in any kind of weather was his favorite place to be.
The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Brightwater Tuxedo, Health Science Center, and St Boniface Hospital. We are grateful for the compassionate care they provided Marc.
Donations in Marc’s memory can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation. 204-787-4143.