Obituaries
TOVA WEISZNER (née GUDELMAN) Feb 2, 1930 – April 27, 2023
Tova, at the age of 93, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loved ones, after a brave battle with heart failure.
She was predeceased by her husband Ze’ev, her brother Norman, her parents, her baby sister, numerous family and friends, and the recent and very sad loss of her dear niece Dina. Those fortunate to have known her and love her will mourn her passing; her children, Noah (Myrna), Rina (Paul), Freda (Sholom), her grand children, her five great-grandchildren, and other numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Tova was born in Lipkany, Romania. When she was 8 years old, Lipkany was taken over by the Russian Red Army and life changed. Within a short time, she and her entire family were forced out of their home. The family had to travel on foot through open terrain from army barracks to camps, having to forage for food and shelter. During this time her parents and baby sister perished. In 1944 they were liberated, and then as a young girl, she was taken into the care of a relative in Israel, where she stayed until she married Ze’ev in 1950. Two of their children were born in Israel. In 1959 they travelled to Winnipeg, and a few years later their third child was born.
Tova was an extremely hard worker, clean, orderly and practical. For a tiny woman (4’8”) she was a force to be reckoned with. Everything she did, even right up to her passing, was for her family. Whether it be feeding them (constantly), or knitting them something warm to wear, or guiding them with her unbelievable common sense, she was always a mom and a baba, which was so heartwarming and genuine. Even to people who were practically strangers, she always offered food, a cozy knitted item, fruitful conversation and sound advice.
Tova also took part in endless volunteer activities. She spent many years at the CNIB in particular, even honored at the age of 87, by the mayor of Winnipeg, for those efforts. Tova’s devotion and commitment to giving had no bounds. This was who she was, right up to the end of her life, a devoted, giving, kind and generous woman.
Tova spent the last five years at Kildonan House, an assisted living facility. She still grew tomatoes and flowers on her balcony, even though she was becoming more and more limited in her physical abilities and could no longer do many of the countless things that defined her. The kindness and care that was shown to her, by the staff, management and so many residents, was truly heart warming. She was happy, comfortable, and well cared for.
Our family wants to thank her family physician of many decades, Dr. Norman Hechtenthal for his care and concern for her. She was exceptionally cared for by all her various doctors over the years and it probably didn’t hurt when she showed up to their offices with tins of her baked goods. Towards her end, Dr. James Tam and the Palliative Care team of Winnipeg, took over her care and helped her transition comfortably and peacefully. We thank you for that exceptional display of kindness and compassion.
A private graveside funeral was held by the family and officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl, whom we sincerely thank for his care and guidance.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to a charity of your choice, should you wish to do so.
Mom’s love will always be in our hearts, and we will forever miss her.
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.