Obituaries
SHELDON FINK
With broken hearts we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, father, uncle and friend Sheldon Fink, on March 9th at the age of 57.
Sheldon is survived by his daughter Priya, parents Rachel and Solomon and siblings Percy (Ellie), Shayla (Kinzey) and Sharon (Darcy). His nephews and nieces Ariel (Hillary), Milan, Avi (Illana), Jared, Carli, Samantha and Cassie (Yonah) and extended family.
From a very young age, Sheldon exhibited a variety of talents that have touched many and left a lasting memory. His playful childlike humour entertained us and made us smile and laugh whether we needed it or not. Sheldon was a gifted musician, composer, author and actor. He was the youngest member with his siblings when they performed on radio and in live performances. Blessed with the ability to play anything by ear, he could sit down at the piano and bring joy to young and old at any given moment. One of the musical highlights of his life, was playing with Neil Young at the old Blue Note on Main Street.
Sheldon was a kindergarten teacher at Brock-Corydon School and parents always requested that their child be in his class. His easy rapport with the children has left them with warm memories and a foundation for their lives.
Armed with a Masters in counselling, Sheldon was able to share and foster healing for students in schools in various Manitoba’s Northern communities. He organized a girl’s choir in one community that brought strength and inclusivity to the students. It brought the school to life and life to those students.
Sheldon had his life challenges, but always found a beacon of light and hope through himself, friends and family to help carry him through the hard times. He had a deep spiritual side and he received solace and strength from his Judaism. He conducted the mitzvah of laying Teffilin, which brought him joy and purpose.
Sheldon felt so much comfort and love in his relationship with his daughter Priya. Her decision to become a musician gave him great pride, but more importantly he appreciated the wonderful, kind, sensitive and caring person she has become.
The family wishes to especially thank Sheldon’s close friends Billy Boy, Andrea and Peter. His close friend and confidante Rabbi Avrohom Altein and long-time friend Chris who never gave up on him. Also, his cousin Perry Rubenfeld for his lifelong support. The family is still hearing stories from his friends who tell us how they learned so much from Sheldon and how he literally saved some of their lives. They told us how he was able to speak to them in a way that connected to their souls. In Judaism, to save one life is equivalent to saving the world.
Deep appreciation also goes out to Rabbi Yosef Benarroch for officiating and to Al Benarroch, Hart Kaplan, Perry and David Rubenfeld and Bernie Midgie who helped carry Sheldon and to Sheppy Coodin, Fede Lopez Ficher and Michel Aziza for completing the Minyan.
Donations in Sheldon’s name can be made to the Jewish Child and Family Service located at Suite C200 – 123 Doncaster, Winnipeg, MB. R3N 2B2.
We will love you forever Shelbo.
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.