Obituaries
IRENE ROSENBERG
Irene Rosenberg, 90, formerly of West Hartford and Bloomfield, Connecticut, died peacefully on July 29, 2021.
Born Irene Dolgin Yamron on Dec. 21, 1930 in Winnipeg, to Louis and Lillian Yamron, she moved to North Dakota as a young bride of her beloved Mervin in the 1950s, and ultimately made New England and the United States her home. She was a prolific, imaginative knitter and quilter, a meticulous homemaker who had a passion for travel, historical novels, swimming and healthy cooking long before it was in vogue. She was a beacon of stability in tough times who urged children to “wake up with alacrity,” “study diligently,” and when someone in the household was unwell to not come in “with a whoop and a holler.”
She made time and had time for a far-flung array of friends and family, some lifelong, and others newfound in Connecticut starting in the sixties, who would form enduring, multi-generational bonds. Sabbath and other holiday meals in her home were often special events, with many people squeezed in around a table abundant in traditions. A highlight was the Passover dinner, for which she spread out a crisp white tablecloth and established her own tradition: The first person to accidentally knock over a glass of red wine, got a gift. It was a prize signifying that the awardee was the first but surely not the last at a boisterous dinner, no embarrassment necessary.
She grew up and was educated in Winnipeg, where she received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba in 1952. She focused on managing a busy household for the next four decades and in the eighties studied food service management at Manchester Community College in Connecticut. She obtained an associate in science degree in 1986 and worked at St. Mary’s Home for the Aged in West Hartford, ensuring that the elderly Sisters of Mercy who resided there were brought meals consistent with their dietary concerns.
Irene was predeceased by her younger brother Ian, two sons Joel and Hart, and husband, Mervin Rosenberg M.D., her devoted partner of 55 years who passed away in Connecticut on July 20, 2007. She leaves a son, Mark David, daughters Dale, Carol and Sharon Beth, a sister-in-law Fraydel Yamron and eight grandchildren Judith, Jimbo, Doran, Kendra, Zara, Sofia, Simon and Ian. Funeral services were held on July 30, 2021 at the Emanuel Synagogue Cemetery in Connecticut. Contributions in Irene’s memory may be made to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund at Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford, Connecticut, 06117 or to the Chesed Shel Emes, 1023 Main Street, Winnipeg.
She was a member of the Emanuel Synagogue of West Hartford, including during her later years when she resided at a Hebrew Senior Life care facility in eastern Massachusetts.
She celebrated her last birthday, like many of the rest of us, in a form of quarantine. She received lovely flowers from her eldest niece and nephew, Judy and Barry, and another beautiful bunch from her sister-in-law, Fraydel. She celebrated with a deli lunch of chopped liver and egg salad — and a Zoom visit with some of her kids.
Irene turned 90 at that birthday, making her a bit younger but a contemporary of Queen Elizabeth II. After the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the queen riffed on a remark by Dr. Colin Murray Parkes, an esteemed and pioneering psychiatrist in England. Here is what the queen said: “Grief is the price we pay for love.”
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.