Obituaries
ROSE SLUTSKY DECEMBER 2, 1937 – MAY 26, 2025
With great sorrow but deep gratitude for the time we shared, we announce the passing of Rose Slutsky (née Zipper), who left this world on May 26, 2025, in Vancouver, BC. She is survived by her beloved children—Sam, David, Judy, and Morley—her seven treasured grandchildren— Melanie, Tamara, Joshua, Brett, Jesse, Daliah, and Tevi—and two great-grandchildren, Isaac and Lewis.
Born in Galicia, Poland, to devoted parents Samuel and Manya Goldhirsch, Rose’s early years were filled with the richness of language, learning to speak German, Russian, Polish, French, and Hebrew before later teaching herself English and Yiddish. She endured unimaginable loss as a Holocaust survivor, losing nearly all her family except for her mother and cousins who escaped to another country before the war began. Yet, even in the face of profound grief, she chose a life of resilience, generosity, and love.
Family was everything to Rose. Knowing firsthand the irreplaceable value of loved ones, she built a home filled with laughter, warmth, food and unwavering support. After immigrating to Canada in 1950, she married Paul Slutsky,
and together they raised four children. Her devotion extended beyond her family to her community, where she proudly supported her children and grandchildren in their academic pursuits, cheering them on as they followed paths in law, medicine, physiotherapy, and international relations and data programming. We can all hear still her saying to us “believe in yourself always”.
Rose had a gift for making people feel seen and valued. She would brighten a stranger’s day with a compliment, welcome anyone who needed comfort into her home, and forge friendships that lasted a lifetime. Her vibrant circle of friends in Winnipeg and Richmond became her extended family, offering companionship and joy throughout the years.
A woman of extraordinary talent, Rose carved her own path as a salesperson for People’s Jewelers, becoming the company’s top seller in Western Canada for many years running. Her eye for beauty, paired with her personable nature, made her exceptional at what she did. She was a proud member of the Pioneer Women organization and Beth Tikvah Synagogue, tirelessly working to support Israel and the local Jewish community. Most profoundly, she dedicated herself to sharing her story of survival, ensuring that future generations would never forget the atrocities of war. Her courage and unwavering spirit inspired her family to pursue lives of service and generosity. “What life gives you, you must give back,” she often said—a philosophy she embodied every day. Rose’s artistic spirit was deeply ingrained in her. The daughter of a Paris-trained couturier and a talented shoe designer, she inherited a keen eye for color and form. From sketching designs as a child to creating stunning oil paintings later in life, she found solace and expression through art. Her work was proudly exhibited at the Richmond Art Gallery, a testament to her creativity and passion.
In keeping with her name, Rose nurtured life with tenderness and care. Her garden was a sanctuary—filled with fruit trees, vegetables, and grapevines. Each spring, she delighted in planting flowers, braving mischievous squirrels just to see her blooms flourish. But nothing brought her more joy than cooking for her family. Passover was her cherished holiday, her heart swelling with pride as her loved ones gathered around the table to savor her homemade delicacies. From knishes and kugel to chocolate cake and pickles, her culinary creations were a labor of love that filled every celebration with warmth.
Though Rose has now reunited with her mother, father, and husband, her love remains woven into the fabric of her family, her friendships, and the lives she touched. Her story—a testament to perseverance, kindness, and devotion—will live on, carried forward by those who werefortunate enough to know her.
Obituaries
RUTH KLAPMAN December 20, 1929 – September 24, 2025
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, Ruth Klapman.
Ruth lived a full life surrounded by family and friends. She was devoted to her late husband, Sam, her partner for 68 years. Together, they brought joy to every gathering-always the first to dance and the last to say goodbye.
Ruth was deeply committed to volunteer work. She gave her time to organizations including Hadassah, ORT, the National Council of Jewish Women, Pioneer Women, and the Women’s Endowment Fund. She chaired the ORT thrift store for 14 years, and she sang in Israel as a member of the Rosh Pina Synagogue Choir.
Ruth spent every summer at Winnipeg Beach, sharing komish and other treats with generations of neighbourhood children who would visit the cottage throughout the day. She was everybody’s ‘Bubbie’. Winters were spent in Palm Springs, welcoming her children and grandchildren for fun in the sun.
Ruth was a true party person who loved spending time with friends and hosting family gatherings. Her home was a place where people came together to share meals, stories, and laughter. She enjoyed travelling the world and never refusing an invitation, no matter where it was.
Mother to Sandi (Sam Malamud), Marla Bernstein, Hartley (Drew Salter), and Jody (Brian Goldberg); grandmother to Andrew (Hilary), Allan (Alona), Aaron (Alanna), Jason (Lindsay), Steven (Alexis), Dana (Tom), Brady (Matt), Carly (Jay), Hanna (Gaby), and Kevin (Ilana).
Great-grandmother to Florie, Stan, Juniper, Angus, Isaac, Otto, Cole, Chase, Charlotte, Rory, Mason, and Romi; sister-in-law to Sandy Youssiem; Auntie Ruthie to many nieces and nephews.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband Sam, her parents Reuben and Rose Youssiem, and her brother Saul Youssiem.
A special thank you to Marivel Toledo for her many years of care and dedication, and to Lorna Allen and Fabi Patriarca for their great support.
Thank you to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for officiating the funeral service, which took place on September 26, 2025, at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ruth and Sam Klapman Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 204-477-7520.
Obituaries
JEROME AVERY
April 2, 1945 – September 11, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jerome Avery, who passed away with his family by his side on September 11, 2025, at the age of 80.
Jerome was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Allan and Diane Avery. He was married to the love of his life, Karen, for 46 years, until her passing. Jerome was blessed to find love and companionship again with Sergia, who he cared deeply for.
Jerome treasured being “Zaida” to his grandchildren, Danica, Alexis, and Nathan. Jerome is survived by his loving children, Robyn (Don) and Tammy (Chris); his grandchildren Danica (Benny), Alexis (Brett), and Nathan; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Karen, his parents Allan and Diane Avery, and his in-laws Nathan and Rose Sarbit.
His smile lit up a room bringing joy and comfort to all who knew him.
Obituaries
RITA SHAPERA (née SILVERMAN)
March 22, 1929 – September 2, 2025
It is with deep sadness that the family of Rita Shapera announces her passing on September 2, 2025, at the age of 96.
Born in Winnipeg to Isadore and Dolly Silverman, Rita grew up in the North End during the Depression yet always remembered her childhood as joyful and full of warmth. A striking beauty, her brother Gerry joked that he was bribed with chocolate by hopeful suitors! It was Dr. Monty Shapera, however, who won her heart, and they married in 1949.
Together, Rita and Monty moved to Flin Flon to establish his dental practice. What was meant to be a short stay blossomed into a decade filled with community, friendship, and the arrival of their three children. Returning to Winnipeg, Rita poured her boundless creativity and impeccable eye for design into building their River Heights home. A gifted cook, baker, and hostess, she made her home a gathering place brimming with love, laughter, and warmth.
Rita adored the famously purple family cottage at Winnipeg Beach, where her love of gardening and swimming took root. She relished travel – especially to Maui – along with bridge games with her circle of friends, evenings at the symphony, and years of community service with Hadassah, Kiwanis, and the Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood.
When Monty passed away in 1990, Rita embraced her role as a devoted grandmother and found joy in winters spent in Palm Springs. In 1996, she was blessed to find love again with Ted Jacob. Their marriage was filled with laughter, affection, and a partnership reminiscent of Burns and Allen. She cherished her bond with Teddy’s children, and though his passing in 2003 was another heartbreak, Rita described their time together as “perfect.”
Rita’s warmth, empathy, and radiant spirit made her a friend to all – whether across a bridge table, in her volunteer work, or even in a casual conversation while waiting in line. She embodied generosity and unconditional love, and as she often said, “I’ve had an amazing life.”
Rita is survived by her children, Nolan (Lori), Caryn Martin (Dr. Paul Martin), and Blair (Lois Vincent); her grandchildren, Tali, Ilyssa, Cale (Hannah), Ilana (Igal), Jordan, Mika (Nate), Shaan, and Eli; and her great-grandchildren, Lev, Theo, Shai, Llewyn, and Jaxx. She is also lovingly remembered by her brother Dr. Gerald (Pauline) Silverman. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Sheila (Al Linder), and her husbands, Dr. Monty Shapera and Ted Jacob.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated care providers at Shaftesbury Park, the Simkin Centre, St. Boniface Hospital, and especially to Paulina Trinidad for her compassionate care.
Rita’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and joy. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Donations in Rita’s memory can be made to Winnipeg Children’s Hospital or Diabetes Canada.