Obituaries
Barry Bernstein
The life given us, by nature is short; but the memory of a well-spent life is eternal. ~Cicero~
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barry Bernstein on May 6, 2017 at the age of 71. After a lengthy illness,
Barry passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre.
Barry was born February 11, 1946 to Anne & Harry Bernstein. He was the younger brother to Morley Bernstein & the older twin, (by 5 minutes), to Kenny Bernstein. Barry grew up in the north end of Winnipeg where he spent his childhood helping out in his father’s corner grocery store, Harry’s Grocery, (across from Luxton School).
Barry was a talented “all around athlete” who excelled at every sport, but particularly loved baseball & hockey. He played both sports at the highest youth levels of the time.
When Barry was 16 years old, he met what would be the love of his life, Marla. (Barry passed away 5 days shy of celebrating 50 years of marriage). Barry would often describe the first time he saw Marla, “She walked down the stairs at the YMHA wearing a white mini-skirt and a red sweater…she was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen”.
He and Marla had two daughters, Brenlie & Hilary. Barry was a deeply devoted husband and father. Nothing gave him more pleasure and pride than watching his girls grow to be accomplished women. For most of his life Barry worked as an accountant to support his family.
Then, in his early fifties until his retirement, he and Marla worked together as “Team Marla & Barry” selling real estate. Barry was often described as a true gentleman. He had a quiet, quick wit and would often come up with unforgettable “one liners” that his children now fondly refer to as “Barryisms”. Barry was a private and complex man, but those closest to him will forever remember him as a profound thinker with a deep, sensitive soul and an enormous capacity to love.
Barry will be dearly missed by the love of his life for almost fifty years, Marla (Yager) Bernstein; his daughters Brenlie (Bernstein) Nagy & Hilary (Bernstein) Meggison; his son-in-law, Jim Nagy and grandchildren, Lauren & Cole Nagy; his mother-in-law, Edith Yager; his brothers Morley and Kenny Bernstein; and his sisters-in law and brothers in-law, Terri Bernstein, Maureen & Sheldon Tabak, Debbie & Kurt Jacob, Jerry & Cintia Yager, Libby & Billy Brodovsky-Yager, Mardy & Sarah Yager, and many beloved nieces & nephews.
A remembrance service was held on May 10, 2017 at the Saul & Claribel Simkin Center.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the dedicated, nurturing & compassionate staff at the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre and a very special thanks to Barry’s end of life “companion”, Marcella, who lovingly cared for him like he was her own “Papa”.
Should you wish to honour Barry’s life, contributions may be made to the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre or The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.
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.