Obituaries
BENNY HOCHMAN
With great sadness we announce that beloved husband, father, Zaida, Benny Hochman, passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023, in Winnipeg, after a courageous battle with Cancer.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Phyllis, his daughter, Paula (Warren Zimmerman), his “whole life and entire world”, his granddaughter, Abby, his sister, Clara Berkowitz, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Benny was born in Winnipeg in 1936 to Abraham and Rose Hochman. He was the youngest of 9 children, one of whom passed away in Poland. He was pre-deceased by his siblings Florence, Betty, Sarah, Dora, Gordon, and his twin brother, Sammy.
Benny attended Aberdeen and Champlain Elementary, Machray Junior High, and St. John’s High School. Peretz Shul and the Talmud Torah provided his Jewish Education.
He started working at age 17 at his father’s store, The Oasis Delicatessen. Benny worked tirelessly with his father and brothers to build the Oasis into a successful business and a North End landmark. The Oasis closed in 1984, but the incredible atmosphere of fun and hospitality that drew people to the Oasis, will always be remembered by those who were privileged to walk through its doors.
Through the course of his life, Benny never stopped moving. When he was not working, he was playing soccer, dancing, and leading his friends on adventures through the vibrant streets of the North End. Later in life, he developed a passion for lawn bowling where he became a beloved coach and instructor.
Benny had a rare gift. He made everyone he met feel comfortable and important. He was genuinely interested in people and when you spoke to him, you received his full attention. Wherever he went, he made friends. He was a true definition of the word ‘mentsch’.
Family was of utmost importance to him. He regularly visited his sisters in nursing homes, took them out to lunch, and provided them with anything they needed. His wife, Phyllis, was the love of his life. They had a beautiful marriage for 53 wonderful years, always taking care of each other. As a father, there was nothing he could not do, fix, or make better for his only child, Paula. As a Zaida, he gave everything he had to his precious Abby. They were truly the best of friends. Benny felt that the best thing to do was give his time to his family and make memories. The memories will live forever in our hearts.
The funeral was held on Monday, October 16, 2023, at Chesed Shel Emes with burial at Rosh Pina Memorial Park, presided by Rabbi Kliel Rose. Pallbearers were Warren Zimmerman, Michael Hochman, Larry Hochman, Sherman Greenfeld, Marty Greenfeld, and Stephen Segal. If desired, contributions can be made to CancerCare Manitoba, The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or a charity of your choice.
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.