Obituaries
BETTY WARSHAWSKY
With deep sadness we announce the passing of Betty Warshawsky on April 1st, 2021 at the age of “100 plus”.
Betty was born in 1917 in Kiselin, Poland. While under Soviet occupation, her family refused to leave their home, but Betty escaped and began her journey – first to Russia and later to Uzbekistan where she met her husband Hersz (Hershel).
After the war they returned to Europe, determined to reach Palestine; they finally arrived and Hersz enlisted and fought in the War of Independence. Her brother, Sam Pomarantz Z”L , the only other surviving family member (parents: Joseph David Pomeranc and Rochel Waze, siblings: Kuni, Areyeh, Herszel, Gershon, Avraham, Szprinca and Esther) welcomed her to Winnipeg in 1950. Betty continued her teaching career in Winnipeg at I.L. Peretz Folk School until her retirement in 1984. She was honoured and humbled when students continued to visit over the years. She would amaze everyone and herself equally when she recognized them, and identified them by their Yiddish names.
Betty was highly respected and deeply cherished by her family and all that knew her. It was heartwarming to be in her presence, as she exuded warmth and compassion to everyone. Betty’s optimism was a driving force for how she lived her life: without regrets, which inspired her family to follow in her footsteps. She enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, listening to Jewish music and spoke eight different languages. She had a great sense of humour, a smile that lit up the room, and an enduring positivity that set an example for us all. The world was a better place with her in it.
Betty shared that her secret to longevity was living a life of happiness and kindness. Her father’s farewell blessing, “anywhere and everywhere you go people should like you – you should be well liked” was fulfilled by Betty tenfold through her generosity and charisma. She lived her life in honour of all those that perished – lest we forget.
Despite the limitations and restrictions of the pandemic, Betty became an avid FaceTimer with weekly scheduled calls with many members of her extended family. FaceTime gave Betty the opportunity to continue the special bonds she had with her family residing throughout Canada, United States and as far away as Switzerland.
Betty was predeceased by her beloved Herszel Z’L (2005). Their memories will continue to live in the hearts of their family: daughters Rochelle (David Glass), Valerie (Ian Leibl); grandchildren Colin, Kimberley (Chris), Shaylene (Trevor), Ari (Siuleen), Melissa (Mike); and great-grandchildren Sydney and Ethan Shapiro, Jackson, Hudson and Maeli Smith, Kindred and Sincerity Leibl, Hersh and Dov Halparin.
The family would like to extend their appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Claire Jaegar (Betty’s former student), the staff and residents of Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence, and her Homecare friends.
Memorial donations may be made to The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba Endowment Fund 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.