Obituaries
DAVID RABB (RABINOVITCH)
Born: NOVEMBER 17, 1930 Passed away: DECEMBER 31, 2020
Following a brief illness, the family of David Rabb is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our loving husband, father, and zaida.
David leaves to mourn his adoring wife of 65 years, Sheila; his children, Jeff, Irene (Jack), Ian (Trevor); his grandchildren, Haley, Justin, Matthew and Emily; his beautiful sister, Merle, and sister-in-law, Zsipie, as well as many nieces, nephews, their spouses and children. David also left behind countless friends and their families who may have not been related by blood but were as close as family.
David was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Irene Rabinovitch; sisters, Rose (Abe), Ethel (Eph), brother-in-law, Earl Pitch, niece, Pamela Wolson, and nephew, Michael Hoffer.
David Rabb grew up in the south end of Winnipeg. He attended Queenston School, Robert H. Smith and Kelvin High School. He was always an avid learner, starting from a very young age. He was a frequent winner of spelling bee contests, dollars for scholars, and graduated winning the Governor General’s medal at Kelvin High School.
In high school David competed and excelled at basketball, bowling and curling. Later in life he discovered both tennis and golf, and pursued these activities for many years. He golfed every week, including this past summer.
David attended University of Manitoba, graduating with an honors degree in geography. His love of learning never ceased, and as a senior he audited classes with his friends at both the University of Winnipeg and College of the Desert in Palm Desert.
In 1954 David met the love of his life – Sheila Pitch, though his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Mu. Married in 1955, the fairytale love story lasted over 65 years. They shared a passion for their families, friends, traveling, winters in Palm Desert, playing cards, entertaining, and sports. David had season tickets for the Blue Bombers for 68 years.
David started his career with his dad and brother-in-law. They opened automatic car washes across Western Canada, followed by Washtronics Ltd., manufacturing equipment for lifting and washing various forms of transportation.
David retired in his mid 50s. Realizing that he still wanted to contribute, he got a real estate license and spent the next 30 years actively working in this market. He finally fully retired five years ago at the age of 85.
David was known to all for his incredible demeanor. He was honest, kind, genuine, reliable, and made a friend of everyone he met, whether it was for five minutes or 50 years.
It didn’t matter if it was business, charity or personal relationships. These qualities shined brightly always.
David never forgot the lessons he learned watching his parents and in-laws lead and teach by example. Throughout his life he gave generously to a number of causes – volunteering both time and money – the Jewish Foundation, JNF, B’nai Brith, and Chai Folk Ensemble to name a few. He sent a donation to any charity that ever asked.
The family would like to offer our since love and thanks to all the caregivers and doctors who supported us during his brief illness. We would like to thank Maria, Patty, and Cathy for the exceptional care and concern they extended to our family.
For many years Dr. Sheldon Permack and staff were always there when needed. We also want to thank Dr. Dan Chenier, who saw our dad regularly before he entered the hospital. Also, a special thank you to our dear friends, Dr. Leon Waye and Dr. Jeff Mottola, who helped us navigate throughout his short illness.
Finally, a huge thank you to Dr. Lamba, Rose and Jessie from the Health Sciences Centre for their role in his care.
We are so heartbroken over our loss. David never spoke an ill word of anyone. He had a colossal zest for life. His life was exemplary. He was righteous, a mensch of all menschen, a person of integrity and honour. His unconditional love and support of all his family and friends will sustain us forever.
In lieu of flowers tribute donations can be made in his honor to:
twotenrecovery
www.twotenrecovery.org
or
www.jewishfoundation.org
204-477-7525
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.
Obituaries
DR. DAVID NORMAN MANUSOW
David passed away, surrounded by his children and partner, on Sunday, September 14, 2025, after a battle with CNS lymphoma, at age 74.
Left to mourn are his children, Josh (Kristen) and Amy (Jamie), his grandchildren, Miles, Archie, and Stella, sister Merle (Phil), his partner Rosa and her children, Karen (Joe) and Danielle (Mike). He was predeceased by his wife Nancy who died in 2003.
David grew up in the North End of Winnipeg and was proud of his roots. He spent his childhood hanging out at Winnipeg Beach, enjoying a busy social life at the YMHA downtown, and studying. He went to medical school at the University of Manitoba and completed a residency in ophthalmology there followed by further training in glaucoma surgery in New York City at Mount Sinai Hospital and in Cambridge, England. He was the first and only ophthalmologist specializing in glaucoma to practice in Manitoba and in the 1980s looked after a patient population alone that is today shared by eight doctors. He was a partner at the Manitoba Clinic, a faculty member at the University of Manitoba and over his long career saved the vision and looked after thousands of patients. He was known as a master diagnostician and meticulous clinician and surgeon.
David was married to Nancy Manusow for 28 years until her death from cancer. They had a wonderful partnership, travelled the world together before settling down in Winnipeg with brief stops to live in New York, England (twice), and Pittsburgh, and raised two children together. In his later years he enjoyed travelling and spending time with Rosa, his partner of 20 years, and her family. He was particularly proud of spearheading a scholarship at his alma mater, St. John’s High School, along with some of his classmates to honour a very close friend who drowned while they were in medical school (the Aron Katz Memorial Scholarship).
The family would like to thank all of his physicians, nurses, and the staff at CancerCare, Victoria Hospital, and Grace Hospice and in particular Dr. J. Webb and Dr. L. Minuk.
His funeral took place at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on Tuesday, September 26, 2025. Pallbearers were Manual Glimcher, Danielle Miller, Mike Miller, Karen Appel, Phil Sheegl, Sean Udow, Hannon Bell, Zach Stein, Stuart Niznick, and Benji Goldenberg.
David will be deeply missed. Donations in his name can be made to Breakthrough T1D (JDRF).