Obituaries
DINA FRANKEL
Dina Frankel (nee Gilman), loving wife of the late Mark Frankel Z”L, dedicated mother, grandmother, aunt and sister, passed away peacefully with family by her side on December 27, 2023 (15 Tevet 5784) at Grace Hospital.
Dina Frankel was born in the North End of Winnipeg on October 7th, 1931 to Samuel and Mollie Gilman Z”L. Growing up in this humble, working class setting with seven siblings and immigrant parents fresh from the old country instilled in Dina a strong sense of family values that she passed down to her children and grandchildren. For Dina, it was always “family first”.
As destiny would have it, Dina met Mark Frankel at a Yom Kippur event in the early 1950’s and they were married in November of 1955. Dina and Mark raised their three children in Garden City. As a close-knit family of five, the Frankels were devoted, active members of the Jewish community.
Mom’s legacy was that of total dedication in every area of her life. Be it raising her children and grandchildren or preparing meals for her extended family and close friends whom she thought of as family, Mom was never happier than when she was bringing people together.
Our Mother’s infectious personality & beautiful smile made her easy to love, and her natural warmth drew many friends into her orbit throughout her life. Fostering relationships was always important to Mom, and through weekly Mahjong games and her time at Gwen Secter, she was lucky enough to develop a group of friends who remained close forever.
Dina was a passionate woman, and when she loved something, she put her heart and soul into it — be it her love of knitting, reading, cooking, playing Mahjong, weekly bowling & in her younger years working full time and raising her children and then being there for her grandchildren.
Though she lived all her life in Winnipeg, Dina’s wisdom and experience surpassed the borders of Manitoba. Dina was always looking to learn new things and expand her horizons; an avid reader and lover of old films, Dina regularly took part in book exchanges through B’nai Brith Women and loved bringing her family to the theatre. The kids, thus fascinated with culture, traveled often when they were old enough to go on their own, and the parents followed suit in due order.
Giving back to her community was one of the driving forces of Dina’s life. Through her involvement with Jewish organizations B’nai Brith Women where she became chapter president of the newly formed Nadir Chapter JWI and Beth Israel Synagogue where she served as the Sisterhood co-president, she worked tirelessly to help her community.
The memory of Dina Frankel endures in her friends and family, who still work to live up to the principles of kindness, charity and Yiddishkeit that she instilled in them. Dina was loved in life, and will be fondly remembered for generations to come.
Towards the end of her life, Dina was aided by two committed, loving and invaluable caregivers who helped her tremendously through her later years — Femy Abenes and Marga Torres, both of whom often referred to Dina as their mother. Special thanks to Dr. Tamara Buchel and the team at Shaftesbury Park Retirement Centre led by Jennifer Lambert and Charmaine.
Dina is survived by her son Sidney Frankel [Roser Cusso] of Paris, daughter Gail Cantor [Ron] of Winnipeg, daughter Carla Worb [Michael] of Toronto, her five grandchildren: Jorey Worb [Alex Raiman], Molli Worb [Obed Ortiz], Harry Worb [Carly Goodman], and Marlee Cantor, her younger brother Ronnie Gilman of Los Angeles and sister-in-law and very dear friend Charna Gilman of Winnipeg, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Dina was predeceased by her elder siblings Ida Cohen [Lawrence], Izzy Gilman, Abe Gilman, Bess Miller [Al], Harry Gilman [Elsie], Jack Gilman, sister-in-law Anne Gilman, mother and father-in law Anne and Louis Frankel and brother-in-law Bernie Frankel [Gloria].
The funeral was held on Sunday, December 31st, 2023, at 10:30 am at the Chesed Shel Emes Funeral Chapel.
Pallbearers were: Son Sid Frankel, grandsons Harry Worb and Alex Raiman, nephews Murray Miller, Steve Rogul & Geoffry Wolk.
Donations in Dina Frankel’s name can be made to Jewish Foundation of Manitoba – Dina & Mark Frankel Fund
https://www.jewishfoundation.org/send-a-card
Etz Chayim Synagogue -Dina & Mark Frankel Fund
https://www.congregationetzchayim.ca/
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.