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Obituaries

DR. W. C. (FRED) WEINSTEIN, DMD 1939 – 2017

Fred WeinsteinIt is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Fred Weinstein on October 15, 2017 at the age of 78.

He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by his wife Heather (nee MacKay), children Roxanne, Matthew (Cynthia) and Jason, and his beloved grandson, Sam. He is survived by his sister Audrey Agasi from Winnipeg, and was predeceased by his loving parents Esther and Oscar Weinstein.
Born in 1939 in Winnipeg, MB Fred excelled in high school at St. John’s College in both academics and athletics (basketball). He was a very popular classmate and still had many friends from his Winnipeg days, a true testament to the affect he had on people. Fred followed his heart and passion to pursue a career in dentistry – and what a career it was! He graduated from General Dentistry from the University of Manitoba at the age of 22. He then pursued a prestigious Fellowship in Endodontics at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia under the tutelage of Dr. Louis Grossman, known as the “Father of Endodontics”. This accomplishment meant a lot to our beloved dad. “Freddy” then moved the family out west to Vancouver, BC to pioneer his craft as one of the first licensed Endodontists in British Columbia. He successfully practiced at the Fairmont Medical Building for 40 plus years. He loved his patients and he equally enjoyed teaching and lecturing throughout the world to advance the learnings within dentistry. Fred’s many accomplishments within the profession include: Past President of the Canadian Academy of Endodontics (CAE), BC Society of Endodontics, the Interspecialty Dental Society of BC and the International Federation of Endodontic Associations (IFEA). In addition to being a Member of the Royal College of Dentists, he was also a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. Fred was exceptionally proud to serve as the General Chairman for the 2007 IFEA World Congress in Vancouver. He also served as a volunteer Endodontist at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and had the distinction of performing an acute root canal on world boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard back in the 1980s. Above all of Fred’s accomplishments and titles, his family remained his number one priority in his life, always. He had a gentle heart of gold, compassion and sincerity and a smile that would illuminate a room. He will be dearly missed but in our hearts always.
 Funeral services were held October 17 at the Temple Sholom Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Lance Howitt, Ben Garfinkel, Saul Rosenbaum, Mark Kierszenblat, Malcolm Yan and Dean Knoblauch.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, the Vancouver General Hospital Cardiac Rehab Program (www.vghfoundation.ca/healthyheart), the Vancouver Prostate Centre or a charity of your choice.

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Obituaries

RUTH KLAPMAN December 20, 1929 – September 24, 2025

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, Ruth Klapman.

Ruth lived a full life surrounded by family and friends. She was devoted to her late husband, Sam, her partner for 68 years. Together, they brought joy to every gathering-always the first to dance and the last to say goodbye.

Ruth was deeply committed to volunteer work. She gave her time to organizations including Hadassah, ORT, the National Council of Jewish Women, Pioneer Women, and the Women’s Endowment Fund. She chaired the ORT thrift store for 14 years, and she sang in Israel as a member of the Rosh Pina Synagogue Choir.

Ruth spent every summer at Winnipeg Beach, sharing komish and other treats with generations of neighbourhood children who would visit the cottage throughout the day. She was everybody’s ‘Bubbie’. Winters were spent in Palm Springs, welcoming her children and grandchildren for fun in the sun.

Ruth was a true party person who loved spending time with friends and hosting family gatherings. Her home was a place where people came together to share meals, stories, and laughter. She enjoyed travelling the world and never refusing an invitation, no matter where it was.

Mother to Sandi (Sam Malamud), Marla Bernstein, Hartley (Drew Salter), and Jody (Brian Goldberg); grandmother to Andrew (Hilary), Allan (Alona), Aaron (Alanna), Jason (Lindsay), Steven (Alexis), Dana (Tom), Brady (Matt), Carly (Jay), Hanna (Gaby), and Kevin (Ilana).

Great-grandmother to Florie, Stan, Juniper, Angus, Isaac, Otto, Cole, Chase, Charlotte, Rory, Mason, and Romi; sister-in-law to Sandy Youssiem; Auntie Ruthie to many nieces and nephews.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband Sam, her parents Reuben and Rose Youssiem, and her brother Saul Youssiem.

A special thank you to Marivel Toledo for her many years of care and dedication, and to Lorna Allen and Fabi Patriarca for their great support.

Thank you to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for officiating the funeral service, which took place on September 26, 2025, at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ruth and Sam Klapman Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 204-477-7520.

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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.

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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.

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