Obituaries
GWENDOLYN FAITH NELKO zt”l
It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Gwendolyn Faith Nelko at the age of 81, of Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 24, 2020, of Covid-19 at the Simkin Centre in Winnipeg.
She is survived by: her husband of 59 years, Dr. Sidney Nelko; children Marni (Aren) Nelko Altman of Vancouver, BC, and Trevor (Rachelle) Nelko of Plymouth, Minnesota; and grandchildren, Ashton Altman, Tristan and Dylan Nelko. She was predeceased by her brother, Sidney Flackman, of Winnipeg.
Gwen was born in Winnipeg to Sonia and David Flackman on August 22, 1939. She was a certified X-ray technician, and throughout her life was actively involved in many charities, most notably the opening of the Seven Oaks General Hospital where her husband Sid was a founding doctor. She assisted in Sid’s medical practice where her exceptional organizational skills, sense of humour, and leadership were a guiding light.
Gwen’s life was defined by love and great joy. Her greatest love was her family, for whom her exhilaration created a life of overflowing happiness and positivity. Gwen and her beloved husband Sid’s love story is legendary. “The Lovebirds”. No words can describe the powerful eternal bond they shared. Her adoring children and grandchildren were her life. She and Sid enjoyed many years traveling to visit Marni in California, Colorado, and British Columbia, and Trevor in Minnesota. She also had a special love for her cherished dogs, Phoebe and Tyler.
Gwen loved to entertain and the beautiful, warm home she created for her family was renowned as an extraordinary place always filled with fun, love, laughter and beloved relatives, friends, neighbours, and lots of kids. Gwen also loved adventure and was fortunate to have traveled extensively. Attending medical conventions with Sid, often in exotic locations, was one of her favourite pastimes.
According to Jewish tradition, Gwen’s passing on Shabbat recognizes her as a “tzaddik”, a person of great righteousness, and her name is therefore now followed by the acronym zt”l, reserved strictly for tzadikim, meaning “may the memory of this righteous one be a blessing”. It is said that God preserves the whole world for the sake of these few hidden saints and that the passing of such a righteous soul is a tremendous loss to all of humanity, leaving behind a vast spiritual void.
Gwen truly did live her life in an elevated state of higher consciousness. She was always the first to help, call, offer, listen, and truly care for anyone in need. She always gave 110% of herself, time and love, never asking for anything in return. She never complained or spoke a word of negativity about anyone or anything. Her eyes were open only to the beauty and blessings around her and the heavens poured down around all in her captivating presence.
Gwen is remembered most for her grace, radiance and her beautiful ever-present smile and laughter. May the infinite light of pure love, never-ending joy and loving-kindness of Gwen’s great, eternal spirit light the way for us all to elevate ourselves and our world in her blessed memory.
“I love you to infinity and back infinity times”
Memorial donations may be made to Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation, Inc.
Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation
2300 McPhillips Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R2V 3M3
(204) 632-3552
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.