Obituaries
Harry Leonard Warren Nov 16, 1924 – March 24, 2023
It is with great sadness that the family of Harry Warren announces his recent passing at the age of 98. He leaves to mourn him his beloved wife of 74 years Nora , his son Marty and wife Jacquie (Dahl) and his grandchildren David and Nikki. He also leaves to mourn him numerous nephews and nieces . Harry was predeceased by his father Maurice Waisman , mother Sarah , sister Betty and brothers Louis, Robert and William. He was also predeceased by his son Paul.
Harry was born and raised in the north end of Winnipeg and lived with his family on Cathedral Ave. At an early age he became interested in sports and became proficient in hockey, skiing, tennis and golf . He attended St.John’s High School where he also participated in the track and field club.
Harry then went on to study at the University of Manitoba where he graduated in 1947 with a degree in civil engineering. He found work in Montreal in the late 40’s and met the love of his life, Nora on a blind tennis date with another couple. They were married on Jan 16, 1949 and moved back to Winnipeg in 1950 just in time to experience the “flood of the century”. They managed to stay afloat and Harry practiced as a structural engineer until 1953.
He then decided to enter the life insurance business following in the footsteps of his father and joined The Manufacturer ’s Life Insurance Co. now referred to as Manulife Financial. In 1956 he earned his degree as a Chartered Life Underwriter. Professionally, he served as president of The Winnipeg Life Underwriters Association, The Winnipeg Chartered Life Underwriters Chapter, The Winnipeg Estate Planning Council and he served on the board of directors of The Life Underwriters Association of Canada. He was a five star master builder of Manulife’s production club as well as a life and qualifying member of The Million Dollar Round Table, an international organization of life underwriters. Nora and Harry travelled extensively during his years as an insurance salesman, having qualified for many insurance conventions with Manulife. He always carried his pocket sketchbook with him to record their travels in a lasting manner. Harry sold his insurance brokerage company (Pol-Mar Agencies) in 1996 and retired in May of 1999. He always considered his clients as his extended family, and missed them after his retirement.
In his spare time, he served as president of The Brandeis Lodge and served on the board of directors of The Rosh Pina Synagogue and The Glendale Golf and Country Club. He also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and the Winnipeg Harvest.
Along the way, Harry and Nora had 2 sons ; Paul born in 1952 and Martin in 1957. Together the family spent many enjoyable summers at their cottage in Falcon Lake . He especially enjoyed his time on the water in the sailboat, canoe and motorboat. Harry took great pleasure in spending quality time with his family and also enjoyed his many hobbies including sketching, painting , sculpture and photography.
After retiring, Nora & Harry bought a home in Sun City West, Arizona where they spent 22 happy winters with new found friends. He enjoyed playing golf, tennis and pickleball in the warm desert climate. In his later years, he became an amateur clown named Leonardo and entertained seniors in Arizona as well as children in Winnipeg. Harry continued his life long learning habit by taking courses with The Rio Institute of Senior Education in Surprise, Arizona and he later volunteered to conduct classes with the institute.
A service for Harry was held at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park Cemetery on March 26, 2023. In lieu of flowers , donations can be made in his honour to which ever charity is preferred. Finally, the family would also like to thank all of the care givers associated with the W.R.H.A. Palliative Care unit, Esther’s Group private care group and the doctors, nurses and staff at the Riverview Health Centre who did their best to keep Harry as comfortable as possible during this past year.
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.
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.