Obituaries
ISRAEL (SOODY) KLEIMAN October 3, 1932 – January 1, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Israel (Soody) Kleiman at the age of 88.
Son of the late David and Rose Kleiman. Beloved and loyal spouse of Helen (Orah) Kleiman for 66 years. Cherished father of Simcha (Pearl) and Rafael (Natalie). Adored Saba of Ariella, Jacob, David, Moriyah, and Yonina. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Sam and Shirley Kleiman, and the late Riva and Louis Sotolov. He also leaves to mourn and will be sadly missed by his many nieces and nephews as well as other extended family and friends.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, as a young man Soody was a member of the Zionist youth group, Habonim. In 1951-2 he spent a year in Israel on the “Habonim Workshop” a program designed for young people interested in learning Hebrew and moving to Israel. On his return to Winnipeg, he helped found Camp Massad, a Hebrew speaking overnight camp located near Winnipeg Beach, also serving as its first Head Counsellor.
In 1952 Soody met Orah, who also had Zionist interests. They married and moved to Israel where they spent 3 years. On their return to Winnipeg, Soody continued his contributions to Jewish education, serving on the Board of the Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate, the Winnipeg Board of Jewish Education, and the Committee for Judaic Studies at the U. of Manitoba. Soody was one of the founders and organizers of the “Saturday Night Discussion Group” whose members listened to and interacted with some of the most interesting and informed speakers in Winnipeg. When the Group “closed shop” after 50 years, Soody was honoured with a full-page article in the Winnipeg Free Press.
Soody worked for over 50 years as an electrician. After apprenticing with his Uncle Sam, he earned his Master Electrician’s license and started his own electrical contracting firm, I. S. Kleiman Electric. Later, in parallel, he operated Red Devil Heater Mfg. Co. which he took over from his Uncle Bill. Soody took great pride in his workmanship as a tradesman and received much satisfaction from serving the Winnipeg community.
Soody was a friendly person, a friend to all; happy, humorous, intelligent, and a kind humanitarian. He volunteered his time and skills to Habitat for Humanity and Rossbrook House for many years. Soody partook in and made many friends through his activities; softball and lawn bowling in summer, curling and bowling in winter.
We love Soody, our husband, our father, our grandfather. We will never forget him. His family wishes to thank the staff of the Heritage Lodge who were kind and gentle, making Soody’s last days easier.
A private graveside funeral was held at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on January 3, 2021. The eulogy was given by Rabbi Kliel Rose.
Donations may be made to the “Orah and Soody Kleiman Educational Fund” of the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Jewish Child and Family Service, or a charity of your choice.
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.