Obituaries
JOE ELFENBAUM
When Joe Elfenbaum (Z”L) passed away on February 28, 2023, the world lost a true gentleman.
His passing has left a void for his children Murray, Mia and Marshall, Deb and Brent; his grandchildren Elana, Peggy, Dena (Josh), Liat, Gilad, Julia and Justin; his siblings Sylvia Segal, Louis Elfenbaum and Elizabeth Lefcourt; and dozens of relatives and friends. Joe was predeceased by his wife Bernice; his parents Abraham and Dora Elfenbaum; and his siblings and siblings-in-laws, Jack and Nellie Elfenbaum, Tillie and Norman Goren, Albert Segal, and May and Sam Kantor.
Joe was born in Lipton, Saskatchewan on January 6, 1930, on the family farm. His early years were shaped by hard work and guided by his parents’ examples of honesty, fairness, and dedication to community. As a young adult, Joe was active in Saskatchewan politics and the farmers’ union. In 1960, while farming in Lipton, Joe visited Winnipeg and met Bernice Garfinkel. After a mostly long-distance courtship, they married in 1963 and began their life together on the farm.
In 1964, Joe and Bernice moved to Winnipeg and Joe farmed on land north of the city. That was short-lived, as he was soon enlisted by his in-laws to manage their apartment buildings, which led to other property owners asking Joe to do the same for them. Joe and Bernice later acquired property of their own. Property management was the perfect career for Joe as it capitalized on his ability to communicate well, to get along with people, and to fix just about anything. He was fair and honest in all his dealings and was well-respected.
Joe and Bernice had a loving and happy home for 51 years until Bernice passed away in 2014. Joe described it as losing his best friend. Family and community were Joe’s passions. He was a fantastic husband, father and grandfather. He was happiest when he was helping other people, whether doing things for his family and friends or contributing on boards and committees. Joe enjoyed a wide network of friends through his many activities – curling, golfing, bowling, and playing cards.
Joe led by example, modelling kindness, humour, compassion, thoughtfulness and generosity. No matter the challenge, he maintained his positive approach to life. He has left his family with an incredible legacy.
The funeral took place on March 7, at Congregation Etz Chayim. They family is grateful to Rabbi Kliel and Cantor Tracy for officiating and to the pallbearers: Charles Kantor, Mark Kantor, Brent Meyers, Justin Meyers, Ray Reider, and Marshall Stitz.
Joe loved well and was well-loved. If you would like to make a donation in his memory, please consider the Joe and Bernice Elfenbaum fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba 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.