Obituaries
JOYCE FRANCES FINGEROTE (SCHWARTZ)
Surrounded by her loving family, Joyce Fingerote passed away Saturday, June 6, 2015, at the age of 87 years, after a lengthy illness.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband and soulmate, Laibl, her parents Harry Schwartz and Eve Udin, her in laws Penia and Sura Ita Fingerot, brother and sister in law, Sam and Sharon Fingerote and brother in law Frank Taran. Joyce is survived by her three daughters, Rhonda Youell (Harry), Terri Fingerote (Rick), and Barbara Krolik (Joseph); grandchildren Richard (Signy), Ilana (Adam), Laura (Josh), Erin (Dave), Isaac and Eve (Josh) and great grandchildren Ella (Erika and Carter), Sam, Lev and Yale.
Our mother was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 20, 1927. Her earliest years were spent in Gladstone and Minnedosa, Manitoba as the child of a ranching family. She moved into Winnipeg at age 6 with her widowed mother to attend school while living with her maternal grandparents, Louis and Bayla Fishman and her three loving uncles, Harvey, Harry and Sammy. When our grandmother remarried in 1937 mum then moved with her new family to the Fort Rouge area where she remained until rejoining her grandparents on Salter Street to be able to attend St John’s High School. Joyce’s memories of attending St John’s were ones of wonderful teachers, enriched learning, but most of all the friends she made which would last a lifetime.
After graduation mum attended the University of Manitoba for two years in the Faculty of Arts. She then began working as a dental assistant, while marrying the boy, our dad, who in her own words ”thrilled her” from the moment they met to their marriage on December 4, 1948.
Theirs was a beautiful marriage. Joyce and Laibl had a partnership full of love, trust, support and friendship. Their three daughters born within nine years of their marriage were the pride and joy of both.
Our mother made a career out of maintaining a loving, welcoming Jewish home. Never too busy to lend an ear, always available for each of her daughters and their friends, Joyce was a warm, compassionate and understanding woman who created an environment which welcomed everyone. Her culinary talents and delicious baking were always an asset to every heartfelt conversation and every Jewish holiday meal.
As grandchildren began to appear in 1975 our mother’s expertise with people and her love of life only increased .The time spent with her six grandchildren was never enough and yet beautiful unique loving relationships were established with each grandchild and subsequently each great grandchild as the years unfolded.
Mum’s interests were many and varied. Joyce enjoyed playing mah jong, followed in her last years by poker. She was an avid reader and excelled with crafts such as sewing and knitting. Our mother was a huge fan of Frank Sinatra and both mum and dad were avid fans of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers both on the field and off. Travel was also a highlight with yearly family visits to Duluth and Minneapolis and winter vacations in Hawaii, Palm Springs and Miami. Visits to England, Israel, Las Vegas, Phoenix and California were a special treat every time.
Joyce’s funeral service took place Monday, June 8, 2015 at Etz Chayim Synagogue followed by interment at Rosh Pina Memorial Park. Thanks to Rabbi Lander and Cantor Tracy Kasner Greaves for officiating. Pallbearers included Joyce’s grandsons Richard Hechter and Isaac Krolik, and nephews Barry Taran, Dale Taran, Len Fingerote and Lloyd Baker.
Donations as you wish may be given to the JNF Joyce and Lou Fingerote Memorial Fund, the Etz Chaim Synagogue or a charity of your choosing.
We love you mom and we always will.
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.