Obituaries
JOYCE SHIMOJI June 23rd, 1930-Feb 28th, 2021
After a brief illness preceded by a long brave journey through dementia, Joyce Shimoji passed away on February 28th, 2021 at age 90.
She passed away at home comfortably and calmly, while under the care of her long time personal care attendant, Liezl Pacete, and the staff of the Simkin Centre.
She is survived by her sons Bert (Paula) Finkelstein, Mark Finkelstein, and their half sister Janine Baer; stepchildren Joel (Dena) Shimoji, Leanne (Dean) Chale and Tammy Shimoji; grandchildren Samson (Charlotte Greenblatt) Finkelstein, Jonah (Laura Emiola) Finkelstein; Jenna (Levi) Johnston, Amanda, Sarah and Kiera Shimoji; Kirsten and Hannah Chale; great-grandchildren Freya and Tomas Finkelstein, Londyn Johnston, Hailee and Jonah Emiola; and sister Clarice Rubin, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Predeceased by siblings Harry (Sandy) Riesenberg, Mickey (Jean) Riesenberg, Beckey Selwyn and Sylvia (Jack) Knazan, and son-in-law Boyd Newton.
Joyce was born on June 23, 1930 in Winnipeg Manitoba. She grew up in the north end of Winnipeg and attended St. John’s Tech. She moved to Vancouver, British Columbia where she met her first husband, Jack Finkelstein. They were married in 1952 and moved to Regina, Saskatchewan. After having their two sons, Mark and Bert, they moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Joyce raised her family, volunteered in various charitable organizations and developed a lifelong love of antiques, particularly antique art class. She also enjoyed her time golfing, gardening and, for a time, showing the family dog Rocky in various local dog shows. Above all she enjoyed the times with her sisters, Clarice, Sylvia, and Becky, and their families.
Later in life Joyce married Tom Shimoji. Many years of travel, special times at Falcon lake and the gift of watching her grandchildren grow up, followed. After Tom’s passing in 2006 the entire Shimoji family adopted Joyce and so generously gave her their love, time, and attention until the very end. It seemed there always was someone around to maintain Mom’s spirits and positivity. It was of immense comfort knowing this support was being given and could not be more appreciated.
Joyce was a personality who made an impression.
She enjoyed celebration and actively pursued happiness – a lesson to be heeded.
She loved her grandchildren and was never happier than when, as she aged, she had the pleasure of holding her great-grand children, knowing perhaps how precious and rare these opportunities were becoming. She fought, sometimes angrily, the effects of her dementia, but graciously accepted her dependence as her condition worsened and so appreciated the care she received. We are forever thankful for the kind care of her personal care attendant, Liezl Pacete, and her longtime friend and attendant, Antonia Kotulas. Words cannot express our gratitude.
We would also like to thank the doctors and nurses on 4 South at the Grace Hospital for the attentive, compassionate care they offered. We particularly want to thank the medical and nursing staff at the Simkin Centre for their long term and ultimately palliative care of mother.
As per Joyce’s wishes, cremation will take place.
At a future date when family and friends can safely gather a celebration of life will be held.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to The Japanese Cultural Center of Winnipeg, 180 McPhillips St., Winnipeg Manitoba R3E 2J9
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.