Obituaries
LOUIS BERNSTEIN
Louis Bernstein passed away on March 18, 2019 in the loving arms of his wife Clara.
Lou was predeceased by his parents Eva and Isaac Bernstein and sisters Bette Shapiro, Ann Banks and Tootsie Plotka. He is survived by his wife Clara, children Barbara and David Goldenberg, Roz and Marty Greenfeld, Keevin and Faren Bernstein, and Chutch and Evelyn Bernstein; his grandchildren Eli and Jenny Goldenberg, Sari Goldenberg and Daniel Borok, Benji Goldenberg and Ronit Kantarzhi, Joshua Greenfeld and Jodi Kravetsky, Jay Greenfeld and Ashley Cabernel, Amy and Daniel Dorsch, Kylie Bernstein and Tyler Benson, Brayden Bernstein, Griffin Bernstein, Matthew Bernstein, Lexie Bernstein and Cole Grossinger; his 11 great grandchildren Lucas, Molly, Nate, Asher, Reid, Jaxon, Kal, Hymie, Herschell, Zev and Haley; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Sandra and Hal Rubin and many adoring nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Lou was born on Erev Passover in Romania in 1926 and immigrated to Canada at age 6 months. He grew up in Winnipeg’s North End where he spent his youth working in his father’s grocery store, attending St Johns Tech and developing a legendary reputation as a star football player. He continued his football feats at the University of Manitoba. He declined an offer for a football scholarship at the University of Miami and instead married his beloved Clara. In 1948 he opened a grocery store on Mulvey and Daly and then in 1956 he joined London Life Insurance Company where he had a successful career that spanned 35 years.
Our parents were childhood sweethearts and were married for 71 years. Theirs was an exemplary marriage and enduring love story. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his greatest joy and source of pride. His capacity for extending his warmth, humour and affection to all was boundless. He approached people, those he knew and those he didn’t, with a smile and a song. He truly considered himself enormously enriched from the reciprocal love and affection of those whose paths he crossed, throughout his entire life. He has left us with a legacy of how to lead one’s life and to live it to the fullest.
In the short time since his death, the family has received dozens of messages from all over the world from friends and family whose lives he touched; all with the same theme of the smiles, if not laughter they experienced every time in his presence. The love his children’s and grandchildren’s friends have for him is simply extraordinary. There will never be another Lou Bernstein.
His pallbearers were his seven grandsons Eli, Josh, Jay, Benji, Matthew, Brayden, and Griffin. Honorary pall bearer was Dr Neil Margolis, a beloved family friend, who saved Lou’s life during a cardiac arrest in 1995. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Joe, Marty and Marcelo, his wonderful caregivers in these last more difficult few months; to his many caring doctors, but especially Dr John Embil who went beyond the usual call of duty giving Lou care; to the wonderful staff and neighbours at Hampton Green, especially Jim and Doreen Yamashita. Donations may be made to the Rady Jewish Community Centre
(To paraphrase Dan Fogelberg, 1982)
The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through us instruments
And his song is in our soul
Our lives have been a weak attempt to imitate the man
We’re just a living legacy to the leader of the band.
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.
Obituaries
DR. DAVID NORMAN MANUSOW
David passed away, surrounded by his children and partner, on Sunday, September 14, 2025, after a battle with CNS lymphoma, at age 74.
Left to mourn are his children, Josh (Kristen) and Amy (Jamie), his grandchildren, Miles, Archie, and Stella, sister Merle (Phil), his partner Rosa and her children, Karen (Joe) and Danielle (Mike). He was predeceased by his wife Nancy who died in 2003.
David grew up in the North End of Winnipeg and was proud of his roots. He spent his childhood hanging out at Winnipeg Beach, enjoying a busy social life at the YMHA downtown, and studying. He went to medical school at the University of Manitoba and completed a residency in ophthalmology there followed by further training in glaucoma surgery in New York City at Mount Sinai Hospital and in Cambridge, England. He was the first and only ophthalmologist specializing in glaucoma to practice in Manitoba and in the 1980s looked after a patient population alone that is today shared by eight doctors. He was a partner at the Manitoba Clinic, a faculty member at the University of Manitoba and over his long career saved the vision and looked after thousands of patients. He was known as a master diagnostician and meticulous clinician and surgeon.
David was married to Nancy Manusow for 28 years until her death from cancer. They had a wonderful partnership, travelled the world together before settling down in Winnipeg with brief stops to live in New York, England (twice), and Pittsburgh, and raised two children together. In his later years he enjoyed travelling and spending time with Rosa, his partner of 20 years, and her family. He was particularly proud of spearheading a scholarship at his alma mater, St. John’s High School, along with some of his classmates to honour a very close friend who drowned while they were in medical school (the Aron Katz Memorial Scholarship).
The family would like to thank all of his physicians, nurses, and the staff at CancerCare, Victoria Hospital, and Grace Hospice and in particular Dr. J. Webb and Dr. L. Minuk.
His funeral took place at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on Tuesday, September 26, 2025. Pallbearers were Manual Glimcher, Danielle Miller, Mike Miller, Karen Appel, Phil Sheegl, Sean Udow, Hannon Bell, Zach Stein, Stuart Niznick, and Benji Goldenberg.
David will be deeply missed. Donations in his name can be made to Breakthrough T1D (JDRF).