Obituaries
MINDEL OLENICK
After a prolonged period of poor health, Mindel (Rady) Olenick passed away at home in Winnipeg, Manitoba on Monday, March 29, 2021, at the age of 96.
She is survived by: her daughters and sons-in-law Gail and Arne Wagner of Piedmont, CA, Debby and Brian Hirsch of Winnipeg, and Roberta Olenick of Vancouver; her grandchildren Laura Wagner (Seth LeJacq), Moshe (Chani) Hirsch and Aron Hirsch; and her six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by: her sister Marjorie Blankstein, her brother Ernest (Evelyn) Rady, her sister-in-law Bess Plosker; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends in Winnipeg, Toronto, Hamilton, Vancouver, San Diego and Hawaii. She was predeceased in 2007 by her beloved spouse of almost 60 years, Tom. She was also predeceased by: her parents Rose and Max Rady; her parents-in-law Anna and Zalman Olenick; and her brothers-in-law and sister-in-law Morley Blankstein, Eva and Max Natch, Edel Direnfeld and Max Plosker.
Mindel was born in Winnipeg on October 8, 1924, the oldest child of Rose and Max Rady. She had a brilliant mind and excelled at school. She graduated from Kelvin High at the top of her class and was school valedictorian. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Manitoba followed by a year of work in microbiology at the Banting Institute in Toronto. She returned to Winnipeg where, on June 11, 1947, she married Tom Olenick, who had proposed to her a few years earlier on their very first date.
The most important things to Mindel were her husband and three daughters and then later on, her sons-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well. She always wanted for them whatever they truly wanted for themselves and selflessly supported them in whatever way she could. Without ever expecting or wanting anything in return, she was always there in every way, not only for her immediate family, but also for her extended family and friends. She was much loved by everyone for her wisdom and her warmth.
Through both word and especially deed, Mindel taught her children the importance of compassion and empathy. She was always able to see things from the perspective of others and thus treated everyone with kindness and respect. She exemplified diligence, honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, reliability and above all, keeping your word. If she said she would do something, you could count on her to do it without fail.
Characteristic of Mindel was her unwavering positive outlook on life. She was truly content with herself and her circumstances. More than once she said, “I know people who keep wishing they were younger than they are. Not me – I have always liked whatever age I am right now.” (Though in her early 90s she did admit to wishing to be 85 again because she was still able to drive then.) She always looked for the best in any situation and believed that things would work out. If not, she knew she could handle it. With her calm confidence and clear perspective, she was unflappable!
Mindel was a generous supporter of a wide variety of causes including: Israel and the Jewish community, medical research and education, and environmental issues. She funded the first hospital building of her daughter Gail’s project providing medical care in rural Kenya.
Mindel Olenick was truly an exceptional person. Her passing has left a void in the lives of all those she touched. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered.
The family expresses heartfelt thanks to the team from HomeInstead for their tireless, loving care of Mindel, making it possible for her to remain at home until her very last day. We extend particular thanks to those who were with her the longest: Edna, Rosemarie, Jessielyn and Dolores.
A private graveside service was held on March 31, 2021 at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery with Rabbi Kliel Rose officiating. Pallbearers were: Brian Hirsch, Sydney O’Bray and David Salita. Pallbearers in absentia (due to Covid) were: Arne Wagner, Laura Wagner, Moshe Hirsch, Aron Hirsch, Alan Direnfeld, Gary Direnfeld and Donald Rady. Honorary pallbearers were: Marjorie Blankstein, Ernest and Evelyn Rady, Bess Plosker, Bryan Natch, Barry Tessler, Arlene Wall, Gloria Mendelson and Milton and Brenda Tenenbein.
Donations in Mindel’s memory can be made to Technion Canada (Suite 206-970 Lawrence Avenue West, Toronto, ON M6A 3B6, Tel 416-789-4545) or to a charity of your choice.
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.