Obituaries
NAOMI COODIN
When Naomi Chana Coodin (nee Cohen) passed away on January 29, 2015, our community lost an angelic voice, a resilient spirit, and a beautiful soul.
“Nomi” was predeceased by her mother Carole Cohen (nee Shell), and is survived by her beloved husband of 24 years, Sheppy Coodin; sons, Yoni and Elly; father, Jerry Cohen (Susan); sister, Shira (Stu Slayen); brother, Ari (Lisa Ryder Cohen); mother-in-law, Kayla Coodin; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Shalom and Terry Coodin, Dvora and Marshall Braunstein, and Dov Coodin; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Nomi was born in Winnipeg on August 22, 1964. She was raised in Garden City and enjoyed a playful and happy childhood. Always dancing and singing, jumping for joy, she was a bundle of energy. She relished summers in Gimli from childhood right through to last summer when she visited the family cottage for the last time.
As a student, Nomi attended Talmud Torah and Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate, and later graduated with Bachelor’s degrees in education and music from the University of Western Ontario in London.
One of the highlights of her education was her Grade 10 year spent on Kibbutz Kfar Blum in Israel. It was a formative experience that helped shape Nomi’s loving character, her inner-strength, and her independence. And it was on Kfar Blum where she forged a remarkable, enduring friendship with Judy Bornstein.
Nomi was passionate about education and about music. As a gifted elementary school teacher she treated her students with empathy and great respect. She was sensitive to their individual needs and proud of their progress. Her love of the violin was infectious, and her singing voice was heavenly. She welcomed Shabbat with song every week, and her singing at Pesach seders elevated the holiday experience for all who sat with her. Music was at the core of her being.
She shared her love of music with Yoni and Elly, but shared much more than that, too. Nomi was a brilliant parent. She was loving and creative, and succeeded with Sheppy in raising two young men grounded in good values. Nomi and Sheppy’s home has always been a place of joy and play for all who visit – especially on Shabbat, the day of rest.
The pace and serenity of Shabbat epitomized Nomi’s approach to life. She was mindful and deliberate. Whether she was doing a crossword puzzle, eating breakfast, or having a conversation, she was focused and calm. Never in a hurry.
Her illness didn’t change those characteristics. In fact, her gentle, calm, focused energy undoubtedly added quality to her life during her 14 years with cancer.
Nomi was defiant and resilient, rarely letting the disease stand in the way of her having fun with family and friends. She remained engaged and active, going for walks and playing tennis for as long as she could.
We will miss Nomi’s voice, her pace, her genuine laugh, and her beautiful smile.
Funeral services were held February 1 at Chesed Shel Emes, and officiated by Rabbi Ari Ellis and close family friend, Albert Benarroch. Pallbearers were Arnold Shell, Robert Hyman, Steven Hyman, Gary Diamond, David Coodin, and Gilli Braunstein.
The family extends its deep and sincere gratitude to the many doctors, nurses, health care aides, and other hospital personnel who treated Nomi with great skill and determination, with care and with dignity over so many years. We stand in awe of their devotion, and are forever grateful to the teams at CancerCare Manitoba and at St-Boniface Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit.
We are profoundly grateful to the many friends who provided support to Nomi in so many ways throughout her illness.
Friends and family wishing to honour Nomi’s memory are invited to contribute to the “Naomi Coodin Gray Academy Music Fund” at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, phone 204-477-7525 (toll free 1-855-284-1918) or donate online at www.jewishfoundation.org.
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.