Obituaries
NORMAN GOREN
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Norman Goren on March 5th, 2021, at the age of 93.
Norman Goren was predeceased by his devoted wife Tillie Goren, his parents, Max and Fanny Goren, his five brothers and sisters, Ted Goren, Al Goren, Rebecca Hollander, Goldie Skidmore and Abe Goren. He is survived by his sons Monty Goren, Steve Goren (Donna Chudnow), Brent (Julie) Goren: grandchildren Rachel, Dayna, Jennifer and Cierra Goren; brothers and sister in law, Joe Elfenbaum, Sylvia Segal and Louis Elfenbaum.
Norman was a wonderful man, loved and admired for his kindness, generosity, and humility by everyone who knew him. Norman was truly one of a kind and there are very few people who were as nice and genuine as he was. The world was a better place with him and there is now a void in the world without him.
He was born in 1927 in a small homestead community around Estevan, Saskatchewan. Around the age of 23 years old, he was introduced to a young beautiful woman, Tillie Elfenbaum from Lipton, Saskatchewan. She thought he looked like Paul Newman and it was love at first sight. They were married on a rainy day in Saskatchewan on July 30th, 1950. Throughout their marriage, they were inseparable.
Norm was a creative, inventive and resourceful man, using these skills and talents to enhance all aspects of his business and family life. He was a proud entrepreneur, owning shoe stores in St. James, East Kildonan and St. Vital. Eventually, he concentrated on “Shoe Fair” in St. Vital and it became the go-to place for family fittings. He was honoured and humbled that people would come to see him from across the city because he fitted them with personalized care that kept multi-generations of families coming back year after year. Shoe Fair, St. Vital was an institution in the community until he retired from the shoe business in the 80’s.
Norm was an avid reader, reading almost all hours of the day and night until his last day on this earth. There wasn’t an espionage book that didn’t make it onto his list. He would read almost 90 books a year for almost 25 years and in his 93rd year, he read over 40 books on his computer. Reading was truly his passion.
In his early retirement, he loved to play golf with his buddies and celebrated his first hole in one at the age of 75. Norm was also a skilled card player, amassing quite the collection of quarters that he always joked would be a substantial inheritance for his kids.
Norm was a strong advocate of education and was proud that all of his children graduated from professional schools and were successful in their own right.
Norm loved his grandchildren more than life itself and even though he spent most of his life separated from them in different cities, he was intimately involved in their lives with extended trips and visits to celebrate their birthdays, Bat Mitzvahs, and graduations. The family celebrations and mitzvahs were the most important parts of his life. His grandchildren, over the years, have had a special bond with their Zaidy. He could not be prouder of them and was grateful to be able to watch them grow and become the beautiful women that they are today.
Despite the limitations and restrictions of the pandemic, Norm, his children, grandchildren and extended family found ways to continually connect. They would Facetime often during the day and even more so during the lockdown period. This intimate connection is what kept his spirits high during this most difficult period.
The Goren family would like to extend their gratitude to everyone at the Simkin Centre, especially the staff on Weinberg 2. They provided him with a wonderful home for his last few years.
Norm lived his almost 94 years of life surrounded by a love of family, leaving a memory that will be sustained within them eternally.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a direct online donation to The Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre Foundation Inc., click on or call (204) 589-9027.
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).