Obituaries
REBECCA ROSNER (nee Rosenheck)
Rebecca passed away peacefully, at St. Boniface Hospital, on April 26, 2015, after a short illness, at the age of 96 years.
She was born in Oxbow, Saskatchewan, on September 27, 1918, to Minnie and Arthur Rosenheck. She was the third oldest of her eight siblings.
The family lived in Oxbow, Saskatchewan approximately 15 years and then moved to Hirsch, Saskatchewan. They were part of the “Hirsch Colony Jewish Settlement”. She was the second last surviving family member in her generation, on both sides of the family.
She was predeceased by her parents Minnie and Arthur Rosenheck, her husband Ephraim, her eight siblings: Ben Rosenheck, Max Rosenhek, Hanna Zack, Shirley Levine, Sylvia Frankel, Elkin Rosenhek, Ruby Sideman, and a “little girl” Rosenheck.
After her father passed away in 1945, the family moved to Winnipeg and they lived in the “North End”. Becky helped look after her younger siblings. She worked at Cari’s in the “undergarment business.”
She met Ephraim, the love of her life, in the mid-1950s. They married on November 9,1957, and had two children, Martin and Jackie.
In our early years Mother was at Home and Dad was a “travelling salesman” for a garment company.
Dad took ill in the early 1960s and was unable to travel. They decided to start a business and opened up Peacock Corsetry in the new Polo Park Shopping Mall. Becky was a “specialist” in her field and the store was known for its “customer service”. Becky and her staff did all their own alterations on the undergarments, free of charge. Becky also fitted many women after surgery. This provided them with comfort and brought back their dignity.
After nearly 30 years Becky retired. She was in her early 70s. Long-time customers would phone her at home and ask her to help them with their fittings and she would always oblige.
Family was always important to her. Becky always enjoyed attending family occasions – outings in the park, dinners, weddings and bar and bat mitzvahs.
A “Jewish home” was always important to her, along with the celebration of the Jewish holidays. Becky always baked honey cake and prepared other holiday foods three-four weeks in advance. Everything she prepared was delicious and she enjoyed being together with family.
In June, 2000, the first of her two grandchildren were born. Becky was excited to become a “Baba”. Natalie and Sarah brought great joy to her life and her eyes would light up every time she saw them.
She is survived by her son Martin, daughter-in-law Lori, grandchildren Natalie and Sarah, of Coquitlam, BC, and her daughter Jackie, of Winnipeg.
She is also survived by her sister-in-law Doreen Rosenhek, of Richmond B.C.
A graveside funeral service was held at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on April 28, 2015. A meal of consolation followed at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Pallbearers were her nephews: Sidney Rosenhek, Larry Zack, Gerald Rosner, Evan Rosner, Jonathan Fine and Zev Rumstein.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Thorvaldson Care Center for all their kindness and compassion over the last two years. We also thank the staff of 5E Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital for all their care and concern. And a big thank you to Becky’s companion, Loretta. We are very grateful to everyone.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice.
Rest in peace Mother and Baba.
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.