Obituaries
RIVA-LEE MCWILLIAM
It is with broken hearts we share the passing of our beloved Mom, Wife and Baba, Riva Lee McWilliam (Rudelier), suddenly, after a difficult year of health challenges. Survived by her loving husband, Scott, her absolute other half, high school sweethearts of 56 years, and married 47 years, and her three daughters, Beth Jacob (Jonathan), Rachel and Megan, and grandsons Kiva and Shale Jacob. She is also survived by her sister Rashi (Harold) and brother Nelson as well as nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews plus the extended McWilliam family and her adoring crew of close girlfriends. As a young woman, Riva lost her own mother and father Ray and Meyer Rudelier, too soon.
Riva was born February 3, 1954. She would tell you she was “born in St Boniface” but really, she came from the North End of Winnipeg. The baby of her family, and the apple of her dad’s eye. During her childhood, her family migrated south to Montrose Street. She attended Herzlia for a year before Montrose School and Grant Park. In those years, that crew of close girlfriends established and grew tight-knit and remained that way all her life. In 1968 Scott moved in across the street. Riva was a beautiful hippy with the most beautiful hair, and so she naturally caught his attention- the actual boy next door. He waved at her through the window, and the rest is history.
She went to university and earned a degree in social work, followed by a brief career in the field before she married Scott and had their first daughter, Beth, followed by Rachel. From the time she became a mother, her daughters were the permanent centres of her universe. She made Beth and Rachel the happiest sisters ever when she gave birth to a giant bundle of joy, Megan. She drove a million carpools, took daughters to million lessons, asked a million questions, ran a million errands, and made a million meals. She took us out for a million ice cream cones in the summer, and a million more beach days to escape the city heat. She was the ultimate caretaker, Riva’s absolute purpose in this life was to be a mother to all those she loved.
Scott and Riva opened a store together in the early aughts, an exciting venture to take as a couple, albeit short-lived. She went back to work at Canadian Footwear and worked faithfully there in the Foot Health Centre for over 20 years.
She stood by her beshert- her intended- Scott though thick and thin. Riva was an unshakeable matriarch. Steadfast in her devotion to support her family through sickness and health, richer and poorer, better or worse. She weathered every storm with an impossible strength. Later in life, she reached out to offer support and understanding to other families struggling through many of the same challenges we’ve faced. She rooted her family in a foundation of profound love and commitment, and we honour her by putting those values first in everything.
In Riva’s memory we ask that any donations be directed to Jewish Child and Family Services, earmarked for addictions and mental health support, or to Manitoba Underdogs Rescue, that brought Kuma into her life.
“To love another person
is to see the face of god.”
This is the kind of love that Mom, in her way, gave tirelessly to her world.
Obituaries
SHIRLEY SHINOFF (nee BLUMBERG)
With profound sadness, yet with hearts overflowing with cherished memories, we announce the peaceful passing of Shirley Shinoff, surrounded by the unwavering love of her family, on February 21st. A beacon of warmth and grace, Shirley departed this world after a life richly lived, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and unwavering devotion that will forever illuminate our lives. She was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Alvin Shinoff, her partner in life and love, with whom she shared a lifetime of treasured moments, building a foundation of enduring affection and mutual respect that stood as a testament to their deep bond.
Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, aunt and a true matriarch whose love knew no bounds. Born and raised in the vibrant community of Winnipeg, Shirley was a proud daughter of Millie and Jack Blumberg. Very proud and adoring sister of Idy, Heddy and Saul. She embodied the values instilled by her parents, demonstrating compassion, empathy, and a deep commitment to her community. She carried forward the spirit of their upbringing, enriching the lives of those around her with her gentle spirit and unwavering support. Shirley was an integral part of the Winnipeg Jewish community, actively participating in its traditions and contributing to its vibrant tapestry, weaving connections that would last a lifetime.
Beyond her familial and communal roles, Shirley possessed a quiet strength and a gentle spirit that endeared her to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She found joy in the strategic intricacies of bridge, where she formed lasting friendships and honed her sharp mind, creating bonds of laughter and shared moments. Most of all, her heart overflowed with pride for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to “kvell” about them, sharing their accomplishments and joys with anyone who would lend an ear, her eyes sparkling with love.
Shirley will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her devoted children, Loree and Daniel, her cherished daughter-in-law Michelle, her adored grandchildren Anthony, William, Joshua, Aaron, and Jacob, and her precious great-grandchildren Wesley, Grayson, Millie, Adriana, Eva, and Lillian. Her beloved nieces and nephews and their children and her wide circle of friends will forever hold her gentle spirit, unwavering kindness, and enduring love close to their hearts.
Her legacy of kindness, generosity, and boundless love will continue to inspire and uplift those who were fortunate enough to know her, a lasting testament to a life beautifully lived.
Obituaries
ERROL TAPPER
February 8, 1944 – March 11, 2025
Errol Tapper passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025, at Health Sciences Centre at the age of 81 years.
He was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Lillian Tapper, and his beloved daughter Jody.
Errol is survived by his partner, Valerie, his daughter Jaime (Devin), brother Robert (Lesley) (nephew Elliot [Laura] and niece Meredith). He will be fondly remembered by neighbours and friends from River Heights, and summers spent at Winnipeg Beach, as well as colleagues from his equipment financing business.
A private cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Canada or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.
Tribute Link: branchandpyre.com
Obituaries
BRIAN SHINEWALD
Born: Apr 17, 1984
Date of Passing: Jan 22, 2025
Suddenly and unexpectedly on January 22, 2025, our beloved son and brother, Brian Neil Shinewald, began the journey to his final frontier.
Brian leaves behind a multitude of family who came together on the days following to mourn: his parents, Goldie and Mark Shinewald and his best friend and brother, Robert and sister-in-law Jen; aunts and uncles: Rose and Stewart Shinewald, Terry and Jeff Hurtig, Barry and Clara Roy, Martin Roy and Audrey Roitelman; cousins: Andrew, Alexis, Spencer and Skylar Shinewald, Stacie Jaye and Shane Leppky, Marnie Hurtig, Elayna Hurtig, Jay and Charlie Macdonald, Jerry Roitelman, Karen Ackerman and Dustin Roitelman, Evan Ackerman-Roitelman and Carey Atkinson, Michael, Rachel and Frankie Roy, Jeffrey, Stephanie, Jonah and Lev Roy.
Brian’s presence in this plane touched the lives of many friends including Morgan Fiks, Michael Dudeck, Kathleen Chomynec, Karol Hutniak, Rick Lafleur, Eric Feuer, and too many more to name. We are grateful for all of the funny stories and fond memories shared.
We are going to miss our weekly Sunday night dinners, our 3:30 p.m. phone calls discussing daily events, bike rides through the area and especially the drop ins for a quiet conversation coupled with a latte or a dram of scotch. These little things will refresh and maintain our memories, never to be forgotten. Rest in peace Brian, you will always have a special place in our hearts.
We wish to send a special thanks to the firefighters, paramedics and staff at St. Boniface Hospital who attended Brian in his time of need.
Donations may be made in Brian’s name to the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: