Obituaries
Robert Nozick October 15, 1946 – June 13, 2023
Our family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Robert Steven Nozick on June 13th. Robbie had lived with Parkinson’s for some 20 years, and it eventually took his life. He was interred June 15th at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery; his pallbearers were Jennifer Ritter, Kimberly Nozick, Josh Nozick, Jacob Steele, Alan Ritter and Brianna Ritter.
Robbie was predeceased by his parents Anne and Manuel, and is survived by and will be lovingly missed by his brother, Michael (Cheryl Ashley), his sister Marcia (Doug Aason), and nephews and nieces and grand-nieces and grand-nephews: Jennifer Ritter (Alan) and their twins Brianna and Madeline, Kimberly Nozick, Holly Steele, Joshua Nozick (Emily) and their children Scarlett and Cody, and Jacob Steele (Laura), and their children Alia and Mirabai. He will also be lovingly remembered by Rochelle Nozick.
Robbie led a life of great accomplishment. He was educated at Brock-Corydon, River Heights, and Grant Park schools, then graduated from the University of Manitoba, followed by Law School there, and completed his education at Harvard University where he earned a Masters Degree in Law, finishing 2nd in his class. He wrote a textual analysis of the Competitions Act of Canada and then taught for 18 years as a professor at the University of Alberta. He returned to Winnipeg where he continued his Law career, as an opinion writer for a major law firm and was often a consultant to major corporations and government.
Robbie was brilliant. When he wasn’t working, he was a master of all forms of number and word puzzles. He could solve the most complicated Sudoku and cryptic crosswords, in pen. He loved reading and thinking.
Robbie was one of those people for whom no one said an unkind word. He was known as a man of character and integrity, and like his father, was kind, gentle, and soft-spoken. An introvert, he was meek, humble, yet always attentive, honourable and trustworthy. He was a sports fan – loved watching the Blue-Jays, the Bombers and the Jets. Before he was housebound and while his Dad was still around, he and his Dad and brother Michael played cards together at the Montefiore Club – Robbie was a very good card player.
No matter what, even in time of great suffering, Robbie thought about and did for others. He lived through a terrible illness and he never complained. He was brave, accepting of his fate, and lived with grace and dignity. He was appreciative of even the smallest of gestures and never failed to express his appreciation and thanks. He was a good man, a true ‘mensch’.
Robbie was the ultimate fun-loving uncle, in full contact with his inner child with a panoply of goofy songs and dances. Until the last 5 years, when his disease did not allow him to, he came to family get-togethers, and he was often the hit of the party. He loved the weirdness of life and could not drag himself away from the macabre, from strange and bizarre unsolved mysteries, and the scariest of science fiction movies.
Robbie had a serious side too, where he pondered the wonders of the world and its issues, its randomness and unfairness. He was extremely well read and was more than just a skeptic about the financial world, often expounding, with great perception and clarity, on the greed and disingenuities of markets.
Our family would like to thank the doctors and nurses who helped Robbie over the course of his illness, and the team at MAID who helped him leave this world according to his wishes. We also want to thank Robbie’s many caregivers who helped him live with dignity. Your fondness and care for him, and his for you, is a testament to his kind, gentle, and loving nature. And we want, in particular, to thank those who helped him most, each in different ways, Loree, Aida and Neva. We are sure he will be especially missed by “his group” of close friends for their calls, stories and expressions of sympathy. And of course our heartfelt thanks to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for his kindness, compassion, and advice leading us through this difficult time and for the beautiful funeral service he led.
We have all been so proud of Robbie and how he has conducted what has been a difficult life. He remained an important part of all our lives through his illness until the end. He was and will remain much beloved and will be much missed. At the end we are sure he was thinking of joining his parents and we want to think they are reunited. For our part, he will remain in our hearts forever. Rest in peace Robbie.
For those so inclined, donations to Parkinson’s Canada (1-888-664 1973), or to Jewish Child and Family Services (204 477-7430) or a charity of your choice, are appreciated.
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.