Obituaries
SAMUEL LOUIS “SHOM” ROITENBERG
Our beloved father and grandfather left us on Tuesday November 27, 2018 at 93 years.
Shom was predeceased by his loving wife Sheila (2008), his beloved son Kerry (2017), his parents Isaac and Rose, his brothers George and Pinny and his sister Sylvia. Shom is survived by his children Janis, Evan & Audra, and his granddaughters Lindsay and Jillian. Shom is also survived by his nieces and nephews, his companion Bobby, and a litany of friends.
Born and raised in Winnipeg’s north end, Dad attended Aberdeen School and St. John’s Tech before joining the Air Force in 1943 as a mechanic. Luckily, we won the war anyway. Following his service, Dad went to work. First as a cutter in the clothing industry, then embarking on his 37 year career in the insurance business. Dad managed a top sales team with London Life and made lifelong friends, which is no surprise as Dad made friends wherever he went.
Dad was an accomplished baseball player. A first baseman, Dad would describe himself as having a good glove. Asked to describe himself as a hitter, Dad would remind you of how good a fielder he was. He played, and later managed, in the 20th Century League for the Whirlaways. Proving that one should always be young at heart, Dad continued to play into his 80’s with a group of senior all-stars, and renewed his gym membership this past summer.
Mom and Dad married in 1951. They created a home filled with love and raised a family together against a backdrop of humour and music. Mom could sing, Dad could not. Mom performed on stage, Dad applauded. Dad performed in the insurance world, Mom supported. They each played to their strengths and, together, taught their children to do the same. Even through adversity, humour and a desire to lead the best life possible guided the journey. Dad offered wisdom and quietly led by example. Dad was an extremely proud father and, if possible, an even prouder zaida…or, as he was known: a proud Yaya.
For the last 9 plus years, Dad enjoyed his companionship with Bobby. They travelled together, enjoyed dining out with friends or a simple evening playing cards. They helped keep each other young and enjoyed their grandchildren together, extending the good life.
And it was a good life. If being a mensch, a fine person, is the goal, then Dad exceeded all expectations. Dad was an extremely warm, caring and charming man. Not only a gentleman, but a gentle man. It is rare to hear of a man of whom no one can say a bad word. Shom Roitenberg was such a man. Always humble, he never understood the impact that he had on those around him. Yet, impactful he was. If you served Dad in a restaurant, helped him at the bank, or even scanned his groceries, he left you with a smile on your face. And in everyone’s memory of Dad, there is a smile on his.
Funeral services were held November 29 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Pallbearers were Ian Cramer, Jacob Cramer, Norman Yusim, Daniel Yusim, Jeff Hirsh and Michael Conner. Honorary pallbearer was Randy Cramer. A special thank you to Debby and Norm for always making Dad feel welcomed and loved. If desired, donations can be made to the ‘In Memory of Sheila and Kerry Roitenberg Fund’ at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, to the Luther Home Corp. of Winnipeg, or to a charity of your choosing.
Dad, Yaya in our hearts you will live forever. We will always love you.
Obituaries
MARK BERNARD SCHACTER
May 12, 1946 – October 19, 2025
We are sad to announce that Mark Schacter died peacefully in Vancouver on October 19, 2025, at age 79.
He was born in Winnipeg on May 12, 1946, and moved to Vancouver at the age of 22 to seek his fortune, and lived and worked there for the rest of his life, in a number of careers. He was a raconteur, a free spirit, a sports fan, a close observer of current events, and a good friend to many, as far away as Rio de Janeiro and Los Angeles. He attended the Canada-Russia hockey series in Moscow in 1972, flew on the Concorde to London, and went to Rio for Carnival on a number of occasions.
He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Brent Schacter and Sora Ludwig, nieces Miriam Stoller (Michael), Isanne Schacter, and Jennifer Schacter (Neil Rockman), grandnieces Reina and Maddie Stoller, Beatrice Schacter, and Sally Rockman, and grandnephew Jacob Rockman.
He was laid to rest in the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery near his parents on October 22, 2025. May his memory be a blessing.
Donations in his memory may be made to Yaletown House (www.yaletown.org) where he resided or to the charity of your choice.
Obituaries
GLORIA GERSHMAN
Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Gloria Beatrice Gershman (née Lipchen), lived 95 remarkable years filled with love, laughter, resilience, generosity, a youthful spirit and a touch of mischief. Gloria passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
She was predeceased by her parents Rose and Nathan Lipchen, her husband George Gershman in 2016 and her grandson Jesse Short-Gershman in 2014. Gloria is survived by her three children: Darryl (Diane), Shelley (David), and Stu (Niki), eight grandchildren: Rachel, Daniel (Yeraldin), Mike (Hannah), Kara, Emily, Ashley (Andy), Max, Zak, and two great-grandchildren Ari and Grayson.
Born in Winnipeg on November 27, 1929, Gloria spent her early childhood in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, before returning to Winnipeg in 1940. Gloria and George married in 1949, residing in Winnipeg until moving to Miami, Florida in 1958 and returning to Winnipeg in 1961.
Gloria attended business college and worked at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue and Glendale Golf Course. She volunteered in the community conducting hearing tests for elementary school children.
To our family, Gloria was our biggest supporter, our safe place, our guiding voice, and our example of what it means to be strong, independent, loyal, resilient, and generous. Gloria was known for her wonderful sense of humour and occasional salty language.
Gloria’s talents included sewing, knitting, needle working, cooking, baking, gardening and bowling. The family loved her homemade cookies.
She was devoted to her grandchildren and shared a special and unique relationship with each of them. She adored every moment she spent with Ari and Grayson, who brought her joy in her later years.
Gloria was a regular with the super seniors at the local McDonalds. During the Covid pandemic, she and her friends held “parking lot gatherings” at McDonald’s, sitting in their cars, chatting through windows, laughing, and refusing to let isolation dull their spirits.
She was an unofficial counsellor and second mother for many of our friends, offering warmth, insight, honesty, and love.
Gloria cheered (sometimes colourfully) for her Winnipeg Blue Bomber and Jets, rarely missing a televised game.
Mom wanted her family to live their best lives; Mom’s memory will forever be a blessing and legacy for her loving family.
Among the many people we thank, we give a special thanks to Dr. Ify Osagie and mom’s dear health care companion Tess Barillos.
Graveside funeral was held on October 20, 2025, at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery.
Donations in Gloria’s memory may be made to the Buddy Check for Jesse Society, supporting youth mental health in honour of her grandson: https://buddycheckforjesse.com/ donate/
Obituaries
MARC AARON COHEN
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Marc Aaron Cohen on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the age of 55, following a brave battle with cancer.
Survived by his parents Lawrence and Dolly (Reesa) Cohen, sister Michelle (Ben) Levich, nephew Seth Levich, auntie Deanna Cohen, uncle Sherv Sharagge, and many cousins.
Marc was in love with his career. He was passionate about trucking and was good at it, wearing several hats during his career. He was a dispatcher, a long haul and local trucker, and an instructor to new truckers, while working for several trucking companies including Quick Transfer, Big Freight, and Gershman Transport. Marc received numerous awards and recognitions during his career including the Elite Award for Excellence in Performance in 2014 and 2015 from Big Freight. His commitment to the trucking industry led him to be chosen for the Industry Excellence Award in 2015 from the Manitoba Trucking Association.
Marc’s second love was riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Being on his motorcycle brought him so much joy. He loved playing, watching and coaching football. He was active in the Nomad Football Club. Being outdoors in any kind of weather was his favorite place to be.
The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Brightwater Tuxedo, Health Science Center, and St Boniface Hospital. We are grateful for the compassionate care they provided Marc.
Donations in Marc’s memory can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation. 204-787-4143.