Obituaries
SHIRLEY ETHEL KOZLOWICH (née SCHEIMAN)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful Mother and Baba Shirley Kozlowich at the age of 72. With family by her side, Shirley peacefully passed away on July 18th, 2021.
Shirley will be lovingly remembered by her children, Shane Kozlowich (Carly Shuler), Tara Kozlowich (Paul Shur), her grandchildren that she adored, Samara Shur, Paula Kozlowich, Bailee Shur and Sam Kozlowich, her sisters Fae Simon (Carl Findlay), Nancy Scheiman (Neil Stern), and Zahava Scheiman-Burkhardt (Klaus Scheiman-Burkhardt), her nephew Ari Simon, her niece Mariah Clarke (Kristian Clarke), her grandniece Sienna Clarke and many close relatives and friends.
Shirley was born on March 8th, 1949 in Stockholm, Sweden to Bella Scheiman (nee Knacker) and Moshe Scheiman. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1952 and settled in the North End where Shirley attended Peretz School, Luxton School and St John’s High School. As the oldest child, Shirley often looked after her sisters, enjoyed playing with them and remained close to them for the rest of her life. Shirley made many close friends in these early years and these deep friendships also continued for the rest of her life. While attending St. John’s, Shirley met her beloved Sam. They were married in 1970 and enjoyed 28 years of laughing, understanding and joy until Sam passed away in 1998.
Shirley attended the University of Manitoba where she studied Education and then taught Grades 2 and 3 at Champlain School. After some time away from teaching while Shane and Tara were in elementary school, Shirley returned to teaching at Miles Macdonell Collegiate where she taught for the rest of her career. She was so proud of her students that had immigrated to Canada much as she had and found great joy in inspiring her students through her teaching. She loved running into her students where they would often approach her to say thank you for helping them in their early days in Canada. Shirley especially loved teaching at the same school as Sam and with the life-long friends she made there.
Shirley retired in 2013 following which she continued to enjoy doing crosswords and reading in the sun, but mainly she spent every minute she could with her grandchildren. Her love for them was always on display, whether buying them treats at the vending machine, being first in line at their various concerts, sports events, dance recitals, or simply playing silly games with them on the floor. Shirley was her family’s biggest cheerleader and she encouraged and supported her children and grandchildren with kindness and patience. Shirley’s life was focussed on the lives of her grandchildren, much as her life was focussed on the lives of Shane and Tara when they were younger. Shirley’s children and grandchildren knew what it meant to be so loved and that feeling will forever be missed but also lovingly remembered.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents Bella and Moshe, and by Sam Kozlowich, her high school sweetheart and husband.
Funeral services were held at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Special thanks to Cantor Tracy Kasner, a dear friend of Shane and Tara’s for her beautiful eulogy and support during this difficult time. Memorial donations may be made to the Shirley Kozlowich Memorial Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
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.