Obituaries
Dr. Manuel (Manny) Matas July 5, 1945 – October 30, 2022
Manny Matas was the most kind, considerate soul you could meet. He offered unconditional love to his family and friends, and as a psychiatrist for 42 years, exceptional care to his patients. Manny was born in Winnipeg on July 5th, 1945, the second of three brothers. He accelerated through school at Greenway, Brock-Corydon, River Heights, and Grant Park, where he was a member of the Manitoba winning team on the TV quiz show Reach for the Top. He attended the University of Manitoba, where he graduated from medicine. At McGill University, he specialized in psychiatry, becoming the youngest psychiatrist in Canada at age 23.
Manny worked in psychiatry in Montreal, London, and Toronto, before returning to Winnipeg to work at St. Boniface Hospital. In addition to patient care, Manny was active in teaching residents, and also contributed to the hospital community through administrative roles including Medical Director of Adult Outpatient Psychiatry and Acting Head of the Department of Psychiatry. Later, he worked in private practice.
Manny was a prolific writer whose contributions included scholarly psychiatric works, published in peer-reviewed medical journals, along with almost 300 letters to the Editor in the Globe and Mail. Manny wrote the book “The Borders of Normal: A Psychiatrist De-Stigmatizes the Paranormal”, which was a finalist for Whistler Independent Book Awards in 2019.
Manny was a talented photographer and portrait artist and was an elected member of The Portrait Society of Canada. A selection of his works was exhibited in Winnipeg in 2017 and 2018. A collection of his works can be viewed on Instagram.
Manny loved meeting new people and had a special ability to connect with others. He travelled regularly to explore the world and visit his family. Manny loved movies and books, visiting art galleries, seeing live music, theatre, contemporary dance and ballet. He was patient, thoughtful, and caring, a good listener who offered non-judgmental advice. He was open minded to people and new ideas, and was endlessly curious about the mind and the mysteries of reality. Manny was optimistic, always finding the bright side of things and helping those around him stay positive.
Manny’s family was the centre of his world and they loved him back beyond measure. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Esther Matas. He leaves behind his daughters Anna (David) and Sylvia (Mike), his brothers David and Robert (Alicia), his grandchildren Esther Mae, Asher, and Noa, sister-like cousin Carol (Per), brother-like cousin Lew (Nora), and many other dearly loved cousins, nieces, and nephews. His passing leaves a gaping hole in the lives of all who knew him.
The funeral service was held on Tuesday, November 1st, 2022. An archived video of the funeral service can be found on the Shaarey Zedek website.
The family would like to thank the staff at St Boniface Hospital and Cancer Care. Donations in Manny’s honour can be made to some of his favourite charities: Tree Canada, World Wildlife Fund, and the Winnipeg Art Gallery.
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.