RITA SHAPERA

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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.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 20, 2025