In the summer of 1976, amidst the lively atmosphere of the Red River Exhibition in Winnipeg, two young students crossed paths in a meeting that would forever change their lives. Sharon Goszer, a spirited blackjack dealer with a keen intellect and a warm smile, found herself under the watchful eye of her pit boss, Steven Tritt. Steven was immediately interested in getting to know Sharon. His first challenge, however, was navigating the complexity of her last name—a small hurdle that hinted at the depth and richness of her family history. Despite the initial mix-up and Sharon's mother Barbara's reluctance to interrupt her daughter's intense exam preparations, Steven's persistence paid off. Their first date in December 1976 blossomed into a deep connection, and less than two years later, they stood beneath the chuppah at the Rosh Pina Synagogue, promising to build a life together rooted in love, respect, and shared values.

Sharon's story begins long before that fateful summer, etched in the resilience and courage of her parents, Barbara and Adam Goszer. Both survivors of the Holocaust, they carried with them the weight of unimaginable loss and the hope of new beginnings. Barbara was born in the once-idyllic city of Lwow, Poland, to Salomon and Sarah Goldfischer. Her childhood was abruptly shattered by the Nazi invasion. In August 1942, her sister Tonia tragically perished in the Belzec extermination camp, a loss that deeply scarred the family. Living in a ghetto fraught with danger, Barbara's parents made the heart-wrenching decision to help their young daughter escape the ghetto to go live with the Stoklosa family, compassionate Catholics who risked their lives to protect her. Before they parted, Barbara's mother imparted a powerful directive: "Remember who you are." These words became a beacon for Barbara and her children throughout their lives. Tragically, Barbara never saw her parents again as they perished in the Holocaust, leaving her as the sole survivor of her immediate family. After the war, Barbara had searched in vain for her loved ones. In November 1947, just shy of her 18th birthday, she immigrated to Canada with a group of orphans, embarking on a new chapter in Winnipeg.

Adam Goszer, born in Korzec, Poland, to Eliyahu and Pesel (Bronfman) Goszer, faced his own harrowing journey. When the Korzec ghetto was dismantled, Adam and his brother Boris escaped to the forests, joining the Russian partisans to fight against the Nazis. They managed to secure a hiding place for their mother and sister Rachel with a Polish family and were reunited after the war. Seeking to rebuild his life, Adam honed his photography skills in Italy before immigrating to Canada with his mother (disguised as his sibling) where they joined his brother and sister.

In Winnipeg, fate brought Barbara and Adam together. They met in 1949 and married in 1952 at the House of Ashkenazi, building a life grounded in the values of perseverance and identity. They raised their children—Sharon, her brother Elliott, and her sibling Yonah, who tragically passed away at an early age—in the North End of Winnipeg. The Goszer household was one of warmth and tradition, where the principles of standing up for others, remembering one's roots, voicing opinions, paying it forward, and cherishing the privilege of living in a democratic society were not just taught but lived daily.

Sharon embodied these values from an early age. A gifted student and athlete, she excelled at Talmud Torah and graduated as the Gold Medalist from Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate. Her thirst for knowledge led her to the University of Winnipeg, where she was among the few Jewish students, and then to the University of Manitoba, where she earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Launching into her professional career, Sharon was driven by a deep desire to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. She began working with the Child Guidance Clinic and the Canadian Hemophilia Society. With the latter, she confronted the emerging crisis of hemophiliacs contracting AIDS through contaminated blood transfusions. Recognizing the psychological toll on patients and their families, Sharon developed groundbreaking programs to provide essential support. Her efforts not only addressed immediate needs but also established a framework that would be adopted nationally and internationally, highlighting her commitment to innovation and compassionate care.

In 2007, after retiring from the Child Guidance Clinic, (CGC), she went into full-time private practice, treating individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Over the past four decades, she has helped countless people find resilience and hope, solidifying her reputation as a respected and caring psychologist.

Sharon has devoted her life to community service and giving back. She has volunteered for numerous Jewish agencies including Combined Jewish Appeal, Gray Academy, Jewish Child and Family Service, Jewish Heritage Centre / Holocaust Education Centre, and the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba to name a few. Outside of the Winnipeg Jewish community, Sharon has also volunteered her time with Cancercare’s Challenge for Life, Citizen Advocacy Manitoba and the Canadian Diabetes Association. At just 30 years old, Sharon's remarkable contributions were recognized when she received the Max Nathanson Award from the Winnipeg Jewish Community Council and the Canadian Jewish Congress. This prestigious honour underscored the significant impact of her work within the community. Her dedication to community service extends beyond her professional life, thus, embodying her parents’ teaching by standing up for others and playing an active role in her community.

Steven's roots in Winnipeg run deep. His great-grandfather, Hiram (Chaim Leib) Weidman, was among the first Jewish settlers in the city, arriving from Orla, Russia, in 1882. Hiram and his brother Mordecai established Weidman Brothers, becoming influential entrepreneurs and community leaders. Steven's grandfather, Neiman Weidman, continued this legacy, marrying Pearl Vineberg from Montreal and serving as the first president of the Jewish Welfare Fund, among other significant roles. Steven's parents, Rita Ruth Weidman and Joseph Tritt, nurtured a household where tradition and community involvement were paramount. Rita, a woman ahead of her time, pursued a degree in journalism at the University of Minnesota and worked for the Winnipeg Free Press, covering the fashions of the day. Joseph served as a naval captain during World War II, practicing Dentistry on an aircraft carrier, before returning to establishing a dental practice in Winnipeg.

Steven and his sister Jacki grew up in the city's south end, first on Oak Street and later in a home on Waverley Street built by their parents. The Tritt family embraced Jewish traditions, observing Shabbat dinners with extended family, and participating in synagogue services for high holidays. They were active supporters of Jewish organizations such as Combined Jewish Appeal, Hadassah, Technion, and JNF, instilling in Steven a deep sense of community and philanthropy.

A talented, avid athlete, Steven found joy in sports—hockey, tennis, running, and developed a lifelong passion for golf. His happiest moments are often spent on the driving range at the Glendale Golf and Country Club, hitting balls while listening to music – he has earned the distinction of having hit the most balls at the driving range at the club. He began his academic journey in Actuarial Science at the University of Manitoba but soon discovered his true calling lay elsewhere. He switched to sciences and ultimately chose a career in Dentistry, a field that brought him immense satisfaction and challenge. Working alongside his father and later with Dr. Harvey Spiegel, Steven dedicated 37 years to his practice before retiring at the age of 62 to focus on family and community service.

In retirement, Steven devotes himself to caring for his mother, Rita. Similarly, he provided care for Sharon's mother, Barbara z”l, exemplifying his respect for the elderly and commitment to the family. He values dignity and responsibility, principles that have guided him throughout his life. Steven has also committed himself to community service, volunteering for organizations such as the Combined Jewish Appeal, Rainbow Stage, Shaarey Zedek Tikkun Olam initiative, Dry/Cold Productions, Manitoba Harvest and the Manitoba Dental Association.

As Sharon and Steven built their life together, they wove their individual histories into a shared tapestry of love and commitment. They were blessed with their son, Joseph, named in the loving memory of Steven's father. Joseph inherited the strengths of his lineage—a sharp mind, a compassionate heart, and a profound talent for music. Their home had an open-door policy, welcoming Joseph's friends and fostering a warm, inclusive environment. Joseph excelled at the Gray Academy of Jewish Education, the University of Winnipeg Collegiate and pursued a very successful career as a Musical Director, encompassing composing, performing, directing, teaching and producing in Winnipeg and Toronto. Sharon and Steven never missed a performance of Joseph's, whether at Rainbow Stage, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, or the Shaw Festival to name a few, always demonstrating their unwavering support. A highlight of Joseph’s musical career came when he performed as Musical Director and pianist in a star-studded celebration of Broadway and silver screen legend, Stephen Schwartz.

Recently, Joseph retired from his first career and returned to Winnipeg to pursue studies in Psychology, aspiring to become a psychologist. He shares a loving and respectful relationship with his partner, Shaun, whom Sharon Sharon and Steven adore and consider a second son. Sharon and Steven also cherish their extended family. Sharon's brother Elliott, married to Jennifer, has three children: Sam, Nick, and Sarah. Steven’s sister, Jacki married Sheldon Koven and they have two daughters, Lesley and Mara. The bonds shared with their siblings, nieces, and nephews create a close-knit family that celebrates life's moments together.

Family life has always been central to Sharon and Steven. Up until the COVID pandemic, either Sharon or her brother Elliott lovingly prepared Shabbat dinners every Friday night for the extended family, emphasizing the importance of family connections and traditions. They took over and maintained this tradition handed down from their parents. They also had weekly Sunday dinners with Steven’s family, which was shared between Steven, his sister, Jacki, her husband Sheldon and their children. Summers were spent at Winnipeg Beach and annual travels were shared with Jacki, Sheldon and their daughters, further bonding the family —traditions that continue to this day. Their commitment to the Jewish community extends beyond philanthropy. They actively participate in Jewish cultural programming, rallies, and respond to calls to action. Their travels are always enriched by visits to synagogues and Jewish agencies, deepening their connection to Jewish history and heritage. They once held a memorable family seder on the beach in Florida, blending tradition with unique experiences.

Sharon and Steven took a significant trip to Eastern Europe to visit Jewish sites and Holocaust commemoratives, honoring their heritage and the memories of those who came before them.

Sharon and Steven's shared values have been the cornerstone of their enduring marriage. They emphasize the centrality of family, compassion and care for others, community involvement, being true to one’s values and the importance of celebrating holidays and traditions, philanthropy, and exercise. These values have guided their actions and decisions throughout their lives. Sharon often recalls her parents' teachings - her guiding life scripts have not only shaped her path but have been passed on to Joseph, Shaun, and their nieces and nephews.

In Sharon's own words: "Despite the differences in our family histories, Steven and I have so many shared values that have served as the foundation for building a strong marriage of mutual respect and admiration. We are a team and we hope it inspires Joseph and Shaun, and our nieces and nephews, to be proud of their roots, the Winnipeg Jewish community, and Israel. You need to play an intentional role in maintaining and sustaining Jewish life and the Jewish people."

Their story is a testament to the enduring power of love, heritage, and community. Sharon and Steven have not only honoured the legacies of their families but have also created their own—a legacy that underscores the impact individuals can have when they live with intention and heart. They have committed themselves to positively impacting others' lives, consistently demonstrating a dedication to bettering their community. Their lives continue to inspire those around them, illuminating the path for future generations to cherish their roots, embrace their values, and contribute positively to the world. Through their actions and commitments, Sharon and Steven embody the very essence of the principles passed down to them—a legacy of love, resilience, and unwavering dedication to family and community. A Legacy of Love: The Story of Sharon Goszer-Tritt and Steven Tritt

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