Obituaries
ESTHER DREMAN (née GINSBERG) 1918 -2017
Surrounded by loving family and close friends Esther passed away peacefully at the Winnipeg Grace Hospital on July 30, 2017.
She was 99 years old. Esther was born in Toronto, Ontario on March 20 1918. Always close to and proud of the Ginsberg family, all of whom predeceased her, she was the daughter of Morris and Sootel Ginsberg, and the sister of Irving, Molly and David. Esther devoted herself to their well being for as long as they lived.
Esther was a strong , shrewd and capable person. She had worked as a secretary in Toronto, but when, in her early forties she married the love of her life, Abe Dreman, she left Toronto and her career behind and joined Abe, a successful businessman in Winnipeg. She worked by his side in their Dry Goods Store until his death in 1992. Esther and Abe had a wonderful marriage; she worshipped him, and he her until his sudden death. Not only was Esther devoted to Abe, she was a welcome addition to the extended Dreman family and treated Abe’s many siblings as her own, often hosting dinners for the holidays and other occasions and offering her support in more difficult times. When Abe passed away, Esther was broken hearted but with great strength she gradually championed widowhood , taking charge of their affairs and successfully managing their assets.Late in her 90’s , and after some serious health challenges , she was still clearly aware of how she wanted her investments managed, and kept a sharp eye on all of her business affairs.
Aunt Esther was a particularly warm and very generous person who drew people in with her kindness and honesty. Whether she welcomed her many nieces and nephews and friends to her home, or chatted on the phone with those who lived in distant places, she was always concerned about how they were doing, and would ask detailed questions about how their lives were going. She always knew what was going on, and genuinely cared about our family and others who became like family in her later years. This was a wonderful central characteristic of the person she was.
Much later on in her life when she was in need of caregivers to assist her in her daily life, she welcomed them to her home with the same kind and generous spirit making sure they were treated fairly, kindly, and with respect. Our family wishes to thank each of Aunt Esther’s caregivers for their kindness and dedication to her through these last challenging years.. Menchie,Jenny, Carmela, Imelda, Mariffe,Patty and Marenor , we will always be indebted to you because we know that you provided the daily emotional and physical supports that sustained Esther’s well being.
Esther is survived by numerous nieces and nephews; Cynthia Brick, Sharon Ganetsky, Sherrill Hershberg ( Dane },Choo Rosenbloom ; David Cohen , David Dreman ( Holly), Solly Dreman (Orly), Ben Zion Kerem; and by Ruth and Phil Rubin whom she also loved dearly.
A graveside funeral was held at the at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetary with Rabbi Yitzhok Charytan officiating . Pallbearers were: Ira Brick; Dane Hershberg; Chuck Weiner; Phil Halprin; Norman Wolk; Jack Wolk; Shawn Wolk; Geoffrey Wolk
If you wish donations may be made to the Esther Dreman Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba phone; 204-477-7520 or email; w.w.w.jewishfoundation.org
Obituaries
TEDDY MULLER
In the early hours of September 29, 2025, holding the hands of his beloved daughter and granddaughter, Teddy quietly passed away just weeks before his 100th birthday. His passing coincided with the time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the holiest of days, a sign of how honourably Teddy lived his life.
Teddy was born October 25 to his loving parents, Shlomo and Luisa in Balavasar, Romania and remained proud of his Transylvanian roots. He enjoyed a happy childhood with his older siblings, Lola and Zoli. Life drastically changed with the onset of the war. Teddy was forced into a slave labour camp while his siblings and mother were taken to concentration camps. His mother was murdered the day before liberation at Auschwitz, something that haunted him the rest of his life. Teddy’s entire testimony of the brutality that he endured is documented in the Steven Spielberg Shoah Foundation archive.
In the Fall of 1947, Teddy arrived in Winnipeg and within 24 hours was working as an upholsterer and didn’t stop until he was 88 years old. Along the way he was introduced to his beautiful Marie. They were married in 1950 during the flood and spent nearly 70 years together. Two young Holocaust survivors, with a mutual understanding of persecution and loss, began to build their lives together. They built a family with a strong and loving foundation. Their business, Art Upholstering, was built on honesty, respect and a commitment to craftsmanship. Teddy was always proud of the homes he had furnished and the connections he made with his customers. He was especially proud of restoring historical furnishings from Parks Canada. Teddy never had to take out an ad as his sterling reputation spoke for itself. Teddy had golden hands that crafted high quality showcases of his trade and artisanship. The same resilience that brought him through the war, brought him through a devastating fire where no arsonist was going to dictate his future. With the help of Fred and Cynthia Brick, Teddy rebuilt Art Upholstering from the ashes.
Family and friends were the most important things to Teddy. To know him was to love him. His charismatic and engaging personality left lasting impressions. His historical aptitude made him a force to be reckoned with in any debate.
Teddy revelled in the successes of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They were the world to him. He took his role as patriarch to heart. His support and love for his family was unconditional. He especially rose to the role of Zaidie and great-Zaidie Teddy Bear. He was a giver and never asked for much. Sitting on his deck, surrounded by his plants and apple tree filled his heart and soul.
Aging in his home was very important to Teddy. The compassionate care of Erlyn, his Joy, Timmalee, Adeena, Rose, Johnny and Marty was instrumental in maintaining Teddy’s dignity and independence and fulfilling his wish. Teddy’s quality of life was maintained thanks to the dedication of Dr. Brenda Hildebrand and her caring team. Regular visits from Chris, Gail, Alex, Allan and Emily kept Teddy engaged and stimulated.
Teddy was predeceased by his beautiful wife, Marie, his devoted son-in-law, Marshall, and granddaughter Jada. He is survived by his beloved daughter Laya, cherished grandchildren, Kyle (Carol), Gabi (Benji) and Skye (Cam), treasured great-grandchildren Alex, Maddy, Mavis, Mickey and Dori, as well as his son Marvin, and loving granddaughters Ilana and Timna.
Donations may be made to the Marshall S. Kneller Memorial Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or any organization supporting Israel, a cause near and dear to Teddy’s heart.
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.