Obituaries
JOCELYN KATZ (nee STERN)
(1961-2017)
Jocelyn Arlene Katz daughter of Allan and Donni Stern, mother to Amanda and Jordana Katz, sister to Marlene Stern (Peter Rae) and Susan Stern who predeceased her in 1997, tragically passed away Feb 09, 2017 at her home in Toronto.
Jocelyn grew up in Winnipeg, spent summers at the family cottage, Lake of the Woods, ON, one of her happiest places, moved to Toronto in 1979, obtained her BA at York University, worked in sales, and married Benjy Katz in 1991. They were together nearly 18 years, first living in Toronto, then Hamilton (where their daughters were born), later Winnipeg and finally Hamilton. In 2015, she moved to Toronto.
She was intelligent, curious, gregarious, playful, warm, inclusive, an active volunteer, delivered countless acts of loving kindness to family, friends and strangers, made a party better and everyone around her feel happy and a role model for saying Yes more than No.
Most importantly, Jocelyn devoted her life to being an amazing mother, always thought of her daughter’s first-from what to make them for breakfast, put in their scavenger hunt, and to where their next adventure might take them. She had a lust for fun and a craving for discovering the undiscovered. Each day was different as she dragged them, sometimes excitedly but just as often, reluctantly, to a new neighborhood, gallery, event, restaurant, park, or city. Her disregard for the schedule could be annoying as she endeavored to expose them to the biggest and the best of what was available. Yet, it instilled in them the desire to stop and look around, to appreciate the small things and embrace what the world has to offer. She shaped them into the people they are, and the people they have yet to become.
Her sense of adventure extended to her palate. Renowned among family and friends as a master home cook, every day revolved around food, where to eat it or what to cook. Her interest in cooking wasn’t the pinnacle; it was the sense of family it created in the kitchen together. If there were extras after a restaurant meal or event, she always went out of her way to give the food to someone that needed it more.
Despite all her gifts, Jocelyn struggled to find internal peace, to believe in herself-that she was the great mother, daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend, we all knew her to be. Bipolar Disorder can be a life threatening disease, like heart disease or stroke. It is an assault on the brain, not a reflection of a weak character. Jocelyn so wanted to be OK and often felt there was something wrong with her character. At times she experienced paranoid chatter, which medication didn’t fix. Tragically, the chatter overtook her. She did not want to leave us; she was taken by an unfair illness.
There are things that we don’t want to happen but have to accept, things we don’t want to know but have to learn, and people we can’t live without and have to let go. We know we must carry on and live life to the fullest for Jocelyn, she would expect nothing less.
A service was held at the Adas Israel Synagogue, Hamilton on February 12 and funeral at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, Winnipeg, followed by internment at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on February 14/17. Pallbearers were Martin Pollock, Peter Rae, Steve Segal, Brian Sorokin, David Stern and Lewis Stern. Donations can be made to the Jocelyn Stern Katz memorial fund supporting Bipolar Disorder Research, Directions and Care by contacting: http://memorial.supporting.ubc.ca/jocelyn-stern-katz/, 1.877.717.4483, 500-5950 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 or a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
Dr. VELIMIR KON B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Sc., Ph.D. September 18, 1950-June 27, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Velimir Kon, or Shlomo, beloved husband of Branka and father of Deborah and Lea. Velimir was an accomplished teacher and academic, and he was renowned for his intellectualism, humility and humanity.
A gentle soul who was always sociable and who genuinely loved people, Velimir was equally at home in the university classroom as a professor and as a secondary school Biology, Chemistry and Math teacher in Northern Ontario (Big Trout Lake) and Manitoba (God’s River, Berens River). Velimir made a difference to many First Nations students throughout a career that spanned decades. He was dedicated to his students, colleagues and family. An adept and talented pianist, Velimir enjoyed the arts and of course Jewish humour. He was an avid shul goer and supporter of Israel and enjoyed his duties in shul as a Kohayn. Velimir was a man of faith who was able to fuse his love of science and Judaism.
Born in Croatia, Europe (the former Yugoslavia) to Shoah survivors Rose (Rochel, ne Lederer) and Arnold Kon (Ariel), Velimir immigrated to Canada with his wife and girls in 1988, making many personal sacrifices along the way to ensure a peaceful and safe life for his family. Adaptability and optimism characterized Velimir. Known for his heart of gold, Velimir touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. A love of Jewish values, family values and life-long learning and education characterized Velimir. With his charming, outgoing and friendly personality, Velimir welcomed everyone into his life and into our home.
His kindness, humour, generosity and goodness will be deeply missed by his family and friends in Winnipeg, Victoria, B.C., Guelph, ON, Osijek, Croatia, Belgrade, Serbia, Los Angeles and Boston, U.S.A., and Israel, Jerusalem, Haifa and Karmiel. Baruch Dayan Haemet.
A traditional funeral was held on June 30, 2025 at the Hebrew Sick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can still be made to Chabad Lubavitch of Winnipeg, B’nai Brith or the JNF.
Velimir will be forever missed and cherished by Branka, Deborah and Lea.
Obituaries
ELAINE BEVERLEY KAPLAN
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our sister and aunt, Elaine Kaplan. She died on June 24, just a month shy of her 69th birthday.
She was diagnosed with lung cancer 15 months ago, and was given about six months to live, which she was able to exceed with great courage and determination.
Elaine was predeceased by our father Phil Kaplan and mother Bess Kaplan. She is survived by her brothers Gerry (Nancy Hughes), Allan (Rennie) and Sheldon (Mona), along with her nieces and nephews.
Elaine was able to remain at home up until a few days prior to her passing at the St. Boniface Hospital, which was her wish. She was employed by the Canada Revenue Agency for the majority of her career. She loved nature and was devoted to feeding the neighbourhood squirrels and birds. She also adopted and cared for many rescue rabbits over the years. Her family was important to her, and she loved attending family weddings and barbecues.
Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to a pet rescue of your choice.
Obituaries
ALAN KLUNER
Suddenly and unexpectedly, Alan Kluner passed away on July 11, 2025 at the young age of 66. Alan had a very good life despite some ongoing health challenges he met head on for the majority of his life. He loved family and was a very kind and loving son, brother and uncle.
Born in Winnipeg, Alan developed a small but close circle of friends he maintained for many years. His passions were following his sports teams (Jets, Vikings, Bombers) and attending numerous rock concerts.
Alan is survived by his oldest brother Martin (Reesa), his sister-in-law Hanna, his four nephews and nieces Mickey (Stephanie), Corey (Sean), Zev (Kristen), Elana (Danny), and his great-nephews and great-nieces Mason, Lucy, Nora, Remy and Enzo.
He was predeceased by his parents Bill and Phyllis, brother Kerry, and uncle Alvin Mantell.
Alan’s funeral service was graveside at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on Tuesday July 15, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were: Martin Kluner, Mickey Kluner, Corey Kluner, Elana Kluner, Henry Goldfeld, and Alan Levine. Honorary pallbearer was Albert Yanofsky.
For those who wish, donations in Alan’s memory may be made to Diabetes Canada or the charity of your choice.