Obituaries
MANUEL SOUSA
It is with deep sadness and much too soon that we announce the passing of Manuel (Manny) Sousa, peacefully on Sunday, September 20, 2020, after a brief illness at the age of 59.
He was surrounded by the love of his wife and partner Sheara Waxman and his family.
In addition to Sheara, Manny is survived by his parents, Carlos and Liliana de Sousa of Toronto, his brother and sister-in-law Carlos Sousa and Tessy Muscat Sousa and their children, Joshua (Jen), Katherine (Hutch) and Adam Sousa of Toronto, his sister-in-law Gayle Waxman and her daughter Alexandra of Winnipeg, and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Martin Waxman and Maureen Judge and their children, Jacob (Mawr) and Rebecca Waxman of Toronto. Manny was predeceased by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Myra and Alexander Waxman.
Manny and Sheara were together for 31 years, making memories that will last a lifetime. They walked hand in hand through life, partners in every way. Nothing made Manny happier than listening to Sheara’s laugh and making her smile.
Family was everything to Manny. He was devoted to his parents whom he loved and looked out for. Manny was always grateful to his parents for immigrating to Canada and making countless sacrifices so he and his brother Carlos could enjoy a wonderful life. Manny also had a deep affection for Sheara’s parents and treated them with love and respect.
Manny cherished the relationships he had with his nieces and nephews. He shared a special bond with each one of them and loved being with them. Joshua, Katherine and Adam all pursued careers in the arts and credited Manny as their inspiration. Everyone who knew them, knew that when one of them referred to “Uncle” they meant Manny. Manny always looked forward to talking about and playing hockey with Jacob and often said that the highlight of a recent trip he and Sheara made to Spain was the time they spent with Rebecca. Manny felt honoured and lucky to be a part of Alexandra’s day to day life. He shared in the joy of raising her and was so proud of the exceptional person she is today. Alexandra also considered Manny to be her inspiration.
Manny was a true people person, kind and warm to everyone he met. He had an incredible curiosity about so many things and was always learning and challenging himself. Manny’s passions were boundless and included playing hockey, cheering on the Winnipeg Jets, photography, travel, carpentry and most importantly spending time with family and friends. He approached every opportunity with a smile, a positive attitude and a zest for life.
Manny was born in Portugal and grew up in Toronto where he met Sheara and their life together began. Sheara and Manny relocated to Winnipeg where he pursued his career in photography and became a successful, creative entrepreneur. For almost 30 years, Manny captured moments and milestones in Winnipeg and throughout the world. He quickly became one of Winnipeg’s most accomplished, respected and innovative photographers. Manny was sought out as a mentor and admired for his work ethic, passion and knowledge, which he shared generously. He also extended his generosity to many community charities and causes.
In addition to his photography business, Manny travelled the world and used his lens to capture the wonder and beauty he saw around him, producing stunning images that were widely admired.
Manny appreciated all the messages of love and support that he received from family and friends during his illness. Sheara and family are also grateful for the outpouring of kindness and sympathy.
We will miss Manny’s smile, his laughter and his joy for life. Manny will forever be in our hearts.
A private remembrance has taken place.
Those wishing to honour Manny’s memory can donate to the Manuel Sousa Award for Excellence in Photography at the Children’s Heritage Fund, Winnipeg School Division by calling 204-775-0231
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.