Obituaries
CARLA ELAINE SHUMELEY (née WERIER)
Peacefully, on February 1, 2024 a beautiful soul ascended to Heaven. Our beloved mother Carla Elaine Shumeley, at the age of 81, joined her parents Abe and Bessie Werier, her older brother Arthur Werier, and many family and friends.
She will be greatly missed by her daughter Audrey, son Alan, nephew Kyle, niece Stacy, her adored grandson Ethan, and many lifelong friends left to cherish her memory.
Born on April 15, 1942, and raised in the heart of Winnipeg’s vibrant Jewish Community, Carla was the consummate ‘nice Jewish girl’ with a reverence for learning, laughter, and of course life itself, as her Hebrew name Chaya would suggest.
Mom grew up in a home where a harsh word was never spoken. The family spent summers at Winnipeg Beach and were all Blue Bomber football fans. From an early age she was an avid reader and a singer in the shul choir. A Kelvin High School graduate, she would go on to earn a BA from The U of M, then become one of its first graduates in the new medical field of Occupational Therapy. As reward for her accomplishments, she and a girlfriend spent 5 months touring 26 countries in Europe, reportedly on a $5/day budget. It was her near idyllic childhood which provided her with such a strong foundation necessary for navigating the many challenges she would face in adulthood with so much integrity and grace.
Despite the devastating loss of her father in 1969, the breakdown of her marriage, a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis at age 30, Carla was determined to always be grateful for all that she did have, instead of focusing on what was gone. A woman of great faith and resolve, that was exactly what she did.
Whatever the situation, mom always knew the right thing to say or do. A model of kindness and compassion, she was a great lover of good music, song, dance, books, movies, television, conversation, story-telling, and of course good food, but her greatest love was always children, all children. How lucky we are that she was our mommy and baba.
Funeral services were held February 4, 2024 at Chesed Shel Emes with interment at Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery officiated by Rabbi Kliel Rose. Pallbearers were Alan Werier, Marty Morantz, Jeremy Morantz, Leon Pincovich, Gary Ross, and Bernie Migie.
If friends so desire, donations in memory of Carla Shumeley can be made to The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
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.