Obituaries
CLARICE DANZKER (née YAREN) December 29, 1924 -January 9, 2024
After a life well-lived, the family of Clarice Danzker announces her passing on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at the age of 99.
Clarice was born in Winnipeg to Nessie and Abraham Yaren, exactly 3 years to the day after her future husband, Ernie. She was the youngest of five children. She grew up in Winnipeg’s North End during the depression, and always described her childhood as happy. Her passing marks the end of an entire era as the last of her generation on both sides of the Danzker and Yaren families. She is survived by her children, Simmie (Larry) Nasberg, Lainey Danzker (Michael Werier), her grandchildren Steven Werier (Kimi Wertman), Alissa Nasberg, Nessa Werier(Jason Lichtman ), Benji Nasberg, her great-grandchildren Jacob, Sofie and Ozzie. She was pre-deceased by her husband Ernie, her siblings Lil Popeski, Jack Yaren, Harry Yaren, Sima Yaren and many in-laws, nieces & nephews.
Clarice and Ernie met on a blind date over a game of bridge. They were married in the great flood of 1950 and as the story goes, they relocated their wedding from the Alexandra Hotel to a relative’s home, which they accessed by boat. This elegant lovely woman, together with Ernie, the gregarious man who was her inseparable partner for over 60 years of marriage, built and sustained a family full of happiness, empathy, and love at which they were the constant center. Their home was characterized by singsongs, guitar, laughter and people on every possible occasion.
In the way she lived, Clarice taught those around her invaluable lessons. She was the eternal optimist, always finding something to be happy about. Nothing gave her more joy in her last years than spending time with her great-grandchildren. She was open-minded, progressive, fair, insightful, and dedicated. She treated everyone with respect & had a kind word for all. She was a person of strong convictions. She lived by the philosophy of healthy mind and healthy body, and she remained active in both throughout her 99 years.
Clarice was involved in many organizations, National Council of Jewish Women, the Shaarey Zedek sisterhood, school organizations, camp organizations, and the arts, which she loved – the symphony, the ballet, the art gallery, the theater.
Clarice & Ernie & their family shared amazing times at Winnipeg Beach, Naples, Florida and over 30 winters in Rancho Mirage, California, honing their golf skills and mastering their bridge games. They made lifelong friends everywhere they went.
Clarice always said “your visits made my day”, but it was she who made ours magical.
The family would like to thank Tess, Baby, Maybelle, and Letty for their dignified care these last months and Dr. Kristen Creek for her exceptional and compassionate care.
Funeral services were held on January 11, 2024
Donations in Clarice’s honour may be made to the Ernie and Clarice Danzker Family Fund, c/o The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or to a charity of your choice.
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.