Obituaries
DR. SIDNEY L. NELKO April 19, 1931 – August 5, 2022
Devoted husband, loving father, distinguished family practitioner/surgeon, and one of the founding doctors of Seven Oaks General Hospital, passed away in Winnipeg at the age of 91 on August 5, 2022.
He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Gwen in 2020. He is survived by his children, Marni (Nelko) Altman of Vancouver, B.C, and Trevor (Rachelle) Nelko of Plymouth, Minnesota. His grandchildren, Ashton Altman, Tristan and Dylan Nelko. He is also survived by his sister, Claire Granovsky (Breslaw) & Paul Granovsky. He was predeceased by his brothers, Max and Ernie Nelko, and sister, Sonia Yaffe.
Sid was born in Winnipeg on April 19, 1931, after his parents immigrated from Poland in 1927. He attended St. Johns HS and graduated from the University of Manitoba Medical School in 1957. His medical residency in Family Practice was completed in Norristown, Pennsylvania and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He returned to Winnipeg and opened his Family Practice in 1960, that served generations of families until 2005. He also served as a Major in the Canadian Armed Forces in the Militia Medical field. His medical journey also involved the City of Winnipeg’s Health Department, where he attended to police officers and firefighters. He also worked for the Government of Canada as an immigration and medical officer, the Workers Compensation Board, and Provincial Medical Examiner. He finished his medical career working two days a week at a walk-in clinic at age 82.
Sid established himself as a leading family practitioner who was as devoted to his patients as they were to him. Early in his practice, he added a Mickey Mouse pin to his lab coat, which was comforting to his young patients. He was an attentive listener and thoughtful in his responses. He was always impeccably attired as a physician in his suit and tie. He was a lifetime member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and always attended the annual convention with Gwen to further his medical education. He was known as having “surgeon’s hands” in giving vaccinations, as he would distract his patients with conversation, and often they did not know he completed his task. He was blessed to find his calling as a MD and was always available to patients and friends.
While much of his life was defined by his professional excellence and dedication to his patients, it was the final chapter that revealed the full measure of his compassion. Sid devoted the last years of Gwen’s life caring for her as a loyal husband, until her death in 2020. He and Gwen travelled extensively in their marriage and valued their experiences together. Their relationship was strong and enduring in their 59 years of marriage.
Sid had a wonderful sense of humour that was evident in his many funny voices and his spontaneous singing. He had a brilliant mind that prompted him to read many medical journals and books and was exceptional at Trivial Pursuit. He loved to walk and ride his bike in his neighborhood, attend the symphony and theater centre, and work in his yard.
A private service was held, and memorial donations may be made in Sid’s memory to: Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation, 2300 McPhillips St, Winnipeg, MB, R2V 3M3 (204) 632-3552 or 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.