Obituaries
FAYE FAIGEL GORENSTEIN RABER September 1, 1921 – September 12, 2024
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our mother and Bobie, FAYE RABER nee GORENSTEIN on September 12, 2024, the 9th of Elul in Ottawa surrounded by her family at the age of 103. Faigel was predeceased by her loving husband, Leon after 68 years of marriage It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our mother and Bobie, FAYE RABER nee GORENSTEIN on September 12, 2024, the 9th of Elul in Ottawa surrounded by her family at the age of 103. Faigel was predeceased by her loving husband, Leon after 68 years of marriage in 2017 in 2017. Predeceased by her parents, Aryeh Leib (Louis) and Frayda Gorenstein of Winnipeg in 1951. Faye was the last surviving member of her generation having been predeceased by her brothers, sister, sister-inlaws and brother-in-laws on both the Gorenstein and Raber side of the families. She is survived by her daughter Frayda Raber (Charles Wiseman) and son Label Raber (Lynn Superstein), Grandsons, Joshua Raber, Yossi Bokhaut (Julia) and Michael Bokhaut (Tatyana) and Great Grandchildren, Samantha, Emma, Leon, Marcus and Bridget.
Faye was born in Winnipeg, September 1, 1921, the second youngest of seven (7) children at home at 360 Manitoba Ave. She attended Peretz Day School until Grade 5 where English and Yiddish subjects were taught and completed their after school program until the end of high school. Grades 6-9 were completed at McCrae School and high school at St John’s High School.
Mom had wanted to study to become a Dietician. Sadly her parents could not afford university tuition. She attended the Manitoba Business College where she was on the honour roll for Dictation, Short Hand and Typing. She worked as a Legal Secretary with her first job being with David Levin and then with the first Ukranian law firm- a father and son office- Swystun and Swystun.
When she and our father married on March 13, 1949, our Dad said he would be the provider and Mom was to be responsible for the home and the children. Our home was filled with love, affection and laughter, not to mention good cooking. Mom was very easy to get along with. She was kind and loving and yet, firm and very sensible. Rarely did we ever have an argument. Mom was a wonderful parent. We were very fortunate to have had a mother like her!
Mom was a life long learner and consummate community volunteer. Over the years she learned to drive a car at age 40, take Hebrew speaking classes, adult swimming lessons, learned to play Mah Jongg, sewing lessons, dancing lessons and computer classes. She was a Life Member of National Council of Jewish Women and of Canadian Hadassah WIZO. She actively volunteered at the Adas Yeshurun Herzlia Synagogue chairing the Mother and Daughter Luncheon. Family and Yiddishkeit were very important to her.
She participated in Aquafit at the Rady Center three times a week well into her 80s, played Mah Jongg twice a week and attended Herzlia Synagogue weekly for Shabbat Services.
In the fall of 2017, Mom decided to come to Ottawa after our Dad had passed away on what she called a “Trial Basis.” She settled in beautifully. She participated in a Jewish Seniors’ Day Program at our JCC, played Mah Jongg, enjoyed her grand-son Yossi and his family’s company and synagogue services.
Funeral Services were held September 16, 2024, graveside at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery with Rabbi Y. Benarroch officiating. Pallbearers were Label Raber, Charles Wiseman, Joshua Raber, Yossi Bokhaut, Michael Bokhaut and Geoffrey Katz.
Donations in Faye’s memory may be made to the Leon and Faye Raber Endowment Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Adas Yeshurun Herzlia Synagogue Winnipeg, Canadian Magen David Adom, or charity of your choice.
Donations in Faye’s memory may be made to the Leon and Faye Raber Endowment Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Adas Yeshurun Herzlia Synagogue Winnipeg, Canadian Magen David Adom, or 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.