Obituaries
FLORENCE VICKAR
The family of FLORENCE VICKAR, aged 98 years, sadly announce her passing on June 12, 2017.
She leaves behind her children, Larry and Tova Vickar, Reva and Allan Micflikier, Faye Vickar Lazer and Joel Lazer; her grandchildren Sam, Stephen and Marie, Daniel and Heather, Sara and Dorian, Jacob and Alysha, Jilda and Cameron, Sara and Christopher, Lawrence and Szandra; her great grandchildren Mason and Vaughn, Max and Zev, Emi and Greyson, Rin, Noa and Eli, Elliot, Lila and Simone; her sisters-in-law Eve Vickar, Ann Vickar and Gnessie Vickar as well as a large extended family.
After 68 years of marriage, her beloved husband Norman died in 2015 at the age of 98 years. Mom was predeceased by her parents Aaron and Reva Zeitlin, sisters Rose Freedman (Saul) and Minnie Pressman (Morris), and stepmom Rose Zeitlin.
Mom was born in 1919 in Russia and arrived in Canada with her parents and two younger sisters, first to Lipton Colony in Saskatchewan before settling in Winnipeg. In 1947 Mom was introduced to Dad on a blind date and though the first impression was neutral, the second date sealed the deal. They were engaged within three weeks and married a few months later.
Mom and Dad lived in Gronlid, Saskatchewan and by the fall of 1950 they had three children under the age of two. In 1955 we moved to the bigger town of Melfort with the need for school and a Jewish community.
Mom was supportive of Dad’s heavy commitment to business and the community. She was a member of several organizations, most notably studying to become the Worthy Matron of the local Eastern Star. They moved to Regina when Dad was elected MLA for Melfort and stayed for two terms of office. Mom was by his side, fulfilling the role that allowed Dad to succeed.
In 1984 they moved to Winnipeg to be near family. They continued their community involvement, primarily Jewish organizations. They were active attendees at many community events well into their 90’s.
Mom was a good cook and baker. Her Marble Chiffon Cake was featured at many of the Winnipeg neighbourhood children’s birthday parties, in addition to those of her grandchildren. Her cakes came with high expectations; if not perfect they were started again from scratch.
Her other major talent was her green thumb! She knew so much about plants both indoors and out. It was tough for her to relinquish responsibility for her gardens in the last years.
When Dad died in the fall of 2015 Mom missed him dreadfully. She missed her initiator and social planner. They were both people persons, she more quietly than he! Its ironic that heart failure was her final health issue!
Our family is so thankful for the team of caregivers who have been with us every day since the fall of 2012, when Mom was discharged from hospital and Dad insisted on his discharge the same day! Our honorary pallbearers were Josie Ramos, Alicia Ibalio. Clemen Alambra, Emma Manalad, Fatima Dalisay and Lovely Morante. Dad was immediately grateful for their help and Mom grew to appreciate them… Mom taught a couple of them some of her best recipes; blintzes, borscht and Mom’s Marble Cake are now in their repertoire.
In recent months we were fortunate to have a team of visiting nurses from the WRHA Palliative Care program. They were invaluable in their support and guidance to the family and our caregivers, and ensured respectful end of life care for Mom in her own home.
Mom surely hastened to join Dad after her passing! We have a vision of Mom sharing her displeasure with him for his early departure, leaving her behind… then they’ll settle in to that comfortable spot you must get to after 68 years together!
Donations are gratefully accepted to the ‘Norman and Florence Vickar Memorial Fund’ at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 123 Doncaster St., Suite C400, Wpg., Mb. R3N2B2 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.