Obituaries
FRITZI TELPNER
With deep sadness, the family announces the passing of Fritzi Telpner (nee Shuckett) on Tuesday June 2, 2020 at the age of 98.
Predeceased by her parents Jacob and Rachel Shuckett, her beloved husband Gene and her siblings Ben, Nate, Dave, Esther, Goldie and Morley, she will lovingly be remembered by her three children Terri Lee (John), Ron (Patsy) and Wendy (Harry), five grandchildren, Jordan (Heather), Michael (Carly), Meghan (Josh), Lauren (Dan) and Cara Jane (Trevor), five great grandchildren, Mia, Avi , Finley, Annie and Sonny. She is survived by sisters-in-law Sally Shuckett and Sally Telpner and brother-in-law Maynard Telpner as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Fritzi was born in Dauphin, Manitoba on October 7, 1921 and grew up on Machray Avenue in Winnipeg. Fritzi married the love of her life Gene Telpner on November 13, 1945. After living in Omaha for a few years, they returned to Winnipeg. where Gene was a successful journalist. Together they travelled the world and made life long friends from every walk of life. Gene and Fritzi were inseparable for almost 60 years. They loved spending winters in Hawaii but they were always happy to return home to Winnipeg. Fritzi’s devotion to Gene in his final years was unparalleled.
Dignity and grace are the two words that best describe Fritzi. People gravitated toward her. Her natural warmth and genuine interest in everyone made her very special. She was outgoing and always looked stylish. As matriarch of the Shuckett family and the last remaining sibling, she was adored by her many nieces, nephews and friends of her children and grandchildren.
There was nobody like Fritzi. Her home was open to family and friends and her table was always elegant and laden with incredible gourmet delights. Her beautiful dining room table, which belonged to her parents, has remained in the family and holds fond memories of countless happy occasions. Fritzi was making jam, pickles and her famous short bread cookies well into her mid-nineties. Her recipes have been passed down to generations and will continue to be made in loving memory.
Family was everything to Fritzi. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren who were very devoted to her. She had a special bond with each one who felt that he or she was the favourite. She listened and gave advice on everything with honesty. She had a unique sixth sense and always knew if someone was keeping a secret. Being Great Grandma Fritzi to Annie, Sonny, Mia, Avi and Finley brought her sheer joy.
Fritzi enjoyed her ten years at the Shaftesbury and appreciated the wonderful team there. She rarely missed her daily exercise class or evening movie. She was blessed with some very special caregivers, the kindest angels from Esther’s Group, whose devotion provided an atmosphere of compassion and dignity. The family will be forever grateful. Many thanks to family and friends for their loyalty and devotion.
Due to current restrictions, there was a a private family graveside service officiated by Rabbi Kliel Rose, Congregation Etz Chayim and private Shiva. Pallbearers were Jordan Farber, Robert Lecker, Paul Shuckett, Brian Lecker, Adam Lecker and Jodi Hyman.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fritzi’s memory to the 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.