Obituaries
JOYCE FRANCES FINGEROTE (SCHWARTZ)
Surrounded by her loving family, Joyce Fingerote passed away Saturday, June 6, 2015, at the age of 87 years, after a lengthy illness.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband and soulmate, Laibl, her parents Harry Schwartz and Eve Udin, her in laws Penia and Sura Ita Fingerot, brother and sister in law, Sam and Sharon Fingerote and brother in law Frank Taran. Joyce is survived by her three daughters, Rhonda Youell (Harry), Terri Fingerote (Rick), and Barbara Krolik (Joseph); grandchildren Richard (Signy), Ilana (Adam), Laura (Josh), Erin (Dave), Isaac and Eve (Josh) and great grandchildren Ella (Erika and Carter), Sam, Lev and Yale.
Our mother was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 20, 1927. Her earliest years were spent in Gladstone and Minnedosa, Manitoba as the child of a ranching family. She moved into Winnipeg at age 6 with her widowed mother to attend school while living with her maternal grandparents, Louis and Bayla Fishman and her three loving uncles, Harvey, Harry and Sammy. When our grandmother remarried in 1937 mum then moved with her new family to the Fort Rouge area where she remained until rejoining her grandparents on Salter Street to be able to attend St John’s High School. Joyce’s memories of attending St John’s were ones of wonderful teachers, enriched learning, but most of all the friends she made which would last a lifetime.
After graduation mum attended the University of Manitoba for two years in the Faculty of Arts. She then began working as a dental assistant, while marrying the boy, our dad, who in her own words ”thrilled her” from the moment they met to their marriage on December 4, 1948.
Theirs was a beautiful marriage. Joyce and Laibl had a partnership full of love, trust, support and friendship. Their three daughters born within nine years of their marriage were the pride and joy of both.
Our mother made a career out of maintaining a loving, welcoming Jewish home. Never too busy to lend an ear, always available for each of her daughters and their friends, Joyce was a warm, compassionate and understanding woman who created an environment which welcomed everyone. Her culinary talents and delicious baking were always an asset to every heartfelt conversation and every Jewish holiday meal.
As grandchildren began to appear in 1975 our mother’s expertise with people and her love of life only increased .The time spent with her six grandchildren was never enough and yet beautiful unique loving relationships were established with each grandchild and subsequently each great grandchild as the years unfolded.
Mum’s interests were many and varied. Joyce enjoyed playing mah jong, followed in her last years by poker. She was an avid reader and excelled with crafts such as sewing and knitting. Our mother was a huge fan of Frank Sinatra and both mum and dad were avid fans of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers both on the field and off. Travel was also a highlight with yearly family visits to Duluth and Minneapolis and winter vacations in Hawaii, Palm Springs and Miami. Visits to England, Israel, Las Vegas, Phoenix and California were a special treat every time.
Joyce’s funeral service took place Monday, June 8, 2015 at Etz Chayim Synagogue followed by interment at Rosh Pina Memorial Park. Thanks to Rabbi Lander and Cantor Tracy Kasner Greaves for officiating. Pallbearers included Joyce’s grandsons Richard Hechter and Isaac Krolik, and nephews Barry Taran, Dale Taran, Len Fingerote and Lloyd Baker.
Donations as you wish may be given to the JNF Joyce and Lou Fingerote Memorial Fund, the Etz Chaim Synagogue or a charity of your choosing.
We love you mom and we always will.
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.