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
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.