Obituaries
LILY ROSE GUBERMAN JANUARY 30, 1922 – FEBRUARY 25
Peacefully, and with grace, Lily Rose Guberman passed away at the age of 103 on Tuesday, February 25th with her daughter and son-in-law by her side. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Wally, sister Beatrice, and daughter Sandra. Her son, Brian, remains missing, and his whereabouts are unknown. She leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, kindness and the sweetest of memories cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She is survived by her daughter Marla and son-in-law Henry Berchard of Victoria, BC, granddaughters Fairen, Sefirah and Hannah, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cherished friends.
Lily had a wide range of interests that enriched her life. She loved to travel, especially to Hawaii, and visited many places, including Hong Kong, Israel, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Victoria.
Lily had a wide range of interests that enriched her life. She loved to travel, especially to Hawaii, and visited many places, including Hong Kong, Israel, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Victoria. At 91, she and Marla took a whirlwind trip to New York City, checking off one of their bucket-list items. There, Lily danced through the streets with youthful energy and enthusiasm. She studied Hebrew and Sociology at university and had a passion for dancing, photography, art, and learned to use a computer in her 90s. A generous philanthropist, Lily maintained an A-Z file of charities she supported and organized major fundraisers, such as walkathons in Hawaii and Winnipeg to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House. She was also actively involved with the Lehava Chapter of Pioneer Women for many years.
Her life was also defined by her ability to turn tragedy into legacy. After Sandra’s passing, Lily and Wally established the Sandra Faye Guberman Memorial Library at the University of Alberta’s Department of Drama, and a perpetual Emerging Artist Scholarship at the Banff School of Fine Arts in Sandra’s honour. After Brian’s disappearance, Lily continued to write him a birthday card every year, in case he ever returned—such was the depth of her motherly love.
After Wally’s passing, Lily continued to live independently in their condo until the age of 102. With the loving care of devoted companions— Aida Sy, Eya Topacio, Elna Galzote, April Patoc, Jaen Marquez, Rose Lino, Girlie and Jun Santos—she spent her later years surrounded by love.
In her final year, Lily lived at the Simkin Center, where she was treated with care, respect, and dignity. There, she earned the title of “Simkin Star” for her numerous media appearances and was also celebrated as the oldest living original member of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. A graceful dancer since her teens, she was invited by the founders of the Winnipeg Ballet Club to join their troupes in 1939 at age 17. Just prior to her 103rd birthday, in December 2024, she was invited back to the stage, for the ballet’s 85th anniversary, performing a walk-on role in The Nutcracker in full dress costume, surrounded by her fans and fellow dancers. It was a perfect full- circle moment in her extraordinary life. For more on her return to the stage go to: lilyrosedance. weebly.com
Lily’s passing was serene and peaceful. It was an honour to be with her in her final moments, as she transitioned from this world surrounded by love and gentle care.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Center, especially those on Weinberg 1, who lovingly cared for Lily during her last year. Our heartfelt thanks also to her devoted companions – Eya, Aida and Elna, who remained steadfast in their care of Lily until her final day. In loving memory of Lily, donations can be made to Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet or 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.