On November 21, 2023, 8 Kislev 5784, Ruth Claman, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, and mother-in-law, passed away peacefully at her home in Zichron Yaacov, Israel, surrounded by her children, at the age of 98 years. Ruth will be deeply missed by her children, Aba (Pamela), Beatrice, Marsha (James), Yael, David (Brenda), Debbie (Talor), Aaron (Tova), Barbara, Adele (Drew), Keterina and her 19 grandchildren (Zol, Gil, Barr, Lee, Alex, Baruch, Amanda, Amit, Barry, Samuel, Benjamin, Louie, Zach, Josh, Noa, Daniel, Sarrah, Gabriel, Talia) and 13 great grandchildren (Nathan, Caleb, Hannah, Coby, Mika, Noa, Adam, Max, David, Eli, Aspen, Yehonaton, Daniella), and her many nieces, nephews and in-laws. Ruth was predeceased by her loving husband, Zalman Barry Claman; her brother, Aubrey Rusen (Shelley), her sister, Beatrice Short (Harvey); and her parents, Eva and Louis Rusen.
Ruth was predeceased by her loving husband, Zalman Barry Claman; her brother, Aubrey Rusen (Shelley), her sister, Beatrice Short (Harvey); and her parents, Eva and Louis Rusen. Ruth grew up in Winnipeg, where she excelled in music and developed lifelong friendships. Her love of all music began at an early age. While attending St. John’s High School in Winnipeg, she sang the leading role in several Gilbert & Sullivan Operas and distinguished herself at many musical festivals. At 18 years of age, she was the first contestant from Winnipeg selected to sing in the “The Singing Stars of Tomorrow” in Toronto. Moving to Swift Current in 1949, she was the soloist in Swift Current Philharmonic Society’s production of the Messiah and was a soloist for almost every organization in the city, including band concerts, and Mrs. Towns Melody Maids. Ruth loved fishing, hunting, babies and travelling the world. She took pride in her Jewish heritage and was an active member of her Synagogue and the Israeli Philharmonic Choir. A strong believer in tzedakah, Ruth volunteered throughout her life at the Jewish Homes For the Aged in both Los Angeles and Israel. She always opened her home to those who needed a home, and taught English to IDF Officers and assisted immigrants in Israel. Above all, Ruth was a devoted wife and mother. In 1945, she married Zalman Claman, which marked the beginning of a love affair and partnership that lasted only 21 years due to his untimely death. They had ten children together and Ruth’s love for all of her children was limitless and unconditional; there was absolutely nothing she wouldn’t do for them. Ruth was also fortunate to have numerous lifelong friends with whom she shared many special times. Her love of Israel motivated her to move there in 1976, where she remained. She was buried next to her husband in Har ha-Zetim, Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Israel.
Expressions of condolence can be sent to Barbara Claman: bclaman@hotmail.com.