Obituaries
RUTH CLAMAN (RUSEN) June 22, 1925 – November 21, 2023
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.
Obituaries
ALAN LEVY
On January 6, Alan Levy, age 71, died at Grace Hospital with his wife and daughters by his side.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Alan spent his childhood in the North End and later moved to River Heights, where his family settled on Brock Street.
After studying in Winnipeg and Tel Aviv, Alan moved to Toronto, where he lived for over 30 years. It was in Toronto where he raised a family with his first wife, Sylvia Bashevkin, worked in public sector human resources and fell in love with Chinese food.
In 2017, after brief stints as an academic in Regina and Brandon, Alan moved back home to the Peg, where he spent many fulfilling years with his devoted wife of 20 years, Cheryl Karlinsky, and their loving dogs. In his later career, he was appointed to the Labour Relations Board of Canada where he served as a skilled adjudicator and proud Canadian.
Alan was endlessly proud of his family, daughters Dalia Levy and Aviva Levy (Adam Walman) of Toronto, and two grandsons, Jonah and Ethan.
Predeceased by his parents Sheldon and Audrey Levy (nee Myers) of Winnipeg, Alan was a dedicated news junkie with a sharp sense of humour. He thrived most when discussing current events, cracking jokes and debating geopolitical crises. Much to his family’s frustration, he would stay up all night glued to the news, and they’d wake up to endless articles he’d shared the night before.
Alan had an exceptionally strong spirit of generosity and focus on ‘tikkun olam’ – repairing the world, which lives on in his children and grandchildren. His family is grateful to the staff at Simkin for providing him with a phenomenal level of care over the last few years, especially Dr. Chung and Sara Reid, Assistant Director of Care. Special thanks to Paul, Victor and Almaze, his kind and patient caregivers.
The funeral took place at Chesed Shel Emes on January 8.
Donations in his memory can be made to The Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre https://www.simkincentre.ca.
Obituaries
DENNIS GERALD DITLOVE NOVEMBER 25, 1936 – DECEMBER 1, 2025
Dennis Gerald Ditlove was a man of integrity, kindness, generosity and most of all, humor. He was born on November 25, 1936 in the small town of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the son of Louis and Faye Ditlove, and if you knew him at all, you heard plenty of stories about his childhood there. Dennis was a man of unparalleled resolve and an entrepreneur who built Inland Steel through grit and determination.
He retired from Inland Steel in Saskatoon, SK in 1987, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and innovation. His unwavering commitment to his work was only outshone by his love for his family and his community in Rancho Mirage, California. Dennis was a man of many talents and passions but he was best known for the relationships he cultivated with everyone he met, and his unparalleled sense of humor.
Dennis is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy; and his loving children, Mark (Wendy) Ditlove, Shari Snow and Cindy (Stuart) Tapper; beloved grandchildren, Matthew (Mary) Ditlove, Jacob (Sydney) Ditlove, Danielle (Eli) Dresner, Emily (Max) Snow, Max Bermont, Jillian Snow, Jonah Tapper, Leo Tapper and Henry Tapper; and adored great-grandchildren, Sam and Wynn Ditlove, Goldie and Bernie Dresner. His legacy lives on in them, in the lessons he taught them and the love he gave. He was a pillar of strength and a beacon of wisdom in their lives, providing them with a firm foundation on which to build their own successes.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Faye Ditlove; his sister Zora (Walter) Stern; his first wife, Marlene Ditlove; and son-in-law Howard Snow. While there is sorrow in his passing, there is also joy in celebrating a life well-lived, a life that left indelible marks on the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
A service to honor and commemorate Dennis’s life was held on Friday December 5th at the Adath Yeshurin Cemetery Chapel in Minneapolis.
We invite his family and friends to visit www. hodroff.com/DennisDitlove to rewatch the service. Contributions in name can be be made to the Jewish Federation of the Desert, 69710 CA-111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. May his memory be a blessing.
Obituaries
DEBORAH DOLLY CHISICK (nee SEGAL) NOVEMBER 30, 1942 – DECEMBER 19, 2025
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Dolly Chisick on Friday, December 19th, at the age of 83. Dolly passed peacefully with her family by her side. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her children, Shannon Chisick-Harman and Sean Chisick; her grandson, Charlie Harman; her siblings, Elaine (Paul) Olin and Barney Segal; her husband, Ernie Chisick; and her nephews, nieces, and many friends. Dolly was predeceased by her beloved parents, Sam Segal in 1998, and Louise Segal in 2006. Dolly was born on November 30, 1942, in Toronto, Ontario. After a few years, her family settled in Winnipeg, where she spent her formative years growing up on Lansdowne Avenue. Dolly graduated from teachers’ college in 1962 and married Ernie in 1964.
Together, they travelled the world, stopping at every museum along the way.
An extraordinary art teacher, Dolly’s career spanned more than fifty years. A gifted educator and passionate artist, she inspired generations of students and instilled in them a lifelong love and appreciation for art. Her creativity, patience, and encouragement left a lasting impact on all who learned from her. Dolly was a deeply caring person who truly loved people, always opening her home and making everyone feel welcome. Her energy was endless. An extraordinary cook, she was especially known for her famous challah buns, lovingly baked and shared, which became a symbol of her care, hospitality, and the comfort she brought to those she loved.
Family and connection were the most important things in Dolly’s life, and she nurtured those bonds with warmth and generosity. Above all else, she adored her children and, later, her grandson, Charlie, taking immense pride and joy in being a devoted Bubi. The bonds and connections Dolly shared with those she loved will remain deeply felt, a lasting source of comfort and strength, and an enduring part of her legacy.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Riverview for their exemplary care and compassion over the past several years. Funeral services were held on Monday, December 22nd, at the Chesed Shel Emes, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were Owen Davidson, Myles Davis, Marc Goldberg, Michael Goldberg, Jordan Hochman, and Jordan Farber.
In memory of Dolly, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or the charity of your choice.