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
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.