Obituaries
SALLY ROSENBLOOM February 21, 1926-January 23, 2022
Our hearts are sad because we lost our beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Sally was a strong woman with indomitable spirit; whose resilience and determination to life and her family enabled a long life. She was predeceased by her husband Bery; son Morley; parents Raphael and Gitel; step-mother Rae; and daughter-in-law Olga.
Born Sheindel Mlynarski, on a farm outside of Miechow, Poland, but lived mostly in Sosnowitz. Sally’s happy childhood was shattered with the onslaught of World War II. She survived ghetto life; slave labor camps and the concentration camp Plaszow; and the loss of her mother in Auschwitz. After Liberation from Chestokova, she and her father, who had survived Auschwitz and Mauthausen, found each other, and together walked to Fehrenvald, a Displaced Persons camp. Sally met and married Bery there. They emigrated to Winnipeg Canada in 1948 and began to build a new life.
Sally and Bery worked in clothing factories for many years before owning a grocery store and later local hotels. Mom was a practical person and did what was necessary to succeed, be it teaching herself English, working side by side in the store, and learning to drive early on.
Mom enjoyed local parks, Winnipeg Beach, trips to see family in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut and Israel. Winter vacations to Florida and Hawaii were eventually replaced by Arizona. Besides being a lifetime member of NA’AMAT, Mom loved plants; movies; live theatre; musicals; needlework; knitting and especially reading. Next to her family, her friends sustained her.
Most importantly Mom treasured her time with her family; she was ready and available to help at any time. Mom is survived by daughter Judy and son-in-law Mark; grandchildren Tobi and Dan; Ben; Erin and Jacob; and David and Naomi; and daughter-in-law Mary Ann. In addition, Mom leaves behind 4 great grandchildren, Anne, Ariella, Adira and Marigold.
The family greatly appreciates the caring and compassionate staff on Simkin 1. Our thanks also to Esther’s Group, and particularly, Krisha and Lisa, Mom’s devoted companions for nearly 5 years.
Having lived a long but challenging life, Mom was grateful for her life; and especially her family. Her legacy is her grandchildren and great grandchildren, whose lives reflect the success of surviving and building a new life. Donations in Sally’s memory may be made to the Jewish National Fund, NA’AMAT, or any Holocaust education program.
Obituaries
Dr. VELIMIR KON B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Sc., Ph.D. September 18, 1950-June 27, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Velimir Kon, or Shlomo, beloved husband of Branka and father of Deborah and Lea. Velimir was an accomplished teacher and academic, and he was renowned for his intellectualism, humility and humanity.
A gentle soul who was always sociable and who genuinely loved people, Velimir was equally at home in the university classroom as a professor and as a secondary school Biology, Chemistry and Math teacher in Northern Ontario (Big Trout Lake) and Manitoba (God’s River, Berens River). Velimir made a difference to many First Nations students throughout a career that spanned decades. He was dedicated to his students, colleagues and family. An adept and talented pianist, Velimir enjoyed the arts and of course Jewish humour. He was an avid shul goer and supporter of Israel and enjoyed his duties in shul as a Kohayn. Velimir was a man of faith who was able to fuse his love of science and Judaism.
Born in Croatia, Europe (the former Yugoslavia) to Shoah survivors Rose (Rochel, ne Lederer) and Arnold Kon (Ariel), Velimir immigrated to Canada with his wife and girls in 1988, making many personal sacrifices along the way to ensure a peaceful and safe life for his family. Adaptability and optimism characterized Velimir. Known for his heart of gold, Velimir touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. A love of Jewish values, family values and life-long learning and education characterized Velimir. With his charming, outgoing and friendly personality, Velimir welcomed everyone into his life and into our home.
His kindness, humour, generosity and goodness will be deeply missed by his family and friends in Winnipeg, Victoria, B.C., Guelph, ON, Osijek, Croatia, Belgrade, Serbia, Los Angeles and Boston, U.S.A., and Israel, Jerusalem, Haifa and Karmiel. Baruch Dayan Haemet.
A traditional funeral was held on June 30, 2025 at the Hebrew Sick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can still be made to Chabad Lubavitch of Winnipeg, B’nai Brith or the JNF.
Velimir will be forever missed and cherished by Branka, Deborah and Lea.
Obituaries
ELAINE BEVERLEY KAPLAN
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our sister and aunt, Elaine Kaplan. She died on June 24, just a month shy of her 69th birthday.
She was diagnosed with lung cancer 15 months ago, and was given about six months to live, which she was able to exceed with great courage and determination.
Elaine was predeceased by our father Phil Kaplan and mother Bess Kaplan. She is survived by her brothers Gerry (Nancy Hughes), Allan (Rennie) and Sheldon (Mona), along with her nieces and nephews.
Elaine was able to remain at home up until a few days prior to her passing at the St. Boniface Hospital, which was her wish. She was employed by the Canada Revenue Agency for the majority of her career. She loved nature and was devoted to feeding the neighbourhood squirrels and birds. She also adopted and cared for many rescue rabbits over the years. Her family was important to her, and she loved attending family weddings and barbecues.
Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to a pet rescue of your choice.
Obituaries
ALAN KLUNER
Suddenly and unexpectedly, Alan Kluner passed away on July 11, 2025 at the young age of 66. Alan had a very good life despite some ongoing health challenges he met head on for the majority of his life. He loved family and was a very kind and loving son, brother and uncle.
Born in Winnipeg, Alan developed a small but close circle of friends he maintained for many years. His passions were following his sports teams (Jets, Vikings, Bombers) and attending numerous rock concerts.
Alan is survived by his oldest brother Martin (Reesa), his sister-in-law Hanna, his four nephews and nieces Mickey (Stephanie), Corey (Sean), Zev (Kristen), Elana (Danny), and his great-nephews and great-nieces Mason, Lucy, Nora, Remy and Enzo.
He was predeceased by his parents Bill and Phyllis, brother Kerry, and uncle Alvin Mantell.
Alan’s funeral service was graveside at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on Tuesday July 15, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were: Martin Kluner, Mickey Kluner, Corey Kluner, Elana Kluner, Henry Goldfeld, and Alan Levine. Honorary pallbearer was Albert Yanofsky.
For those who wish, donations in Alan’s memory may be made to Diabetes Canada or the charity of your choice.