Obituaries
FANNY MOCK (nee Gerb) 1915-2018
Peacefully, with dignity and grace, Fanny Mock, age 103, passed away at the Simkin Centre on Sunday, August 5, 2018.
Fanny was predeceased by her husband Edward, her parents Yankel and Cheenya Gorbacz, sisters Shirley Baron, Marsha Garfinkel, Clara Katz and brothers Saul and Max Gerb. Left to cherish her memories and celebrate her life are daughters Sally Levy (Clement), Elayne Mock, Dyan Lamirande, son Harv Mock (Donna), grandchildren Brad Bannon, Jeff Bannon (Brandie), Charmain Levy (Maurilio), Grayson Levy (Lisa) and nine great-grandchildren along with sister-in-law Anne Gerb, numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends upon whom she made a positive and lasting impact.
Born in the tiny Polish village of Mezericz in 1915, Fanny, at age 17, traveled alone across a wide ocean and vast new country to join other family members who preceded her to start a new and exciting chapter in her life in a bustling city called Winnipeg. Like innumerable immigrants before her Fanny embraced her new home with enthusiasm and vigor, enrolling in night classes to learn English while working during the day in the city’s garment trade.
Not long after arriving Fanny’s neighbors introduced her to a charismatic, handsome young man named Edward (Eddy) Mock to whom she became engaged and married, together forging a union that would last 53 years until his passing in 1987, and would produce four loving children, a warm, nurturing home built on a foundation of Yiddishkite, unconditional love, traditional values, and huge helpings of legendary cooking and baking.
Fanny had an indomitable spirit and commitment to giving and service. She was a founder of the Yiddish-speaking H. Levick B’nai Brith Lodge (now known as Jewish Women International) where she worked tirelessly for many worthwhile causes, most notably to gather and send clothes to needy orphans in Israel. For this, as well as her leadership and support, she was twice named B’nai Brith Woman of the Year.
The matriarch of our immediate and extended family, Fanny was the impetus for family celebrations, holiday dinners or any excuse to just get together to laugh, reminisce, share stories and, of course, overindulge in great food. Whether she was Ma, auntie, baba, Mrs. Mock or simply Fanny, she was a reliable source of compassion, wisdom, common sense and a spontaneous, infectious sense of humor. She was quick and genuine with a compliment, loved reading, looked forward to “her shows”, aka afternoon soap operas, and became a late-in-life country music fan, embracing the Grand Ole Opry in her mid-80’s.
Our mother was fortunate to enjoy good health virtually all her life. In fact, when she fell and broke a hip at age 99, doctors did not hesitate to conduct surgery, confident in her successful recovery. And they were right! After her hospital stay Fanny returned home to her own apartment, where she lived until just this past January when, at her own suggestion, she moved to the Simkin Centre where she soon became a favorite of staff and fellow residents alike who relished her quick wit, views on current affairs and her outgoing personality. Our family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the entire staff at the Simkin Centre who treated our mother with care, compassion and respect during her brief residence there.
Fanny was an extraordinary woman. She possessed true strength of character, lived her life with ethics, dignity and purpose and, cliché as it may sound, truly made a difference in many, many lives.
Funeral services were conducted on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at Congregation Etz Chayim by Cantor Tracy Kasner Greaves with eulogies by son Harv Mock and grandson Jeff Bannon. Interment was at B’nay Abraham Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jack Solomon, Al Katz, Shane Solomon, Brad Bannon, Jeff Bannon and Michael Ritter.
Ma, as you rejoin Dad, Max, Saul, Shirley, Clara, Marsha and Baba and Zaida, rest peacefully knowing that we love you, and your heart and spirit will always be a part of us.
Obituaries
NELLIE (NELL) LABOVITCH
Nellie (Nell) Labovitch passed away peacefully in her home on December 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Our hearts are grateful for the 103 years she blessed our lives.
Nell was predeceased by her beloved husband Morris of 56 years (2000), her eldest daughter Shelley Nimchonok (2019) and son-in-law Robert (Bob) Walker (2015). Nell will forever be missed by her children Connie (Darrel) Donen, Joy Walker (Bob), Sharon Elston, and son-in-law Meyer Nimchonok (Shelley) and her grandchildren Kevin (Mony) Nimchonok, Shauna (Aaron) Lindzon, Maury Donen (Jennifer Luong), Jason Donen (Kristin Macaraeg), Erin Walker, Adam (Samantha) Walker, Sean Walker (Lindsey Markusson), Chad (Sawako) Elston, Cori (Tonio) Ettienne and her great-grandchildren Jay, Eli, Jordan, Emily, Max, Carmen, Matteo, Logan, Dylan, Caleb, Hana, Jun, Prism and Onyx and her brothers, Sam (predeceased Rita) Bebchuk, Dr. William (Elaine) Bebchuk and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Nell was predeceased by her parents, Ettie and Joseph Bebchuk, her sisters, Marian Margolis (Joe Berz), Bessie (Mitchell) Schachter and parents- in-law, Rachel, and Hymie Labovitch; brothers and sisters inlaw, Sam Labovitch, Dr. Bill Lyons, Jack Lyons; Brina Bressler, Lil Seigel, Rose Weiner, and Sylvia Fritz.
Nell and Morris were married within a short courtship of only three weeks as they knew immediately that they were for each other. The connection that they had was undeniable. They were renowned for their shared love of dancing and moving together with extraordinary elegance and effortless skill. They met life’s challenges with a united front, setting a beautiful example of their lifelong commitment.
Nell took pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and always made each one of them feel special. She enjoyed pampering everyone with their favourite dishes. Her life was filled with an abundance of family, laughter, love, and optimism.
Even in her later years Nell remained vigorous and active, powerwalking at her gym into her late 90’s. One had to stand in line for a chance to be one of her walking partners, even when she was walking with a walker. Her nightly ritual was to say special prayers not only for everyone who needed praying for, but also for those who were close to her. On special occasions it was a treat to receive her amazing poetry. Nell retained a remarkably keen mind and enjoyed tackling word games well into her 90’s.
In her later years, she was surrounded by a phenomenal team of caregivers who considered her as close as a grandmother. With special gratitude to Ruth, and Amandeep who were by her side until the end. With thanks also to Jenna and The Right At Home staff. She was truly an extraordinary soul, matriarch, and an inspiration to us all.
Nell’s joyful spirit is heartfelt and will forever be with us. We will all live by three words that she recited endlessly to everyone that she met – “Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy.”
Funeral Services were held on December 3, 2025, at a private graveside ceremony for immediate family members. Thank you to the Pallbearers: Maury Donen, Jason Donen, Adam Walker, Erin Walker, Chad Elston, and Tonio Ettienne.
If desired, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or plant a tree in Nell’s memory.
Obituaries
FAYE VICKAR LAZER November 18, 1950 – December 3, 2025
It is with deep sadness we announce Faye Vickar Lazer passed away on December 3, 2025 at the age of 75. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, patience, and quiet strength.
She will be greatly missed by her husband Joel Lazer; son Lawrence Cohen and daughter-in-law Szandra Temesvari; daughter Jilda Lazer, son-in-law Cameron Quinn and grandchildren, Noa and Eli; daughter Sara Lazer, son-in-law Christopher Maissan and grandchildren, Elliot, Simone and Lila; twin sister Reva Micflicker and brother-in-law Allan; brother Larry Vickar and sister-in-law Tova; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Norman and Florence Vickar.
Faye grew up in Melfort, SK and lived there until she moved to Winnipeg to attend the University of Manitoba. First studying nursing, she quickly changed her focus to education. She taught for 34 years in the Winnipeg School Division, teaching nursery and kindergarten at Victoria-Albert, River Elm, King Edward, and Glenelm. She was her students’ first, and often favourite, teacher and over the years, fostered a love of learning and reading in hundreds of kids.
Faye and Joel were married in 1987 at Birch Island Resort in Minaki, Ontario, where family and friends were invited to celebrate their love and share in their love of fishing. Since then, they have spent their summers in the area fishing for pickerel, enjoying shore lunches of fish and fries, and in more recent years, spending time on the lake with their grandchildren.
Faye spent the last part of her life living at the Simkin Centre. When asked about it she would tell people happily “if you have to be in a place like this, this is the best place to be!” The family would like to thank the administration and management at the Simkin Centre and especially the team in Simkin 2 for their attentive care. The family is also grateful to the team of caregivers – Lovely, Luisa and Maria – who helped keep Faye happy and healthy for so long.
Funeral services were held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on December 5, 2025. Pallbearers were Elliot Lazer-Maissan, Noa Lazer Quinn, Sam Vickar, Stephen Vickar, Heather Micflikier and Liam Gutkin. Donations can be made to the Simkin Centre Foundation in Faye’s memory at https://www.simkincentre.ca/giving/.
Obituaries
KEVIN PAUL STEINBERG June 1, 1967 – October 29, 2025
It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Kevin Steinberg (O’Neil) on October 29, 2025 at the age of 58 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He will be forever remembered by his mom Donna, sister Debbie (Marc), brother Jeff (Jocelyn), nieces and nephews, Josh (Dena), Zach, Samantha (Sean), Jaidyn, Jordyn, Jilliyn, Jayson and great-nephew Benny, his aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends across Winnipeg, Toronto, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Palm Springs and beyond. Kevin was predeceased by his dad Eddie and stepdad Ernest.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Kevin moved to Toronto at 19 years of age. He attended Ryerson Theatre School and quickly earned his Equity and ACTRA cards. After winning the U.S. Green Card Lottery he moved to Los Angeles. Within a couple of years he appeared on Seinfeld, Frasier, Married with Children and more. He later worked behind the scenes in TV and film. Kevin also had a great job in catering and told fun stories of the famous people he worked for in L.A.
In 2006 Kevin returned home to Winnipeg, where he continued acting and design. He later moved back to Toronto to join a design firm. It was there he was diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, a rare head and neck cancer. Despite his diagnosis, Kevin lived fully – auditioning, writing and travelling. During COVID he launched a podcast – Everyday Heroes. He also shared cooking videos, learned to sketch and kept creating. Kevin thrived, inspiring everyone around him with his resilience, humour and zest for life. Kevin always lived “in the moment”, he embraced life as it came. He will be remembered for his creativity, humour, courage and the joy he brought to everyone around him.
The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Hochman, CancerCare Manitoba, Lisa and the whole team at Palliative Care, Rabbi Matthew Leibl, Chapel Lawn Funeral Home and MAID.
Kevin requested that donations be made to the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation www.accrf.org