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Obituaries

Barry Bernstein

barry bernsteinThe life given us, by nature is short; but the memory of a well-spent life is eternal. ~Cicero~

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barry Bernstein on May 6, 2017 at the age of 71. After a lengthy illness,
Barry passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre.
Barry was born February 11, 1946 to Anne & Harry Bernstein. He was the younger brother to Morley Bernstein & the older twin, (by 5 minutes), to Kenny Bernstein. Barry grew up in the north end of Winnipeg where he spent his childhood helping out in his father’s corner grocery store, Harry’s Grocery, (across from Luxton School).
Barry was a talented “all around athlete” who excelled at every sport, but particularly loved baseball & hockey. He played both sports at the highest youth levels of the time.
When Barry was 16 years old, he met what would be the love of his life, Marla. (Barry passed away 5 days shy of celebrating 50 years of marriage). Barry would often describe the first time he saw Marla, “She walked down the stairs at the YMHA wearing a white mini-skirt and a red sweater…she was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen”.
He and Marla had two daughters, Brenlie & Hilary. Barry was a deeply devoted husband and father. Nothing gave him more pleasure and pride than watching his girls grow to be accomplished women. For most of his life Barry worked as an accountant to support his family.
Then, in his early fifties until his retirement, he and Marla worked together as “Team Marla & Barry” selling real estate. Barry was often described as a true gentleman. He had a quiet, quick wit and would often come up with unforgettable “one liners” that his children now fondly refer to as “Barryisms”. Barry was a private and complex man, but those closest to him will forever remember him as a profound thinker with a deep, sensitive soul and an enormous capacity to love.
Barry will be dearly missed by the love of his life for almost fifty years, Marla (Yager) Bernstein; his daughters Brenlie (Bernstein) Nagy & Hilary (Bernstein) Meggison; his son-in-law, Jim Nagy and grandchildren, Lauren & Cole Nagy; his mother-in-law, Edith Yager; his brothers Morley and Kenny Bernstein; and his sisters-in law and brothers in-law, Terri Bernstein, Maureen & Sheldon Tabak, Debbie & Kurt Jacob, Jerry & Cintia Yager, Libby & Billy Brodovsky-Yager, Mardy & Sarah Yager, and many beloved nieces & nephews.
A remembrance service was held on May 10, 2017 at the Saul & Claribel Simkin Center.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the dedicated, nurturing & compassionate staff at the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre and a very special thanks to Barry’s end of life “companion”, Marcella, who lovingly cared for him like he was her own “Papa”.
Should you wish to honour Barry’s life, contributions may be made to the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre or The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.

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Obituaries

AGNES FUNK (nee POLLAK) August 12, 1927 – February 18, 2026

Agnes (Anyu) peacefully passed away at the age of 98. Predeceased by her husband Fred and son George, she is survived by her daughter Kathy Shefrin, grandsons, Mark Shefrin (Laurie) and Allan Shefrin (Stephanie) and her great-grandchildren, Abby, Seth, Livia and Frankie.

Born and raised in Hungary, Agnes – known to many as Agi – was a survivor. During the Second World War, her parents made the difficult choice to hide her with righteous neighbours, thus saving her life during the Holocaust. In post war Budapest, she met the love of her life Fred. Their new life took an abrupt turn when communism took over Hungary. In 1956, with nothing, Fred, Agi, Kathy and George moved to Winnipeg to join family.

Initially, life in Winnipeg was not easy, but they found safety, community and opportunity. Their greatest joy was time spent with their children and grandchildren. They loved to travel, especially to Hawaii. Agi had a dry sense of humour infused with a Hungarian accent and mixed up words that made everyone around her laugh. Though she was quiet, her big blue eyes and infectious smile could fill a room.

In 2007, her beloved Fred died, followed by her adored son George in 2016. Both times her resiliency and strength saw her though, and those qualities served her well again when she rebounded from a life-threatening infection while visiting her family in Ottawa.

Agi experienced life’s greatest joys as her four great-grandchildren arrived. She treasured them, as they did her.

The family expresses their utmost thanks to Agi’s devoted companion, Robin Davis for her love and care for Agi over the last four years. Special thanks to the Weinberg 3 team at the Simkin Centre.

The funeral took place on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Fred and Agnes Funk Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or the charity of your choice to honour her remarkable life.

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Obituaries

LOUIS CHOCHINOV

It is with profound sorrow that we share with you the passing of Louis (Label) Chochinov. On September 12, 2025, just 3 days past his 98th birthday, Lou passed with family by his side. He will be forever cherished by his children Bruce and Sheila (Toronto), Aydel (Adrian) and Laurence (Saskatoon), his loving grandchildren Allen-Vikram (Audrey), Kiran (Morgana), Lexi (Sean), and Gabi. He also leaves to mourn many nephews, nieces, friends and neighbours. Lou was predeceased by parents Jacob and Tauba, his seven siblings, and the love of his life of over 60 years Gertie (2012).

Born in 1927, the youngest of 8 children, Lou grew up on his family’s dairy farm. Lou attended Centennial High School where he enjoyed running track as well as theatre. In 1947 Lou won the Provincial Track Meet and in the same year had the starring role in his school’s production of the Mikado.

Lou was an important figure in his community, running a number of businesses including North End Service, Minit Car Wash, and Western Messenger. He was an avid bridge and cribbage player and was a fixture playing every Tuesday at the Gwen Secter. He had a true passion for gardening and made a real impact playing baseball in the 65+ weekly league at Kildonan Park. In recent years he could also be found every Friday enjoying lunch and the company of close friends at Boston Pizza. Most of all he will be remembered as a most kind, honest, and generous person whose positive attitude warmed the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Funeral services were held September 15, 2025, at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue with burial at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Bruce Chochinov, Laurence Givelichian, Allen-Vikram Chochinov, Kiran Chochinov, Gabi Givelichian, and Sean Kelly. Honorary Pallbearers were Harvey Zabenskie, Ben Friedman, and Jeff Greggain.

The family wishes to extend their deep gratitude to all of the people who supported Dad (Zaza/Zaida) including many well-loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A special thank you to Lori and the wonderful staff at River Ridge Residence where Dad resided prior to his passing. The family also thanks all of Dad’s amazing neighbours who repaid his kindness and generosity with unending support and help ease his final years.

Dad will be deeply missed and

forever in our hearts.

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Obituaries

LILLIAN R. MOSTOW (NEE HALPARIN) AUGUST 31, 1926 – JANUARY 18, 2026

Our beloved matriarch, Lillian Mostow, passed away peacefully at 99 years of age at the Simkin Centre, where she had received exemplary care for more than six years.
Lillian was quite the character. She said what she meant, without filters; she was strong, opinionated, and fiercely protective of those she loved. You always knew exactly where you stood with her.
The youngest of five, Lillian grew up on Dufferin Ave. in north-end Winnipeg, next door to her father’s sweater factory, Standard Knitting. Clever and artistic, she studied interior design at the University of Manitoba before marrying Harold Mostow in 1947. They had a wonderful life together. They loved to throw parties for their family and friends at their home on Brock St. and Lillian’s Sunday pancake brunch was a cherished tradition. To escape Winnipeg’s brutal winters, they vacationed first in Mexico and later in Maui, where they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary as a joint simcha with the marriage of her daughter, Morri Mostow, to Douglas Long. After their children left home, Lillian accompanied Harold on his business trips to Asia, where she bought beads and semi-precious stones for the necklaces she designed for her home-based business, My Place. In 2005, two years after being widowed, she moved with her daughter and son-in-law to Gabriola Island, BC, where they happily shared a home for 14 years. Despite being a city girl all her life, she adapted seamlessly to country living. She soon had bridge partners and friends and began volunteering. Fiercely independent, she drove around the island in her red PT Cruiser, going to the library, attending events and taking the ferry to Nanaimo’s aquatic centre to swim a few times a week.
In 2019, failing mobility and cognition necessitated a move back to Winnipeg, to the Simkin Centre, where she spent her final years. At 99, she was still going to concerts, synagogue services and exercise classes.
Lillian was predeceased by her parents, Moses/Moishe and Clara/Chaika Halparin, her siblings, William/Bill Halparin, Norman Halparin, Archie Halparin and Freda Fox, and by Harold Mostow, her husband of 56 years. She is mourned by her children, Morri Mostow (Douglas Long), Michael Mostow and Sydney Mostow; by her grandchildren, Cassandre Aras, Clotilde Aras (Nicolas Gautier), Kyle Mostow (Rachel Minuk) and Mauro Mostow Palmer; by her great-grandchildren, Emily Mostow, Léonard, Céleste and Lilas Gauthier; by her many nieces, nephews and cousins; and by all those whose lives she touched.
Grateful thanks to the extraordinary staff at the Simkin Centre who took such good care of Lillian. Also to Rabbi Carnie Rose, who officiated her funeral with great warmth and compassion at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on January 22, 2026.
Eulogies and more about Lillian’s life can be found on morrimostow.com. Donations in Lillian’s memory can be made to the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre.

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