Obituaries
EVELYN MASLOWSKY
On May 18, 2020, Evelyn Maslowsky passed away at the Simkin Centre at the age of 92.
Evelyn is survived by her son Kenny, daughter Debbie (Arthur), daughter-in-law Chris, brother Nathan Yacowar (Lucy), brother-in-law Bill Mass (Zeke), her grandchildren Kaylee (Jared), Bobby, Tara and Sarah, and nieces, nephews, cousins, and her dear friend Allan. She was pre-deceased by her husband Sam, daughter Barbara, son Jerry and her parents, Abraham and Freda Yacowar.
Evelyn was born in Burstall, Saskatchewan in 1927. She was raised in a most loving family with her brother Nathan on their farm in Leader, along with her aunts, uncles and cousins (like siblings). Evelyn moved to Winnipeg on her own at age of 17 to live with her aunt and uncle and attend St. John’s High School before moving on to ‘secretarial’ training. Evelyn remained a true Saskatchewanite –feeling torn who to cheer for when her beloved Roughriders played the Blue Bombers (a bit embarrassing for her son Jerry years later when he worked for the Winnipeg football club).
Evelyn married Sam Maslowsky in 1947. Together they opened their first store – Cut-Rate Grocery on Pacific Avenue. They soon welcomed their four children into the world and all six lived upstairs of the store. Evelyn used to say those were the best years, with her family (very) close, and good friendships with neighbours and customers.
In 1962, Evelyn’s parents moved to Winnipeg. Evelyn and Sam moved to Garden City, with her parents and in-laws living up the street. Evelyn continued working with Sam in the store and together, eventually purchased a new grocery store – Tweed Food Centre in Elmwood. Again, their customers enjoyed the first-rate service, warmth and good humour of Evelyn and Sam.
In addition to working in the store, raising four children and being a devoted daughter, Evelyn was very active in B’nai Brith Women where she led numerous community service programs in seniors’ homes and at facilities for physically and intellectually challenged adults. There were also many fundraising events including developing their famous ‘Penny Arcade’. Evelyn was also active in Pioneer Women and volunteered for numerous organizations.
Evelyn was always cooking and baking for her family, the community and beyond. Whether it was feeding 20 Hydro workers sandwiches and coffee (they were fixing lines after a storm in front of the house), making food for those sandbagging at flood lines, or feeding walkers on a fundraising walkathon stop at our house, Evelyn was ready to contribute the best way she knew how – with food and an open heart.
In addition to working in the store, Evelyn started a part time job as an enumerator with the Henderson City Directories. She soon became Supervisor of the Winnipeg office and other canvasses in Western Canada.
A highlight for Evelyn was, after Sam passed and she had turned 80, Jerry, Debbie and Sarah took Evelyn to her hometown in Saskatchewan. The town council office held a Tea for Evelyn and many of her childhood friends and neighbours (even the milk delivery ‘boy’) came to pay tribute to the incredible community contributions of the Yacowar family. This was sweetened even more when her cousin Maury joined the nostalgic visit.
Everyone who knew Evelyn was familiar with her zest for life, her fieriness, her ability to be a warm place to land, her inability to be judgmental, her sparkling eyes, her love of dance, song, family and friends. She was the ultimate caregiver. She walked into a Toronto club where Kenny was singing with a bag of Omnitsky wieners and vursht. She made Christmas dinner for 50 friends and family (as that was the only day Sam closed the store) and anyone else who couldn’t be with their own families. She shipped baking filled Purim packages to Bobbi and Kenny. She brought baking, cooked chickens and chili to Jerry and Debbie. She delivered, with love.
The family is grateful for past assistance of Friendly Caregivers and the incredible staff of the Simkin Centre (EVERY single one). We also thank pallbearers Tara Maslowsky, Bobby Maslowsky, Kaylee Maslowsky, Jared Schirmacher, Neil Baker, and Sheldon Kaminsky. There are not enough words to express our thanks to Almaze Mebratu, whose dedication, love and support of her baba, knew no limits.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Evelyn’s memory may be made to: the “Barbara Maslowsky Memorial Fund” at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba; or the “Jerry Maslowsky Memorial Fund” at Variety, The Children’s Charity of Manitoba; or “Jerry’s Gift – The Day Away Program” at the Never Alone Foundation; or to a charity of your choice.
Rest in peace ma and take care of the rest of our family. You are so loved.
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.
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.
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.