Obituaries
CARMELA FINKEL (nee SHRAGGE)
We lost our Mom, Bubby, Great-Bubby, Sister, Auntie and friend on October 9, 2020.
Born in Radziechow, Poland on March 22, 1933, our mom Carmela, and her older sister Betty, had a very happy early childhood, helping their mom in the kitchen and playing with friends, but things began to change around her when she was 6, with the rumblings of war and targeting of Jews. In 1941, the Nazis invaded their town. Fearing for their lives as a Jewish family, they went into hiding, ultimately ending up in a tiny mud hollow dug below the home of neighbours. These courageous Polish neighbours and another family risked their own lives, enabling Mom and her family to survive, despite numerous close calls. After 20 months in hiding, they were liberated by Russian soldiers in July 1944. Emerging weak and undernourished, they soon learned of the deaths of countless family members and the devastation of their Jewish community. Mom and her family made sure these two exceptional families were recognized as Righteous Among the Nations at Yad Vashem, a Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem.
After several years in a Displaced Persons camp in Deggendorf, Germany, Mom and her family emigrated to Winnipeg in October 1948. Mom quickly mastered the English language and graduated with high marks from St John’s Tech.
In December 1952, Mom met the love of her life, Nathan, and after a whirlwind romance, they married on her 20th birthday. A year later, they had their first child, Allan, followed soon after by Marla, Mona and Gina and 5 1/2 years later, Sheldon completed their family.
Mom was the consummate homemaker and took pride in everything she did. She ensured our home was always tidy and filled with the aromas of freshly-baked goodies and delicious homemade meals. The freezers and cold room were always well stocked with preserves, pies, pickles and so much more. Mom really enjoyed sewing and knitting, creating beautiful clothing for herself and for her 3 daughters and even their dolls. Her intricate needlework graced the walls of our home. In later years, Mom spent many hours knitting for Cancer Care Manitoba and was so pleased to hear that her pieces were usually the first items sold.
It was important to Mom that her children have a strong Jewish upbringing and education, and she created a home that reflected that, including lighting Sabbath candles every Friday and observing Jewish holidays with delicious homemade traditional foods and rituals. She was known for her gefilte fish and kreplach and many other specialties. A legacy we all cherish is the Passover seder matzo bags she made for each of her children and grandchildren.
Mom loved music, especially opera, classical and liturgical pieces. She opened this world to us too, a gift we all continue to appreciate and share with our own families.
Mom was a life member of Masada Chapter of Pioneer Women Na’amat and also enjoyed bowling, mahjongg and power walking in Kildonan Park. She loved to travel, especially to see her family, and was so happy to meet many family members at the international ‘Schrage’ family gathering in 2003. Mom joined the workforce in her 40s and spent many years in retail, most notably as nation-wide top salesperson at La Vie en Rose.
Mom’s early years were lived in fear, terror and uncertainty, experiences that shaped her life in many ways. She was overly protective, needing to have her children close at all times and to make sure they were well-fed. In her later years, as difficult and painful as it was, Mom found the strength and courage to share her Holocaust experiences with countless students and others, determined to ensure the world never forgets.
Mom cherished her relationship with her sister Betty, her best friend and confidante. Their daily phone calls and frequent visits were very important to her, knowing they could talk about anything and that they would always be there for one another. Their loving and supportive relationship served as a wonderful model for us.
Family meant everything to Mom. She was so proud of her 5 children and that they all grew to be kind, caring and responsible adults who continued to maintain close relationships with each other. Mom loved spending time with her 12 grandchildren and delighted in the births of her 9 great-grandchildren. We can all still feel Mom’s signature bear hug.
Mom was predeceased by her parents, Caroline and Leon, and her beloved husband, Nathan. She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her sister Betty, her children Allan (Barb), Marla (Howie), Mona (Patrick), Gina (Bernie) and Sheldon (Arlie), grandchildren Lauren, Evan, Jordan, Adam, Laura, Yale, Jessica, Megan, Julian, Aaron, Cindy and Danny, great-grandchildren Noah, Ruby, Jude, Liam, Abigail, Isla, Jack, Emmy and Lyla, and many nieces, nephews and relatives in Israel and around the world.
Mom’s funeral service was held on October 12, 2020 at the Bnay Abraham Cemetery. Our family would like to thank Mom’s homecare workers and the staff and residents at the Portsmouth for their care and kindness. A special thank you to Tracy Kasner-Greaves for leading the funeral service and for her eulogy, which honoured Mom’s life so beautifully.
Donations in Mom’s memory may be made to the Carmela Shragge Finkel Holocaust Awareness Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (204-477-7525 or https://www.jewishfoundation.org/send-a-card) or to a charity of your choice.
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.