Obituaries
MANUEL SOUSA
It is with deep sadness and much too soon that we announce the passing of Manuel (Manny) Sousa, peacefully on Sunday, September 20, 2020, after a brief illness at the age of 59.
He was surrounded by the love of his wife and partner Sheara Waxman and his family.
In addition to Sheara, Manny is survived by his parents, Carlos and Liliana de Sousa of Toronto, his brother and sister-in-law Carlos Sousa and Tessy Muscat Sousa and their children, Joshua (Jen), Katherine (Hutch) and Adam Sousa of Toronto, his sister-in-law Gayle Waxman and her daughter Alexandra of Winnipeg, and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Martin Waxman and Maureen Judge and their children, Jacob (Mawr) and Rebecca Waxman of Toronto. Manny was predeceased by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Myra and Alexander Waxman.
Manny and Sheara were together for 31 years, making memories that will last a lifetime. They walked hand in hand through life, partners in every way. Nothing made Manny happier than listening to Sheara’s laugh and making her smile.
Family was everything to Manny. He was devoted to his parents whom he loved and looked out for. Manny was always grateful to his parents for immigrating to Canada and making countless sacrifices so he and his brother Carlos could enjoy a wonderful life. Manny also had a deep affection for Sheara’s parents and treated them with love and respect.
Manny cherished the relationships he had with his nieces and nephews. He shared a special bond with each one of them and loved being with them. Joshua, Katherine and Adam all pursued careers in the arts and credited Manny as their inspiration. Everyone who knew them, knew that when one of them referred to “Uncle” they meant Manny. Manny always looked forward to talking about and playing hockey with Jacob and often said that the highlight of a recent trip he and Sheara made to Spain was the time they spent with Rebecca. Manny felt honoured and lucky to be a part of Alexandra’s day to day life. He shared in the joy of raising her and was so proud of the exceptional person she is today. Alexandra also considered Manny to be her inspiration.
Manny was a true people person, kind and warm to everyone he met. He had an incredible curiosity about so many things and was always learning and challenging himself. Manny’s passions were boundless and included playing hockey, cheering on the Winnipeg Jets, photography, travel, carpentry and most importantly spending time with family and friends. He approached every opportunity with a smile, a positive attitude and a zest for life.
Manny was born in Portugal and grew up in Toronto where he met Sheara and their life together began. Sheara and Manny relocated to Winnipeg where he pursued his career in photography and became a successful, creative entrepreneur. For almost 30 years, Manny captured moments and milestones in Winnipeg and throughout the world. He quickly became one of Winnipeg’s most accomplished, respected and innovative photographers. Manny was sought out as a mentor and admired for his work ethic, passion and knowledge, which he shared generously. He also extended his generosity to many community charities and causes.
In addition to his photography business, Manny travelled the world and used his lens to capture the wonder and beauty he saw around him, producing stunning images that were widely admired.
Manny appreciated all the messages of love and support that he received from family and friends during his illness. Sheara and family are also grateful for the outpouring of kindness and sympathy.
We will miss Manny’s smile, his laughter and his joy for life. Manny will forever be in our hearts.
A private remembrance has taken place.
Those wishing to honour Manny’s memory can donate to the Manuel Sousa Award for Excellence in Photography at the Children’s Heritage Fund, Winnipeg School Division by calling 204-775-0231
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.