Obituaries
A Tribute to My Brother, Archie – ARCHIE HONIGMAN – Jan. 23, 1960- Sept, 23, 2021
It is with immense sadness and grief that I’m announcing the death of my brother Archie Honigman, who died of Covid on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at the age of 61.
I’m devastated, heart-broken and in shock. My wonderful, kind, caring, loving, smart and fun brother is gone. It’s hard to comprehend.
Archie’s death is a tragedy, just like my dad’s death was a tragedy and my dad’s parents and his sisters’ deaths were tragedies. They all died way too young.
What a life Arch lived though. Growing up, it was just our dad. Archie, and me. We were a team—-incredibly close. We all took care of each other. We travelled together to many fun places like Florida and Hawaii. Then there was our most special trip to Mizerich in Ukraine (formerly Poland) to see where our dad lived as a child and to attend a very emotional and meaningful memorial service to give tribute to the Jews, including our dad’s family, who were murdered during the Holocaust. After, we went to Israel and had fun. I remember Archie and my dad posing in funny pictures with mud on their bodies at The Dead Sea. I remember Archie and me kibbitzing in Yiddish with some religious guys with payes. They were shocked that we knew Yiddish. Archie liked to have fun with his family.
Archie and I took several trips, just the two of us… to Las Vegas, Dallas, California, Virginia Beach, New Orleans, Club Med in Mexico, and Miami Beach. We always rented bikes wherever we went. We both had a passion for cycling. Archie also loved to take a million pictures of our fun adventures. And then… there were the many Jewish singles cruises that we attended. Archie, being a very handsome guy—-tall , dark and handsome, with sparkly blue eyes—-was very popular with the women and it was funny to see all of them chase after my big brother. It was also fun how during the formal nights, he always wore a sweater with cartoon characters on it. Archie was Mr. Casual and very laid back.
Archie and I also travelled to Edmonton several times to visit and celebrate the simchas of our Aunt Penny and Uncle Percy and their kids—our cousins, Reesa, Jay and Robbie Lerner. We also enjoyed fun times with them in Winnipeg Beach and Toronto.
Archie, my dad, and I always loved Toronto and, as kids, we lived there three times. My dad thought we belonged in Toronto. When I moved to Toronto, Archie helped guide me every step of the way. He visited me every month and always brought me Gunn’s bagels and poppyseed rolls and rye bread from City Bread. He would also bring Jeannie’s cakes to celebrate our birthdays. He kept a bike in my condo and we often went on long bike rides downtown. We loved to cycle together. When my son Shafer was born, he flew to Toronto on the same day and stayed for several weeks. When Brody was born, he came a day later and helped look after Shafer. He was an amazing uncle. He adored my kids and they adored their Uncle Archie.
He loved to talk with my kids on the phone and in person. They all loved to hang out together. He used to tickle them when they were small and they giggled so much. He was the ultimate fun uncle. We travelled together to Disney World several times. It was our super fun place to go together and just have a great time. In Toronto, we also had fun going to farms, apple picking, beaches and amusement parks.
My brother often acted like a kid himself and did mischievous things like goofing around in his rental cars. He would place my kids on the roof of his car in my driveway and they would all be laughing while eating licorice, his favourite candy. He always had a stash in his car.
Archie would come to Toronto each month to play and have fun with my kids, my husband Arnie, and me. He came in for all my kids’ birthday parties and many of their school plays. He loved being an active part of their lives. Archie was very proud of his nephews, Shafer and Brody Honigman Deltoff. He had many pictures of them displayed all over his house and at our cottage. We have many wonderful memories of us hanging out with him at the beach, having fun playing at the arcade, going out for ice cream and goofing around the hot tub with all of Archie’s rubber duckies. He liked hanging out on the deck, schmoozing with the many people who visited us. He was a very social person and liked when people stopped by.
So many people liked Archie…so many people loved Archie. He was the true definition of a mensch and was so kind and generous with his time, advice and gifts. I have heard countless stories of how Archie gave of his time and energy to help them in so many ways. He was known to bring really, really nice gifts whenever he was invited somewhere.
Speaking of love, no one loved him like I loved him. We had an unbreakable bond—- a brother and sister relationship like no other. We were so close… incredibly close and everyone knew how close we were. He was such an amazing, wonderful brother.
Archie, I miss you so much. I will always remember you. I will cherish our special memories.
Rest in peace, my wonderful brother… You were the best brother ever.
Love,
Brenda
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.
Obituaries
JEAN SHIRLEY KOPSTEIN FEBRUARY 14, 1934 – JANUARY 11, 2026
Jean Shirley Kopstein passed away peacefully, a month shy of her 92nd birthday, with her three devoted children by her side.
Known to her family as Shaney, Jean will be deeply missed by her children, Ivy (Murray), Ruth, and Alan; her grandchildren, Louis, Minnie (Patrick), Leo (Ashley), and Max (Brynne); her great-grandchild, Margot; her brothers, Martin (Grace) and Gary; as well as her nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Jean was born on Valentine’s Day in 1934 in Montreal. In 1939, her family returned to Winnipeg, where they settled in the city’s North End. During her second year at the University of Manitoba, Jean met Bobby Kopstein, the light of her life. They married on June 23, 1954. That same year, Jean graduated as a teacher and taught for three years before choosing to stay home to raise their family.
Later in life, Jean embarked on a meaningful professional career and left her mark on every organization she served. She worked as a counsellor at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, became a specialist in adult education and went on to become Director of Staff Development and Training for the provincial Department of Corrections. During that time, she was also seconded by the government to establish the Manitoba Women’s Directorate. She was often described as an inspiration – a wonderful colleague, a thoughtful leader, and a great friend.
Jean had many passions and immersed herself fully in all of them. She loved travelling with Bob and had a deep appreciation for film, music, art, design, fashion, and food from many cultures – always in search of the perfect muffin! She formed deep bonds with family and friends, with constant concern for the well-being of those she loved. Jean and Bob were humanists who led by example, instilling strong values in their family. Jean had a unique and engaging presence. She was outgoing, vivacious, curious, and intelligent. She lit up a room with her energy and her beautiful, warm smile.
Diagnosed with glaucoma in her 60s, Jean began a long and challenging period in her life. After the loss of Bob in 2014, she faced further health difficulties. Despite these challenges, her desire to live fully never waned. She remained interested in the world around her and took great joy in family dinners, trips to Winnipeg Beach, and spending time with family and friends. The family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in Jean’s care over the many years, especially those who went above and beyond. They are deeply grateful to Shaftesbury Park for its support, and in particular to Jean’s caregivers for their outstanding care, compassion, and kindness. The family would also like to express appreciation to the clergy and staff of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue for their kindness and support. Donations in Jean’s memory may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
CATHY NORAH ITSCOVICH MAY 28, 1958 – FEBRUARY 7, 2026
Cathy passed away quietly on February 7th surrounded by family after fighting an admirable fight. She is survived by her husband Sheldon, daughters Cheryl (Mike), Jennifer (Craig) and stepson Brian (Cara) and her grandchildren Leland, Hayden, Daylea and Xander. Siblings, Reay (Corey), Joan (Ron), Janet (Dwight) and Fred (Attiya).
She will be greatly missed by family and the many friends she made along her journey. Cathy was born in Winnipeg and had the opportunity to span Manitoba with family while growing up. Her home towns included: Dauphin, Brandon, Thompson, where she graduated from R.D. Parker in 1975. Finally setting back in Winnipeg in 1983 to soon start as a dedicated MTS employee through more than 30 years of service, following in her father’s footsteps. After retirement, her faith and community at Etz Chayim Synagogue not only kept her busy, but brought countless deep friendships and connections that filled her with love. A thank you to Rabbi Kliel Rose for his guidance and unwavering support.
Cathy enjoyed spending her days quilting, gardening, joining “the ladies” to play Mah-jong, or nickels. She believed strongly in giving to charity and volunteered for numerous organizations like, Winnipeg Humane Society and Winnipeg Harvest being among her favourites.
Her love of every animal she encountered, family, friends, flowers, her Jeopardy sharp intelligence, and all the little joys she found in life will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flower, please consider donating to one of Cathy’s favourite charities in her name. Wild Life Haven Animal Rescue or Winnipeg Harvest.