Obituaries
ANNIE NOZICK (nee ROSSEN)
October 13, 1918 – October 13, 2018
Our family is so sad to announce that Anne passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at her home, in the early morning hours of her 100th birthday.
She is predeceased by her parents, Mary and Joseph Rossen, her brothers, Robert Rossen and Allyn Rossen (Doris), her sisters, Fanny Kaufman (Dave) and Dolly Silverman (Izzie), and grandchild Lori Nozick. She is also predeceased by her husband and life-partner of 62 years, Manuel Nozick. Anne is lovingly remembered and will be deeply missed by her children: Michael Nozick (Cheryl Ashley), Robert Nozick and Marcia Nozick (Doug Aason); her grandchildren, Jennifer Ritter (Alan), Kimberly Nozick, Josh Nozick (Emily), Holly Steele and Jacob Steele (Laura Montgomery); and her great-grandchildren, Brianna Ritter, Madeline Ritter, Alia Steele, Mirabai Steele, Scarlett Nozick and Cody Nozick. Anne was born and grew up in Winnipeg’s North End. She attended I.L. Peretz, Machray, and Faraday schools. She was a brilliant student and finished high school at 15 years of age. She was also a talented dancer and acrobat. Anne’s early childhood had its hardships. She lost her brother Robert and then her father within one year of each other, when she was 11 and 12 years old, and her family consequently struggled with abject poverty during the years of the Great Depression. Consequently, Anne was not able to follow her dreams of becoming a doctor, and instead got a job working as a clerk at the Nozick Commission clothing company, on Albert Street. Even though her life had hardships, Anne never lost her spunk and enthusiasm for life. She was social and vivacious. She attended community dances, and proudly told us that her dance card was always full. Through her workplace, she met her future husband Manuel, and they were married in 1939. After his retirement until he passed in 2001, they spent 20 years wintering as snowbirds in Florida. Anne and Manuel built a beautiful life together. Known to those who loved them as Annie and Mannie, or Annual and Manual, they raised their three children in a loving home. Anne was active in various Jewish organizations, including Hadassah Wizo, ORT, and the National Council of Jewish Women. She became a self-taught (and truly excellent) piano player. She enjoyed golf, bridge, canasta, and Mah-Jong. She was a master chef and baker, and so many of her delicious recipes live on through her children and grandchildren. She could do anything she set her mind to. She was always laughing and smiling, and she always had a sparkle in her eye. Anne, together with Manuel, took so much joy in being grandparents. To her grandchildren, she was Grandma Bunny, or Grandma, and she simply doted on all of them. She always made time for visits, sleepovers, special meals and treats, and visits to Florida in the wintertime. She had a compassionate ear and sage advice. She made everyone feel special. Anne was always fiercely independent and strong-willed. She coped with and grieved the loss of her husband in 2001, and then rebuilt her active life surrounded by family, friends, and the hobbies she always loved. She became a great-grandmother and built meaningful relationships with her great-grandchildren. Anne lived independently well into her 90s. She continued to drive and buy her own groceries. She embraced change and technology and became a user of Facebook and Netflix. She always had a passion for life and a love of experiencing new things, and she lived her life to the fullest. The last few years brought their share of physical challenges for Anne, and she handled them with courage, mettle, and grace. At age 96, she had a terrible fall and required a four-month hospital stay to mend her shattered pelvis. Her care team was astounded when she almost completely recovered, save for usually using a walker to reduce the risk of falling again. Following her discharge, Anne moved into Shaftesbury Park Assisted Living. She made new friends and embraced crosswords, Sudoku, Chair Zumba, and Brain Games. She took impeccable care of her appearance, and she always wore a flower in her perfectly coiffed hair. Although she became increasingly frail over the last few years, she never lost her mental acuity and wit, and she took great pride in her memory and attention to detail. She didn’t ever forget a birthday or an anniversary, and she didn’t let us forget them either. There was always a phone call and a card, and sometimes even another phone call reminder. Anne embraced her age and the passage of time. She was reflective of her experiences, and she fondly remembered and talked about the family and friends that predeceased her. She treasured the relationships she had, and she told us that she loved us, often. She claimed that she hated people knowing her age, but loved telling people. She was so looking forward to the celebration of her 100th birthday party. Our family is heartbroken that we didn’t get to celebrate her birthday with her, yet, our family is blessed and we were all enriched, to have had a person like her in our lives, and we are truly grateful that we had her for so long. She was vital, happy, young at heart and so full of life and laughter, through to her very last day. Annie was interred on October 15 at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. We are grateful to pallbearers, Alan Ritter, Michael Ritter, Ted Lyons, Bobby Goldberg, Josh Nozick and Jacob Steele. Our family are also so grateful to Neva who attended to so many of Anne’s needs, and to her caregivers and companions, especially Odessa and Victoria, and others from Esther’s Group, for their love and care for Anne over the last few years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Manuel and Anne Nozick Fund at The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Diabetes Canada – Manitoba Division or Parkinsons Society Manitoba.
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.