Obituaries
ARNOLD MARGOLIS
Dec 28, 1929 – Nov 22, 2018
Unexpectedly, in the comfort of his home, aged 88.
Survived and forever cherished by his sister Betty Wexler, his children Ron (Debbie), Beth and Del, his grandchildren Zach Morton, Vanessa Rose, Tammy Brant and Matt Brant (Kerri). He was Alter-Zayde to great-grandchildren Alex Evans (Bree), Mackenzie Evans-Brant, Andrew Brant, and his newly-arrived great-great-granddaughter Raina Evans. He also leaves behind his adored grandpuppy Molly.
Predeceased by Lois, his beloved wife of 52 years, his sister Sarah, parents Sam and Rose, and his grandpuppy Sasha.
Arnold spent his childhood and early adult life in Winnipeg’s North End. He trained in the Cadets as the Second World War came to a close. A good student, notable amongst his extracurricular activities were the acting chops he displayed in local theatrical productions – he was a crowd pleaser. Learning piano wasn’t in the family budget, so after landing his first full time job, he purchased his own piano (on payments) and signed up for lessons. His love of classical music lasted his lifetime; he ensured his children all had lessons, and he enjoyed playing piano right up to this year.
Arnold and Lois chose to raise their children in River Heights. With Lois an only child, and Arnold’s elder sisters having moved to the U.S., he became the extended family care giver – modelling after his beloved Auntie Jennie Nathanson (née Gorsky), a Second World War nurse who relocated to Winnipeg to care for Arnold’s mother in the 1940s. He treasured his long distance telephone relationships with each of his sisters into their 90s, and Arnold’s attention to and care of elder relatives, including Jennie herself well into her late 90s, continues to resonate with his children today as a firsthand example of how to respect family.
While Arnold was Dad to Ron and Beth, he was Del’s Pa. Their special bond grew ever stronger and more meaningful, and these last years she became his best friend. Arnold was fiercely proud of his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments – ask anyone within earshot. He revelled in their adventures and achievements in school, sports, relationships, the arts and in the workplace; and if he wasn’t present, he thirsted for firsthand accounts of their activities. He and Lois embraced all that makes our City an amazing place to raise a family – from library visits to theatre, exploring beaches and parks, camping on summer vacations, museums, community centre events and extra-curricular sports and music. His face lit up at the sound or sight of his grandchildren, in a way that made you verklempt.
A hardworking and dedicated employee, the largest part of his distinguished business career until retirement was as General Manager at Imperial Agencies – a confectionary distributor. Trips to the candy showroom and the warehouse were highly prized by his children and their friends, and sparked many school fundraisers.
Arnold involved himself and his family in the Winnipeg community. His and Lois’ lifelong friendships had their origins in the 1960s among founders of Temple Shalom, where his roles included ritual committee chairman through the synagogue’s formative years, and he subsequently purchased and donated the storied Margolis Torah to its membership. Following retirement and a move downtown, Arnold and Lois enjoyed the connectivity of the walkway system, and were enthusiastic patrons of local theatre and festivals. Arnold started the Portage Place Residents Association, partnering with City Police and local business groups to improve living conditions in the downtown. He sat on the Winnipeg Public Library Board, and volunteered as a tour guide for the Winnipeg Art Gallery where he revelled as much in the visitors he engaged with each shift, as learning about the artwork. A longstanding force behind LWTB (lunch with the boys) club – he helped keep a disparate group of friends and extended family in touch. And after passing the torch, he looked forward to catching up at these “events” most recently together with his cousin Marsha. His easygoing manner and sense of humour meant Arnold was always popular amongst neighbours and staff at Place Promenade, The Boulton, Charleswood Adult Day Club and Lions Manor.
Again and again, we’re hearing that Arnold put the “gentle” in “gentleman.” His devoted daughter-in-law Debbie referred to him as her teddy bear. He always went out of his way to express his appreciation to family and care givers and medical professionals, and so while we want to thank all those who supported and cared for him since Lois passed in 2007, we know he’s already done that himself many times over.
Please honour Arnold by spending time with precious family; those so inclined may donate to a charity of your choice. He leaves us with the important reminder that a big life is not a requirement to leave a big legacy.
Private burial took place at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery and he was interred next to Lois, officiated by Rabbi Aníbal Mass with pall bearers Ari Marantz, Avrom Charach, Bruce Evans, Kevin O’Donovan, Mike Seifer and Ron Margolis. A celebration of Arnold’s life will be held Sunday, January 27, 2019, 2:00 p.m. at Rae & Jerry’s in Winnipeg, where we can share memories of his sweetness and love for family and friends. If you’d like to receive notification of the event nearer that time and have not yet been in contact with the family, please email Del at dmargolis6@shaw.ca.
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.