Obituaries
BARBARA LEVY 1955-2020
On November 1st, Barbara Levy passed away peacefully, but far too soon, with her family by her side.
There will never be another Barbara Levy. Anyone who had the good fortune to have spent time in her company could tell you the unmistakeable presence she had. Her every decision was dictated by her strong sense of self, governed by her passion, and guided by the boundless love she had for her family. Barbara was the very embodiment of unconditional love, her generosity of words and actions matched only by her sharp wit and sense of humour.
As a teenager, Barbara was an avid reader. Inspired by the great literary works, she became an English teacher and educated and inspired young minds during her long career. She was devoted to her students and imparted on them her fondness for Canadian literature by taking them on field trips to Margaret Laurence’s home in Neepawa.
Barbara met her husband Moses (Moe) at the age of 19. She was his confidant, best friend, and love for almost 46 years. She was the bedrock for her Moses throughout his career; a steadfast supporter of all his pursuits, she was exceptionally proud of all he had done to reshape his adopted city.
With Moses, Barbara had three children who were the light of her life: Adam, Sam, and Sarah. From an early age to adulthood Barbara instilled in her children the joy of imagination, the value of integrity, the virtue of duty, and the power of resilience. Nothing brought her greater joy than nurturing them into the caring, giving, and accomplished people they have become.
As the Levy family continued to expand, Barbara spread her wings to welcome beloved pets, Allie and MacDuff, the partners of her children, Tanya, Sandra, and Robin, and in recent years, her beautiful grandchildren, Benjamin and Maya. She could simply not help herself but to be a dedicated mother to them all, for her heart and soul has no limitations.
The dedication that Barbara showed to her husband and family was likewise present in her relationship with Judaism, embodying Jewish values and maintaining a Jewish family. Of the countless things she did to make simchas and observances celebratory and meaningful, Barbara’s embrace and assurance of the Shabbat will remain in the hearts of those around her. Each week, she created an island in time on Friday nights, filled with unforgettable food, songs, heated debate, and laughter.
Barbara demonstrated her characteristic tenacity and poise during her two-year battle with cancer, fiercely determined no matter how difficult the road was. Throughout her entire life, Barbara was the epitome of elegance and strength at once. That did not change when she became sick.
Barbara had an unmistakeable grace and class that elevated those around her, that made any moment spent with Barbara one worth living. She will be profoundly missed by her entire family: her husband Moses, her children Adam and his wife Tanya, her grandchildren Benjamin and Maya, Sam and his wife Sandra, Sarah and her partner Robin, her mother Inge and her sister Ursula, and all of her extended family. Barbara was predeceased by her father, Arthur.
The funeral was held at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on November 4, 2020, and shiva was observed privately by the family. We wish to thank Rabbi Yosef Benarroch for officiating Barbara’s funeral, and honourary pallbearers Rabbi Shmuly Altein, Matthew Adelman, Michael Goldberg, David Lipnowsk and Jeff Morry. Minyan participants were Abe Anhang, Jack Craven, Hart Kaplan, Jeff Kliman and Shawn Wolk.
We also wish to thank Dr. Paul Daeninck, Shawna Castillo, and the entire team at the Victoria Hospital CancerCare for their support, attention, and care over the last year and a half.
Donations in Barbara’s honour can be directed to the Barbara Levy Scholarship Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
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.