Obituaries
BERNICE LEVINE-RISSIN
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Bernice Levine-Rissin on June 17, 2021, at the age of 86. She is survived by her children, Allan Levine (Angie), Brian Levine (Susan), Shayla Morrison (Jeff) and Joel Levine (Stephen Hinds);
grandchildren Jason Levine (April), Shawn Levine (Heather Doi), Justin Levine (Hayley), Alexander Levine (Shannon), Mia Shaffer (Geoff), Megan Morrison (Aaron Clarfield) and Brooke Morrison; great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Rachel, Piper, Hurin, Josephine, Meyer, Liliana, McCartney, Kole, Erica and Emmy; her brother Mel Kliman (Wendy Wright) and her sister Sharon Earn (Brian) She will also be missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her husbands, Marvin Levine and Joe Rissin, parents, Sam and Sarah Kliman, sister Freda Morry and her husband Manuel Morry.
Bernice was born on January 10, 1935 in Holland, Manitoba where her parents ran a general store. She and her siblings worked in the store and participated in all of the community’s events. On the High Holidays, the family would journey to Brandon, Portage la Prairie, or Winnipeg for prayer services. Passover also entailed extended visits of relatives from other towns for large seder gatherings. Summers and other holidays were the same. She remembered her house in Holland often being filled with aunts, uncles, and cousins, sleeping anywhere there was room. She had many fond memories of skating, curling, and going to hockey and baseball games with her school friends.
She married Marvin in 1954 and they had thirty-nine happy years together raising four children, participating in Jewish community events, summering at their mobile home in Gimli and in later years spending winters in Palm Springs. After Marvin passed away in 1993, she married Joe in 1996 and they, too, enjoyed their families and friends and traveled together until Joe passed away in 2013.
Bernice was a kind and generous person. She was a devoted mother and a great cook, especially during the holidays. Whatever the occasion, the Mixmaster always came out and she got down to work. Later when three of her children left Winnipeg, she never failed to bring an extra suitcase of cookies, cakes and other goodies when she traveled to visit them and their families.
She was the happiest when she was surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She led an active life filled with friends, fun and laughter. She enjoyed bowling, playing Mahjong and bridge, and long walks especially in Gimli and Palm Springs. She was active in ORT, the Rosh Pina sisterhood, and involved in the synagogue’s activities. For many years, she worked in the offices of the Rosh Pina Synagogue and then the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.
The past five years or so were very difficult for her and she faced a myriad of health problems. She was strong and courageous and learned how to use a prosthetic after she lost a leg. Early in 2020, she relocated to the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre Personal Care Home. Our family would like to thank everyone at the Simkin, especially the staff on Weinberg 3, for providing excellent care of her particularly over the past year during the pandemic. Though we could not see her all of the time, we were never concerned that she was not receiving the best of care. We will all miss her a lot and cherish our memories of her.
Funeral service and burial took place at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on June 20, 2021, officiated by Rabbi Anibal Mass. Pallbearers were: Allan Levine, Alexander Levine, Jeff Morrison, Geoff Shaffer, Yale Shaffer and Evan Cantor.
Donations in Bernice’s memory may be made to the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre or a charity of your choice.
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.