Obituaries
DINA FRANKEL
Dina Frankel (nee Gilman), loving wife of the late Mark Frankel Z”L, dedicated mother, grandmother, aunt and sister, passed away peacefully with family by her side on December 27, 2023 (15 Tevet 5784) at Grace Hospital.
Dina Frankel was born in the North End of Winnipeg on October 7th, 1931 to Samuel and Mollie Gilman Z”L. Growing up in this humble, working class setting with seven siblings and immigrant parents fresh from the old country instilled in Dina a strong sense of family values that she passed down to her children and grandchildren. For Dina, it was always “family first”.
As destiny would have it, Dina met Mark Frankel at a Yom Kippur event in the early 1950’s and they were married in November of 1955. Dina and Mark raised their three children in Garden City. As a close-knit family of five, the Frankels were devoted, active members of the Jewish community.
Mom’s legacy was that of total dedication in every area of her life. Be it raising her children and grandchildren or preparing meals for her extended family and close friends whom she thought of as family, Mom was never happier than when she was bringing people together.
Our Mother’s infectious personality & beautiful smile made her easy to love, and her natural warmth drew many friends into her orbit throughout her life. Fostering relationships was always important to Mom, and through weekly Mahjong games and her time at Gwen Secter, she was lucky enough to develop a group of friends who remained close forever.
Dina was a passionate woman, and when she loved something, she put her heart and soul into it — be it her love of knitting, reading, cooking, playing Mahjong, weekly bowling & in her younger years working full time and raising her children and then being there for her grandchildren.
Though she lived all her life in Winnipeg, Dina’s wisdom and experience surpassed the borders of Manitoba. Dina was always looking to learn new things and expand her horizons; an avid reader and lover of old films, Dina regularly took part in book exchanges through B’nai Brith Women and loved bringing her family to the theatre. The kids, thus fascinated with culture, traveled often when they were old enough to go on their own, and the parents followed suit in due order.
Giving back to her community was one of the driving forces of Dina’s life. Through her involvement with Jewish organizations B’nai Brith Women where she became chapter president of the newly formed Nadir Chapter JWI and Beth Israel Synagogue where she served as the Sisterhood co-president, she worked tirelessly to help her community.
The memory of Dina Frankel endures in her friends and family, who still work to live up to the principles of kindness, charity and Yiddishkeit that she instilled in them. Dina was loved in life, and will be fondly remembered for generations to come.
Towards the end of her life, Dina was aided by two committed, loving and invaluable caregivers who helped her tremendously through her later years — Femy Abenes and Marga Torres, both of whom often referred to Dina as their mother. Special thanks to Dr. Tamara Buchel and the team at Shaftesbury Park Retirement Centre led by Jennifer Lambert and Charmaine.
Dina is survived by her son Sidney Frankel [Roser Cusso] of Paris, daughter Gail Cantor [Ron] of Winnipeg, daughter Carla Worb [Michael] of Toronto, her five grandchildren: Jorey Worb [Alex Raiman], Molli Worb [Obed Ortiz], Harry Worb [Carly Goodman], and Marlee Cantor, her younger brother Ronnie Gilman of Los Angeles and sister-in-law and very dear friend Charna Gilman of Winnipeg, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Dina was predeceased by her elder siblings Ida Cohen [Lawrence], Izzy Gilman, Abe Gilman, Bess Miller [Al], Harry Gilman [Elsie], Jack Gilman, sister-in-law Anne Gilman, mother and father-in law Anne and Louis Frankel and brother-in-law Bernie Frankel [Gloria].
The funeral was held on Sunday, December 31st, 2023, at 10:30 am at the Chesed Shel Emes Funeral Chapel.
Pallbearers were: Son Sid Frankel, grandsons Harry Worb and Alex Raiman, nephews Murray Miller, Steve Rogul & Geoffry Wolk.
Donations in Dina Frankel’s name can be made to Jewish Foundation of Manitoba – Dina & Mark Frankel Fund
https://www.jewishfoundation.org/send-a-card
Etz Chayim Synagogue -Dina & Mark Frankel Fund
https://www.congregationetzchayim.ca/
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.