Obituaries
ETHEL CHOCHINOV March 28, 1933 – January 17, 2024
Ethel was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan in 1933, and moved to Winnipeg as a young girl with her parents, Beatrice and Isaac Shnider and her brother Sol. She grew up on Glenwood Crescent on the east side of the Red River, ate raspberries and apples from the garden, loved school, and played with her best friend, Audrey Vineberg who lived down the street, She had a happy girlhood. As a smart, talented and driven young woman, she dreamed of becoming a doctor, but was talked out of it by her brother (women weren’t all that welcome into Medical School back then), so went into Pharmacy at the University of Manitoba instead. She graduated in 1955 with the silver medal, losing out to Audrey for the gold by only one point.
But she won the biggest prize anyway, because that’s where she met Earl Chochinov, a fellow Pharmacy classmate. They locked eyes and began the next, best and lasting chapter of Ethel’s life. Married in 1956, they became partners in love, life and business. Starting with the purchase of their first store—Eldorado Drugs on Henderson Highway—they retired 30 years later as the proud owners and operators of a successful chain of four retail drugstores across the city. Ethel was a full partner, controller, office manager, and decision-maker with Earl in their enterprise. She worked hard and loved being an independent career woman. Later as a retiree, she used her proven management and financial skills in both paid and volunteer capacities. From 1987 – 2000, she was a part-time Management Services Program Advisor to family businesses with the Business Development Bank of Canada. As an active and committed volunteer, she was secretary/treasurer of her strata council for many years, and held many executive roles at the Jewish Community Centre of Victoria – her beloved organization that became like a second home to her and Earl for over three decades.
Ethel had a rich and active personal life – family, friends, tennis, golf, volunteering, and then a major move across the country to Victoria, BC in 1994. Always in the company of Earl (except for one single night when he went on a business trip to Flin Flon, and when one of them was in the hospital), they created a glorious life on the west coast that became their cherished home ever since. The years were full of adventures in travel, a community of wonderful friends that became their “fRamily”, winters in Palm Springs, pilates, more golf, tennis, entertaining, Mah Jong and late-night online poker.
Ethel was a devoted mother and bubbie, always so supportive of her kids’ many interests, educational pursuits, and very proud of the careers they chose and the marriages they made. She had a special bond with her only grandchild, Bronwyn, who made her heart even bigger with every visit and conversation. She was a woman whose sharp mind, unwavering loyalty and dedication to supporting others were the defining attributes of who she was in this world. Her enduring and devoted love story with Earl will one day be made into an Oscar-winning movie.
Ethel is survived by Earl, daughter Deena (Eric Posen), son Allan (Victoria Brown), and granddaughter Bronwyn.
The family sends their endless gratitude and thanks to Drs.Ted and Priya Rosenberg of Home Team Medical, and the entire staff at Amica Douglas House. These compassionate and expert professionals took outstanding care of Ethel, and offered her their unwavering support and kind attention every single day.
Funeral services were held at Hatley Jewish Cemetery, Victoria, BC on Friday, January 19.
Donations to honour Ethel’s blessed memory can be made to the Jewish Community Centre of Victoria https://jccvictoria.ca
Obituaries
ALAN LEVY
On January 6, Alan Levy, age 71, died at Grace Hospital with his wife and daughters by his side.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Alan spent his childhood in the North End and later moved to River Heights, where his family settled on Brock Street.
After studying in Winnipeg and Tel Aviv, Alan moved to Toronto, where he lived for over 30 years. It was in Toronto where he raised a family with his first wife, Sylvia Bashevkin, worked in public sector human resources and fell in love with Chinese food.
In 2017, after brief stints as an academic in Regina and Brandon, Alan moved back home to the Peg, where he spent many fulfilling years with his devoted wife of 20 years, Cheryl Karlinsky, and their loving dogs. In his later career, he was appointed to the Labour Relations Board of Canada where he served as a skilled adjudicator and proud Canadian.
Alan was endlessly proud of his family, daughters Dalia Levy and Aviva Levy (Adam Walman) of Toronto, and two grandsons, Jonah and Ethan.
Predeceased by his parents Sheldon and Audrey Levy (nee Myers) of Winnipeg, Alan was a dedicated news junkie with a sharp sense of humour. He thrived most when discussing current events, cracking jokes and debating geopolitical crises. Much to his family’s frustration, he would stay up all night glued to the news, and they’d wake up to endless articles he’d shared the night before.
Alan had an exceptionally strong spirit of generosity and focus on ‘tikkun olam’ – repairing the world, which lives on in his children and grandchildren. His family is grateful to the staff at Simkin for providing him with a phenomenal level of care over the last few years, especially Dr. Chung and Sara Reid, Assistant Director of Care. Special thanks to Paul, Victor and Almaze, his kind and patient caregivers.
The funeral took place at Chesed Shel Emes on January 8.
Donations in his memory can be made to The Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre https://www.simkincentre.ca.
Obituaries
DENNIS GERALD DITLOVE NOVEMBER 25, 1936 – DECEMBER 1, 2025
Dennis Gerald Ditlove was a man of integrity, kindness, generosity and most of all, humor. He was born on November 25, 1936 in the small town of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the son of Louis and Faye Ditlove, and if you knew him at all, you heard plenty of stories about his childhood there. Dennis was a man of unparalleled resolve and an entrepreneur who built Inland Steel through grit and determination.
He retired from Inland Steel in Saskatoon, SK in 1987, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and innovation. His unwavering commitment to his work was only outshone by his love for his family and his community in Rancho Mirage, California. Dennis was a man of many talents and passions but he was best known for the relationships he cultivated with everyone he met, and his unparalleled sense of humor.
Dennis is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy; and his loving children, Mark (Wendy) Ditlove, Shari Snow and Cindy (Stuart) Tapper; beloved grandchildren, Matthew (Mary) Ditlove, Jacob (Sydney) Ditlove, Danielle (Eli) Dresner, Emily (Max) Snow, Max Bermont, Jillian Snow, Jonah Tapper, Leo Tapper and Henry Tapper; and adored great-grandchildren, Sam and Wynn Ditlove, Goldie and Bernie Dresner. His legacy lives on in them, in the lessons he taught them and the love he gave. He was a pillar of strength and a beacon of wisdom in their lives, providing them with a firm foundation on which to build their own successes.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Faye Ditlove; his sister Zora (Walter) Stern; his first wife, Marlene Ditlove; and son-in-law Howard Snow. While there is sorrow in his passing, there is also joy in celebrating a life well-lived, a life that left indelible marks on the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
A service to honor and commemorate Dennis’s life was held on Friday December 5th at the Adath Yeshurin Cemetery Chapel in Minneapolis.
We invite his family and friends to visit www. hodroff.com/DennisDitlove to rewatch the service. Contributions in name can be be made to the Jewish Federation of the Desert, 69710 CA-111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. May his memory be a blessing.
Obituaries
DEBORAH DOLLY CHISICK (nee SEGAL) NOVEMBER 30, 1942 – DECEMBER 19, 2025
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Dolly Chisick on Friday, December 19th, at the age of 83. Dolly passed peacefully with her family by her side. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her children, Shannon Chisick-Harman and Sean Chisick; her grandson, Charlie Harman; her siblings, Elaine (Paul) Olin and Barney Segal; her husband, Ernie Chisick; and her nephews, nieces, and many friends. Dolly was predeceased by her beloved parents, Sam Segal in 1998, and Louise Segal in 2006. Dolly was born on November 30, 1942, in Toronto, Ontario. After a few years, her family settled in Winnipeg, where she spent her formative years growing up on Lansdowne Avenue. Dolly graduated from teachers’ college in 1962 and married Ernie in 1964.
Together, they travelled the world, stopping at every museum along the way.
An extraordinary art teacher, Dolly’s career spanned more than fifty years. A gifted educator and passionate artist, she inspired generations of students and instilled in them a lifelong love and appreciation for art. Her creativity, patience, and encouragement left a lasting impact on all who learned from her. Dolly was a deeply caring person who truly loved people, always opening her home and making everyone feel welcome. Her energy was endless. An extraordinary cook, she was especially known for her famous challah buns, lovingly baked and shared, which became a symbol of her care, hospitality, and the comfort she brought to those she loved.
Family and connection were the most important things in Dolly’s life, and she nurtured those bonds with warmth and generosity. Above all else, she adored her children and, later, her grandson, Charlie, taking immense pride and joy in being a devoted Bubi. The bonds and connections Dolly shared with those she loved will remain deeply felt, a lasting source of comfort and strength, and an enduring part of her legacy.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Riverview for their exemplary care and compassion over the past several years. Funeral services were held on Monday, December 22nd, at the Chesed Shel Emes, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were Owen Davidson, Myles Davis, Marc Goldberg, Michael Goldberg, Jordan Hochman, and Jordan Farber.
In memory of Dolly, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or the charity of your choice.