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
ISADORE (IZZY)MINUK (Z”L) JULY 5, 1927 – DECEMBER 30, 2025
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Isadore (Izzy) Minuk, on December
30, 2025, at the age of 98.
Izzy was born on July 5, 1927, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the third of five boys born to Tibel and Ben Minuk. Izzy was predeceased by his beloved wife Merle Minuk and his
cherished son Morley Minuk.
Izzy leaves to mourn his children Martin Minuk (Stephanie), Linda Rabkin (Jack), Jeffrey Minuk (Lora) and Cheryl Bokhaut (Bradley), thirteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Our father was a man of great wisdom, kindness, strength and resilience. He was
fiercely devoted to his family. He was committed to his health and well-being and a longtime member of the Rady JCC.
Izzy spent his last years at the Simkin Centre. Our family would like to express its appreciation and thanks to the Staff and Administration of the Simkin Centre for their attentive care.
Donations in Izzy’s honour may be made to the Merle and Isadore (Izzy) Memorial Fund
at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Simkin Centre or the Rady JCC.
Daddy will always be our sweetheart
Obituaries
GERTRUDE “GERTIE”NEPON (NEE PIERCE) JUNE 1, 1926 – DECEMBER 26, 2025
Gertrude “Gertie” Nepon (née Pierce), aged 99, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025. She was a devoted wife, mother, Baba, sister, and friend, whose love, warmth, and strength touched all who knew her.
She is survived by her loving children Allan (Reeva), Mark (Leslie), and Jack (Carla) and her cherished grandchildren Jordan, Hillary (Ariel), Joshua, Hayley (Richard), Taryn and David. Born on June 1, 1926, in Winnipeg, Gertie was the daughter of Esther and Benjamin Pierce. She was predeceased by the love of her life, David Harry Nepon, with whom she shared nearly 40 years of marriage. Their enduring bond was an inspiration to family and friends alike. David passed away in 1988 and losing him left a void in her heart that never truly healed. They are now reunited in peace.
Gertie was also predeceased by her beloved siblings – brothers Moe, Max, Fred, and Jack Pierce, and by her sister Patty. She is survived by her sister Brownie Fleishman, and by many loving nieces and nephews.
Gertie was known for her ever-present smile—even during life’s most difficult moments. Her family and friends were always her greatest priority. She was a homemaker, often volunteering in schools where she tested the hearing of nursery and kindergarten children. She was known for her organization and meticulous nature, keeping her home in perfect order, with everything in its place. She enjoyed playing bridge and mahjong and sharing lunches with her many friends, well into her 90’s. Even in her final year at the Simkin Centre Nursing Home, at age 99, she retained that magical smile—a smile that could light up any room and stood as a testament to her resilience, positivity, and love of life.
Gertie’s funeral was held on Monday, December 29, at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, with Cantor Leslie Emery officiating. Pallbearers were Allan, Mark, Jack, Jordan, David Nepon, and Ellen Fleishman. The family extends a special thank you to the staff of Weinberg 2 at the Simkin Centre for their exceptional care, kindness, and compassion.
Donations may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
SONYA KAMINSKY MAY 24, 1925 – JUNE 12, 2025
Beloved mother and Bubbi passed away peacefully at 100 years old.
Sonya is survived by her children Brenda (Marvin) Kass and Sheldon Kaminsky, her grandchildren Josh (Samantha) Hartley (Erin), Jordan (Jenn), Nikki (Patrick) as well as eight great-grandchildren and cherished nieces and nephews.
Sonya was predeceased by her parents, sister and beloved husband Bill.
Sonya married the love of her life Bill and they spent 53 wonderful years together, Theirs was a true love story filled with laughter and many wondrous moments and grounded by devotion, respect and unconditional love for each other, Their home was always open to family and friends and at the center of it all was Sunny ( lovingly named for her for her sunny disposition). Sunny loved entertaining. She was a great hostess and enjoyed cooking and baking for her family whether it was Friday night dinners -holiday gatherings or birthday celebrations.
Sunny enjoyed 10 pin bowling and volunteer work with Bnai Brith Women.
However at the centre of her life was always her Family and her role as BUBBI filled her heart and kept her strong.
She was the best – MOM- Bubbi – Aunt – always there for everyone to listen , guide, advise, and support and always with unconditional Love. She adored each of her great grandchildren and imply could not get enough of them….they were her pride and joy!
We all feel so blessed to have her share our lives.
MOM you were our Rock and you will always be our “Sunshine.”
SUNNY will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her family as well as all those whose lives she touched.
Our gratitude to Simkin center and especially to Moms caregivers Marianne, Odette, Marinel and Mina.
Special thanks to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for his ongoing support.
Our Heartfelt thanks for the donations, meals, love and support extended to our family.