Obituaries
Evelyn Gurvey
Peacefully, on May 18th, 2023, Evelyn Gurvey passed away at North York General Hospital in Toronto. She was predeceased by her loving husband Harry, and her beloved parents Hymie and Marion Mozart. Evelyn will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her children Martin Gurvey (Brenda), Gayla Schwartz (Ken) and Alan Gurvey (Nancy); grandchildren, Faren Asaria (Roy), Marli Lichtman (Kyle), Harlan Gurvey (Amanda), Rayna Schwartz (Bas), Lisa, Carly, Ali and Lindsey Schwartz, Hudson and Harper Gurvey; great-grandchildren Asher and Maya Asaria, Max Lichtman, Madison Gurvey, and Benson and Oliver de Beer; sister Mindy Cantor, and many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.
Evelyn was born in Winnipeg on June 4, 1931. She graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1952 and enjoyed a fulfilling career in library sciences, first working at the McGill University Library in Montreal. After several years raising her children, she returned to the University of Manitoba Elizabeth Dafoe Library in 1975, and then concluded her career at the University of Manitoba Medical School Library in 1986. She was respected and loved by students and professors alike, dedicated and committed to her supervisory role in the library until her retirement.
After retiring from the University of Manitoba, Evelyn volunteered for many worthy causes, including the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Leisure Group, the Gwen Sector Creative Living Center, the National Council of Jewish Women, and the Women’s Committee of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, for which she was profoundly proud.
Evelyn was thoughtful and caring. She was the soul of wit, the cornerstone of reason, and the picture of love, exhibiting unwavering support and a keen sense of humour. This was superimposed on an adventurous, youthful spirit and infectious personality that was a guiding matriarchal light on her ever-growing family. She had never-ending optimism, always ready with a witty and insightful quip.
She was well-known and well-loved for her cooking and baking, often traveling near and far with an Oreo, strawberry or cherry cheesecake, Tia Maria tort, shortbread cookies or her famous marble cake to share with neighbors, family and friends. She was renowned for her meatballs, which were particularly savoured by her grandchildren.
Evelyn’s interests were widespread, with a profound love of music and musical theatre. She took every opportunity to sing in a choir, whether it was on a cruise ship, at synagogue or in the community. She danced with passion, always with a big smile on her face.
She also loved to travel. Evelyn spent many years traveling with her husband of 49 years, Harry, enjoying many vacations, particularly cruises and road trips with her family. After Harry passed away, she traveled extensively, often by herself, making new friends and relishing new experiences.
Evelyn was a frequent guest on her son Alan’s Los Angeles based radio show, Gurvey’s Law. She often shared the microphone with legal luminaries, actors, athletes and news personalities, holding her own with intelligence and good humour. She was a natural on the radio, adding insightful and meaningful commentary to almost any subject.
Evelyn had a way with words, ushering her way though life with sentiments of encouragement, jokes and philosophical sayings. Her love of art, opera, symphony, philosophy, literature and sports inspired many of these interests in her children and grandchildren. She was a dedicated fan of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Minnesota Vikings. Evelyn loved summer days at the family cottage at West Hawk Lake, where she enjoyed relaxing and spending time with family.
Funeral services were held at Chesed Shel Emes in Winnipeg on May 22, 2023. Pallbearers were grandchildren Faren Asaria, Marli Lichtman, Harlan Gurvey, Rayna Schwartz, Lisa Schwartz and Carly Schwartz.
If friends and family so desire, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (204-949-3999), 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.