Obituaries
EVELYN MASLOWSKY
On May 18, 2020, Evelyn Maslowsky passed away at the Simkin Centre at the age of 92.
Evelyn is survived by her son Kenny, daughter Debbie (Arthur), daughter-in-law Chris, brother Nathan Yacowar (Lucy), brother-in-law Bill Mass (Zeke), her grandchildren Kaylee (Jared), Bobby, Tara and Sarah, and nieces, nephews, cousins, and her dear friend Allan. She was pre-deceased by her husband Sam, daughter Barbara, son Jerry and her parents, Abraham and Freda Yacowar.
Evelyn was born in Burstall, Saskatchewan in 1927. She was raised in a most loving family with her brother Nathan on their farm in Leader, along with her aunts, uncles and cousins (like siblings). Evelyn moved to Winnipeg on her own at age of 17 to live with her aunt and uncle and attend St. John’s High School before moving on to ‘secretarial’ training. Evelyn remained a true Saskatchewanite –feeling torn who to cheer for when her beloved Roughriders played the Blue Bombers (a bit embarrassing for her son Jerry years later when he worked for the Winnipeg football club).
Evelyn married Sam Maslowsky in 1947. Together they opened their first store – Cut-Rate Grocery on Pacific Avenue. They soon welcomed their four children into the world and all six lived upstairs of the store. Evelyn used to say those were the best years, with her family (very) close, and good friendships with neighbours and customers.
In 1962, Evelyn’s parents moved to Winnipeg. Evelyn and Sam moved to Garden City, with her parents and in-laws living up the street. Evelyn continued working with Sam in the store and together, eventually purchased a new grocery store – Tweed Food Centre in Elmwood. Again, their customers enjoyed the first-rate service, warmth and good humour of Evelyn and Sam.
In addition to working in the store, raising four children and being a devoted daughter, Evelyn was very active in B’nai Brith Women where she led numerous community service programs in seniors’ homes and at facilities for physically and intellectually challenged adults. There were also many fundraising events including developing their famous ‘Penny Arcade’. Evelyn was also active in Pioneer Women and volunteered for numerous organizations.
Evelyn was always cooking and baking for her family, the community and beyond. Whether it was feeding 20 Hydro workers sandwiches and coffee (they were fixing lines after a storm in front of the house), making food for those sandbagging at flood lines, or feeding walkers on a fundraising walkathon stop at our house, Evelyn was ready to contribute the best way she knew how – with food and an open heart.
In addition to working in the store, Evelyn started a part time job as an enumerator with the Henderson City Directories. She soon became Supervisor of the Winnipeg office and other canvasses in Western Canada.
A highlight for Evelyn was, after Sam passed and she had turned 80, Jerry, Debbie and Sarah took Evelyn to her hometown in Saskatchewan. The town council office held a Tea for Evelyn and many of her childhood friends and neighbours (even the milk delivery ‘boy’) came to pay tribute to the incredible community contributions of the Yacowar family. This was sweetened even more when her cousin Maury joined the nostalgic visit.
Everyone who knew Evelyn was familiar with her zest for life, her fieriness, her ability to be a warm place to land, her inability to be judgmental, her sparkling eyes, her love of dance, song, family and friends. She was the ultimate caregiver. She walked into a Toronto club where Kenny was singing with a bag of Omnitsky wieners and vursht. She made Christmas dinner for 50 friends and family (as that was the only day Sam closed the store) and anyone else who couldn’t be with their own families. She shipped baking filled Purim packages to Bobbi and Kenny. She brought baking, cooked chickens and chili to Jerry and Debbie. She delivered, with love.
The family is grateful for past assistance of Friendly Caregivers and the incredible staff of the Simkin Centre (EVERY single one). We also thank pallbearers Tara Maslowsky, Bobby Maslowsky, Kaylee Maslowsky, Jared Schirmacher, Neil Baker, and Sheldon Kaminsky. There are not enough words to express our thanks to Almaze Mebratu, whose dedication, love and support of her baba, knew no limits.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Evelyn’s memory may be made to: the “Barbara Maslowsky Memorial Fund” at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba; or the “Jerry Maslowsky Memorial Fund” at Variety, The Children’s Charity of Manitoba; or “Jerry’s Gift – The Day Away Program” at the Never Alone Foundation; or to a charity of your choice.
Rest in peace ma and take care of the rest of our family. You are so loved.
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.
Obituaries
JEAN SHIRLEY KOPSTEIN FEBRUARY 14, 1934 – JANUARY 11, 2026
Jean Shirley Kopstein passed away peacefully, a month shy of her 92nd birthday, with her three devoted children by her side.
Known to her family as Shaney, Jean will be deeply missed by her children, Ivy (Murray), Ruth, and Alan; her grandchildren, Louis, Minnie (Patrick), Leo (Ashley), and Max (Brynne); her great-grandchild, Margot; her brothers, Martin (Grace) and Gary; as well as her nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Jean was born on Valentine’s Day in 1934 in Montreal. In 1939, her family returned to Winnipeg, where they settled in the city’s North End. During her second year at the University of Manitoba, Jean met Bobby Kopstein, the light of her life. They married on June 23, 1954. That same year, Jean graduated as a teacher and taught for three years before choosing to stay home to raise their family.
Later in life, Jean embarked on a meaningful professional career and left her mark on every organization she served. She worked as a counsellor at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, became a specialist in adult education and went on to become Director of Staff Development and Training for the provincial Department of Corrections. During that time, she was also seconded by the government to establish the Manitoba Women’s Directorate. She was often described as an inspiration – a wonderful colleague, a thoughtful leader, and a great friend.
Jean had many passions and immersed herself fully in all of them. She loved travelling with Bob and had a deep appreciation for film, music, art, design, fashion, and food from many cultures – always in search of the perfect muffin! She formed deep bonds with family and friends, with constant concern for the well-being of those she loved. Jean and Bob were humanists who led by example, instilling strong values in their family. Jean had a unique and engaging presence. She was outgoing, vivacious, curious, and intelligent. She lit up a room with her energy and her beautiful, warm smile.
Diagnosed with glaucoma in her 60s, Jean began a long and challenging period in her life. After the loss of Bob in 2014, she faced further health difficulties. Despite these challenges, her desire to live fully never waned. She remained interested in the world around her and took great joy in family dinners, trips to Winnipeg Beach, and spending time with family and friends. The family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in Jean’s care over the many years, especially those who went above and beyond. They are deeply grateful to Shaftesbury Park for its support, and in particular to Jean’s caregivers for their outstanding care, compassion, and kindness. The family would also like to express appreciation to the clergy and staff of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue for their kindness and support. Donations in Jean’s memory may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
CATHY NORAH ITSCOVICH MAY 28, 1958 – FEBRUARY 7, 2026
Cathy passed away quietly on February 7th surrounded by family after fighting an admirable fight. She is survived by her husband Sheldon, daughters Cheryl (Mike), Jennifer (Craig) and stepson Brian (Cara) and her grandchildren Leland, Hayden, Daylea and Xander. Siblings, Reay (Corey), Joan (Ron), Janet (Dwight) and Fred (Attiya).
She will be greatly missed by family and the many friends she made along her journey. Cathy was born in Winnipeg and had the opportunity to span Manitoba with family while growing up. Her home towns included: Dauphin, Brandon, Thompson, where she graduated from R.D. Parker in 1975. Finally setting back in Winnipeg in 1983 to soon start as a dedicated MTS employee through more than 30 years of service, following in her father’s footsteps. After retirement, her faith and community at Etz Chayim Synagogue not only kept her busy, but brought countless deep friendships and connections that filled her with love. A thank you to Rabbi Kliel Rose for his guidance and unwavering support.
Cathy enjoyed spending her days quilting, gardening, joining “the ladies” to play Mah-jong, or nickels. She believed strongly in giving to charity and volunteered for numerous organizations like, Winnipeg Humane Society and Winnipeg Harvest being among her favourites.
Her love of every animal she encountered, family, friends, flowers, her Jeopardy sharp intelligence, and all the little joys she found in life will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flower, please consider donating to one of Cathy’s favourite charities in her name. Wild Life Haven Animal Rescue or Winnipeg Harvest.