Obituaries
FANNY MOCK (nee Gerb) 1915-2018
Peacefully, with dignity and grace, Fanny Mock, age 103, passed away at the Simkin Centre on Sunday, August 5, 2018.
Fanny was predeceased by her husband Edward, her parents Yankel and Cheenya Gorbacz, sisters Shirley Baron, Marsha Garfinkel, Clara Katz and brothers Saul and Max Gerb. Left to cherish her memories and celebrate her life are daughters Sally Levy (Clement), Elayne Mock, Dyan Lamirande, son Harv Mock (Donna), grandchildren Brad Bannon, Jeff Bannon (Brandie), Charmain Levy (Maurilio), Grayson Levy (Lisa) and nine great-grandchildren along with sister-in-law Anne Gerb, numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends upon whom she made a positive and lasting impact.
Born in the tiny Polish village of Mezericz in 1915, Fanny, at age 17, traveled alone across a wide ocean and vast new country to join other family members who preceded her to start a new and exciting chapter in her life in a bustling city called Winnipeg. Like innumerable immigrants before her Fanny embraced her new home with enthusiasm and vigor, enrolling in night classes to learn English while working during the day in the city’s garment trade.
Not long after arriving Fanny’s neighbors introduced her to a charismatic, handsome young man named Edward (Eddy) Mock to whom she became engaged and married, together forging a union that would last 53 years until his passing in 1987, and would produce four loving children, a warm, nurturing home built on a foundation of Yiddishkite, unconditional love, traditional values, and huge helpings of legendary cooking and baking.
Fanny had an indomitable spirit and commitment to giving and service. She was a founder of the Yiddish-speaking H. Levick B’nai Brith Lodge (now known as Jewish Women International) where she worked tirelessly for many worthwhile causes, most notably to gather and send clothes to needy orphans in Israel. For this, as well as her leadership and support, she was twice named B’nai Brith Woman of the Year.
The matriarch of our immediate and extended family, Fanny was the impetus for family celebrations, holiday dinners or any excuse to just get together to laugh, reminisce, share stories and, of course, overindulge in great food. Whether she was Ma, auntie, baba, Mrs. Mock or simply Fanny, she was a reliable source of compassion, wisdom, common sense and a spontaneous, infectious sense of humor. She was quick and genuine with a compliment, loved reading, looked forward to “her shows”, aka afternoon soap operas, and became a late-in-life country music fan, embracing the Grand Ole Opry in her mid-80’s.
Our mother was fortunate to enjoy good health virtually all her life. In fact, when she fell and broke a hip at age 99, doctors did not hesitate to conduct surgery, confident in her successful recovery. And they were right! After her hospital stay Fanny returned home to her own apartment, where she lived until just this past January when, at her own suggestion, she moved to the Simkin Centre where she soon became a favorite of staff and fellow residents alike who relished her quick wit, views on current affairs and her outgoing personality. Our family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the entire staff at the Simkin Centre who treated our mother with care, compassion and respect during her brief residence there.
Fanny was an extraordinary woman. She possessed true strength of character, lived her life with ethics, dignity and purpose and, cliché as it may sound, truly made a difference in many, many lives.
Funeral services were conducted on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at Congregation Etz Chayim by Cantor Tracy Kasner Greaves with eulogies by son Harv Mock and grandson Jeff Bannon. Interment was at B’nay Abraham Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jack Solomon, Al Katz, Shane Solomon, Brad Bannon, Jeff Bannon and Michael Ritter.
Ma, as you rejoin Dad, Max, Saul, Shirley, Clara, Marsha and Baba and Zaida, rest peacefully knowing that we love you, and your heart and spirit will always be a part of us.
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.