Obituaries
Harry Leonard Warren Nov 16, 1924 – March 24, 2023
It is with great sadness that the family of Harry Warren announces his recent passing at the age of 98. He leaves to mourn him his beloved wife of 74 years Nora , his son Marty and wife Jacquie (Dahl) and his grandchildren David and Nikki. He also leaves to mourn him numerous nephews and nieces . Harry was predeceased by his father Maurice Waisman , mother Sarah , sister Betty and brothers Louis, Robert and William. He was also predeceased by his son Paul.
Harry was born and raised in the north end of Winnipeg and lived with his family on Cathedral Ave. At an early age he became interested in sports and became proficient in hockey, skiing, tennis and golf . He attended St.John’s High School where he also participated in the track and field club.
Harry then went on to study at the University of Manitoba where he graduated in 1947 with a degree in civil engineering. He found work in Montreal in the late 40’s and met the love of his life, Nora on a blind tennis date with another couple. They were married on Jan 16, 1949 and moved back to Winnipeg in 1950 just in time to experience the “flood of the century”. They managed to stay afloat and Harry practiced as a structural engineer until 1953.
He then decided to enter the life insurance business following in the footsteps of his father and joined The Manufacturer ’s Life Insurance Co. now referred to as Manulife Financial. In 1956 he earned his degree as a Chartered Life Underwriter. Professionally, he served as president of The Winnipeg Life Underwriters Association, The Winnipeg Chartered Life Underwriters Chapter, The Winnipeg Estate Planning Council and he served on the board of directors of The Life Underwriters Association of Canada. He was a five star master builder of Manulife’s production club as well as a life and qualifying member of The Million Dollar Round Table, an international organization of life underwriters. Nora and Harry travelled extensively during his years as an insurance salesman, having qualified for many insurance conventions with Manulife. He always carried his pocket sketchbook with him to record their travels in a lasting manner. Harry sold his insurance brokerage company (Pol-Mar Agencies) in 1996 and retired in May of 1999. He always considered his clients as his extended family, and missed them after his retirement.
In his spare time, he served as president of The Brandeis Lodge and served on the board of directors of The Rosh Pina Synagogue and The Glendale Golf and Country Club. He also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and the Winnipeg Harvest.
Along the way, Harry and Nora had 2 sons ; Paul born in 1952 and Martin in 1957. Together the family spent many enjoyable summers at their cottage in Falcon Lake . He especially enjoyed his time on the water in the sailboat, canoe and motorboat. Harry took great pleasure in spending quality time with his family and also enjoyed his many hobbies including sketching, painting , sculpture and photography.
After retiring, Nora & Harry bought a home in Sun City West, Arizona where they spent 22 happy winters with new found friends. He enjoyed playing golf, tennis and pickleball in the warm desert climate. In his later years, he became an amateur clown named Leonardo and entertained seniors in Arizona as well as children in Winnipeg. Harry continued his life long learning habit by taking courses with The Rio Institute of Senior Education in Surprise, Arizona and he later volunteered to conduct classes with the institute.
A service for Harry was held at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park Cemetery on March 26, 2023. In lieu of flowers , donations can be made in his honour to which ever charity is preferred. Finally, the family would also like to thank all of the care givers associated with the W.R.H.A. Palliative Care unit, Esther’s Group private care group and the doctors, nurses and staff at the Riverview Health Centre who did their best to keep Harry as comfortable as possible during this past year.
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.