Obituaries
JOE COHEN
Dad’s beautiful soul transitioned peacefully to heaven on Thursday May 10 with Harvey and Marilyn at his side.
He was determined to make his life and the life of the family he created into something special, exciting and adventurous.
He will be sorely missed and forever loved by son Harvey (Faye), grandsons Binyamin, Yitzchak and Meir, daughter Marilyn (Alex) and granddaughter Cara (Steven) and great grandchildren Corinna, Luzy and Zackery.
He was driven by a work ethic strong and determined, in order to provide generously for his family.
Born in September 1925 to factory working class parents in Manchester England he aspired to become a Rabbi, his Jewish education and devotion to Judaism a focal point of his life.
The oldest of four siblings and the longest surviving, Joe gave up the rabbi dream and took employment as a cutter in the local garment factory. But he never gave up his active pursuit of his Jewish faith through study, Shul attendance and davening. This was his foundation for the rest of his almost 93 years.
His dedication and adventure started when he volunteered for the Royal Air Force at the age of 17 and served his country for several years during world war 2 as an aircraft mechanic where he serviced Lancaster and Halifax bombers.
He travelled across Europe with the RAF and undertook responsibility , hard work and adventure as he served his country proudly .
After demobilization Joe married our mum Louise in 1946 and they were together until mum passed in 2015 after 69 beautiful years.
How dad missed mum so much these last three years and longed to be with her again!
As much as he loved us kids , grandkids and great grand kids and loved spending fun times he heeded her call and got his wish to be reunited again.
Mum and Dad started their married life in Manchester until Dad responded to the opportunity to emigrate to Australia and start an adventurous new life there in 1949.
A new clothing manufacturing facility beckoned and also the beaches of Melbourne and St Kilda.
But our mum became homesick for her family in Manchester and after a year and a half they returned.
Dad only wanted for mum to be happy and so he respected her feelings of isolation from family despite his spirit of adventure for Australia.
So they boarded the boat and headed back. A sea journey of several weeks.
Back in Manchester Dad resumed his factory work Monday to Friday and his work ethic and desire to provide saw him working on the open markets most Saturdays selling fancy dry goods such as ornaments, trinkets, lamps and toys.
And if that wasn’t enough, he would retreat to the little back shed on Sunday afternoons to do some custom cutting work.
Always striving to to work hard and make a few more shillings to supplement the family income.
Marilyn came along in 1951 and Harvey followed in 1956. I was the big sister to my baby brother and we all enjoyed the fruits of our dad’s labour.
When the sixties rolled around, dad started thinking about making a better life than the factory drudge with limited opportunity for economic or lifestyle advantage.
So when employment opportunity in the Winnipeg garment industry was advertised in a Manchester newspaper and the sponsor has connections to the Jewish community , Dad decided it was time to embark on another adventure .
So in December 1967 he gathered his family and we flew to Canada, first to set foot in Montreal and then off to Winnipeg in the winter!
Dad’s experience in the Winnipeg garment factories was not as pleasant as he expected and working conditions were less than ideal, however he determined that Canada would be our home from now on and 50 plus years later we are ever grateful for his spirit of determination to make life better for his family.
All his efforts resulted in the enrichment of our opportunities as his beloved children, grandchildren and great grandchildren here in Canadian society.
Striving even higher, Dad then decided that the factory life and “working for the man” wasn’t sufficient and subsequently embarked upon a retail clothing career by establishing a high end menswear store called Colliers Gentlemen’s Apparel which was located in the Scotia Bank concourse at Portage and Main.
Taking a chance on business with mum at his side in the store was his great accomplishment of the 1980s!
He so much enjoyed shmoozing with the professional crowd and office employees and others at this prime location and he was at the pinnacle of his working life having achieved status as an independent businessman.
He was a sharp dressed man and totally enjoyed recommending styles and fabrics to his clients as he measured them up for their chic custom made suits.
And beautiful shirts, ties and accessories decorated the walls and fixtures of Joe’s perfectly appointed location in the concourse.
Those years were just exhilarating for dad and mum together.
During the course of dad’s successful retail management career he made friends and acquaintances with many customers , business contacts and manufacturers agents.
His ability to connect with people through genuine interest and concern about others and his ability to debate in politics, sports and global matters set him apart as a highly respected member of the community.
In his retirement he loved to read books and newspapers, keep up with the news on tv and spend time with mum on numerous travels back to England to visit his siblings who still lived there and were unable to fly to Canada.
Their journey to the land of Israel to see Harvey and explore our beloved Jewish homeland was a wonderful memory they made together.
He always longed to return.
Hours spent with the beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren were most precious to dad for whom family was absolutely top priority.
Dad loved being a part of the Gwen Secter Centre and his weekly trips to the Wednesday program where he made new friends and led the minyan service before lunch.
He especially loved David and Margo with whom he created a special bond of love and friendship based on common life experiences and yiddishkeit.
Above all we are thankful for the love and care dad received at the simkin Centre over the last seven years.
There are not enough words for me to express our appreciation to the staff on Weinberg1 and also Simkin 1 for the respect, patience, honour and care they extended to our parents.
Theirs is a labour of love.
Dad was totally supported in his physical, emotional and spiritual needs as Harvey and I worked in partnership with these loving and kind staff members.
You know who you are!
Dad guided us with his love, his wisdom and his understanding, but he was firm and disciplined when and as necessary.
He set an example for how to live life in accordance with the laws of Torah, the moral code for our actions and treatment of others.
He always wanted the best for us and encouraged us to work hard, do well and always “save money”.
We will be eternally grateful for the ethics he instilled in us .
Rest in eternal peace Dad.
You are reunited with Mum now.
We will always love and honour your memories.
“I’ll Be Seeing You” – ?Vera Lynn
Donations in memory of Joe Cohen would be gratefully appreciated to the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre and/or the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre.
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.