Obituaries
JOYCE FRANCES FINGEROTE (SCHWARTZ)
Surrounded by her loving family, Joyce Fingerote passed away Saturday, June 6, 2015, at the age of 87 years, after a lengthy illness.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband and soulmate, Laibl, her parents Harry Schwartz and Eve Udin, her in laws Penia and Sura Ita Fingerot, brother and sister in law, Sam and Sharon Fingerote and brother in law Frank Taran. Joyce is survived by her three daughters, Rhonda Youell (Harry), Terri Fingerote (Rick), and Barbara Krolik (Joseph); grandchildren Richard (Signy), Ilana (Adam), Laura (Josh), Erin (Dave), Isaac and Eve (Josh) and great grandchildren Ella (Erika and Carter), Sam, Lev and Yale.
Our mother was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 20, 1927. Her earliest years were spent in Gladstone and Minnedosa, Manitoba as the child of a ranching family. She moved into Winnipeg at age 6 with her widowed mother to attend school while living with her maternal grandparents, Louis and Bayla Fishman and her three loving uncles, Harvey, Harry and Sammy. When our grandmother remarried in 1937 mum then moved with her new family to the Fort Rouge area where she remained until rejoining her grandparents on Salter Street to be able to attend St John’s High School. Joyce’s memories of attending St John’s were ones of wonderful teachers, enriched learning, but most of all the friends she made which would last a lifetime.
After graduation mum attended the University of Manitoba for two years in the Faculty of Arts. She then began working as a dental assistant, while marrying the boy, our dad, who in her own words ”thrilled her” from the moment they met to their marriage on December 4, 1948.
Theirs was a beautiful marriage. Joyce and Laibl had a partnership full of love, trust, support and friendship. Their three daughters born within nine years of their marriage were the pride and joy of both.
Our mother made a career out of maintaining a loving, welcoming Jewish home. Never too busy to lend an ear, always available for each of her daughters and their friends, Joyce was a warm, compassionate and understanding woman who created an environment which welcomed everyone. Her culinary talents and delicious baking were always an asset to every heartfelt conversation and every Jewish holiday meal.
As grandchildren began to appear in 1975 our mother’s expertise with people and her love of life only increased .The time spent with her six grandchildren was never enough and yet beautiful unique loving relationships were established with each grandchild and subsequently each great grandchild as the years unfolded.
Mum’s interests were many and varied. Joyce enjoyed playing mah jong, followed in her last years by poker. She was an avid reader and excelled with crafts such as sewing and knitting. Our mother was a huge fan of Frank Sinatra and both mum and dad were avid fans of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers both on the field and off. Travel was also a highlight with yearly family visits to Duluth and Minneapolis and winter vacations in Hawaii, Palm Springs and Miami. Visits to England, Israel, Las Vegas, Phoenix and California were a special treat every time.
Joyce’s funeral service took place Monday, June 8, 2015 at Etz Chayim Synagogue followed by interment at Rosh Pina Memorial Park. Thanks to Rabbi Lander and Cantor Tracy Kasner Greaves for officiating. Pallbearers included Joyce’s grandsons Richard Hechter and Isaac Krolik, and nephews Barry Taran, Dale Taran, Len Fingerote and Lloyd Baker.
Donations as you wish may be given to the JNF Joyce and Lou Fingerote Memorial Fund, the Etz Chaim Synagogue or a charity of your choosing.
We love you mom and we always will.
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.