Obituaries
MAX HOCHMAN February 18, 1922 – January 28, 2021
It is with profound sadness that the family of Max Hochman announces his passing on January 28,2021, in Winnipeg. He was three weeks shy of his 99th birthday.
Left to mourn his passing are his children Jeanette (Norm) Addaway, Sid (Andrea) Hochman, and Irv (Sharon) Hochman of Toronto ; his grandchildren Michael and Melissa Addaway, Lana Hochman, Faren (Ari Sniderman) Hochman of Edmonton, Jordan and Evan Hochman of Toronto, his great-grandson Noam Sniderman, his sister Ettie Slotnick of California, and many nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends.
Max was predeceased by his wife Sara, parents, Hymie and Sarah, brother Leon, sister Anne Koster and step-mother Etta.
Max was born in Poland and emigrated to Saskatchewan. He had a difficult childhood as his mother died when he was only 11 years old. His younger brother was ill and passed away 6 years later. At 16, Max moved to Winnipeg to work. During WWII he enlisted in the Air Force, and was stationed, as he would say , “overseas” in Prince Edward Island as a morse code operator. From a young age Max learned the importance of resilience and the value of hardwork. He worked in sales at Allan Lyone for 40 years.
Max married Sara (Raber) and they were married for 56 years before her passing. Jewish values and family were an integral part of his life. He instilled these values in his children and grandchildren. He attended minyan at Etz Chayim (previously Rosh Pina) regularly and often arrived before the doors were opened.
Max was never a rich man, but what he valued most was his time. He gave it generously wherever he could. He was a long-time volunteer for Folklorama, Meals on Wheels, the Sharon Home, and the Health Sciences Centre gift shop. Max was fiercely independent and would rather do for others than have them do something for him. He lived independently until December 2020 and even drove a car until he was 97 years old. Max attended weekly programs at the Gwen Secter and the Stay Young program at the Rady Centre. With his friend Helen May Shrom he enjoyed many wonderful times socializing, particularly with his dear friends Chuck and Lil Frohlich. Max loved participating in and watching sports. He was a member of the YMHA for many years, bowled, curled and played Senior’s baseball. He took great pride in his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments. He enjoyed attending activities of his children when they were growing up and that continued with his grandchildren. He was so excited when he became a great grandfather for the first time two years ago.
Max was a gentle, soft spoken, kind man who always greeted people with a smile. He made a positive impression on all who had a chance to meet him, even though he could not remember most of their names. When you look up mensch in the dictionary, you could very well see his picture. Max often seemed like the energizer bunny. You could say he “lived long and died young”. He will be greatly missed.
Funeral services were held at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on January 31, 2021. Special thank you to Rabbi Kliel Rose, Cantor Tracy Kasner, and all those who attended online shiva minyan services to honour Max.
Donations can be made to the Etz Chayim Synagogue, Gwen Secter or charity of your choice.
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.