Obituaries
MISCHA POLLOCK
September 15, 1924-January 9, 2019
It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Mischa Pollock, beloved husband, father and grandfather, on January 9, 2019, at the age of 94.
Mischa is survived by his loving wife, Lynn; children, Dr. Debbie Pollock, Dr. Neil Pollock (Michelle); grandchildren, Benny Pollock- Kreel, Joshua, Elliot and Shoshana Pollock.
He is also survived by his brothers, Gordon and Harvey Pollock, sister, Cecile Kowall; brother-in –law, Monte Kowall, sister- –in-law, Beverly Bell; and many nieces and nephews.
Mischa was predeceased by his parents Sam and Sluva Pollock and sister, Myra Kravetsy; in-laws, Rose and Phillip Bell; brothers- in-law, Abe, Saul and Benny Bell, Chaim Kravetsy, sisters- in- law, Sylvia and Margaret Bell, Sylvia and Mimi Pollock.
Mischa had a good soul, a “gitte neshama” that will be everlasting. His life was filled with good deeds. Mischa was a moral, good and decent person, a true “mensch”. He was a sincere and humble man.
Mischa was a loving and devoted family man. He was a generous and kind person who did everything for his family. He was the happiest when he was with his wife, children and grandchildren. They were the love of his life. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments and received so much Nachas.
Mischa immigrated to Canada in 1927 from Uman, Russia along with his parents Sam and Sluva Pollock and sister Myra. He spent his youth growing up in Bethany, Manitoba and later moved to Winnipeg where he attended St. John’s High School. He continued his post secondary education at the University of Manitoba, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Mischa was a brilliant student. He was also a prolific poet. Mischa had a passion for reading, writing and reciting poetry. He enjoyed the serenity of nature and listening to Classical and Jewish music.
On October 2nd, 1960, Mischa married his soul mate, Lynn Bell. They shared fifty-eight years of marriage together, filled with happiness and many joyous celebrations.
Mischa was a very well respected, dedicated, and
successful businessman who owned and operated the Department store, Mischa Pollock Clothiers, well known throughout the Winnipeg Community.
As a result of Mischa’s determination, hard work and keen business sense, he was able to retire at a very young age. He continued to remain productive and active throughout his life.
In his retirement, he became inseparable from his devoted, dear and loving wife Lynn. They enjoyed travelling together, visiting their children and grandchildren in Vancouver and going to Palm Springs.
Lynn’s total dedication to Mischa was evident in how she took such loving care of him throughout his life and especially over the last two years when his health failed, wanting to keep him at home with her for as long as she possibly could, even to the detriment of her own health.
Mischa and Lynn’s individual strengths and attributes complimented each other and provided the family with a solid home environment in which to grow up, filled with abundant love and wonderful memories.
Mischa and Lynn spent three enjoyable years together at the Shaftesbury Retirement Residence where they met many new friends. Mischa spent the last year of his life at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre. Our family would like to thank Mischa’s private caregivers, Meseret and Margarita for their kind, compassionate care. They became like part of our family.
Mischa was eternally grateful to his loving daughter, Debbie who balanced being a daughter, doctor and staunch advocate for him over the years navigating the health care system. Debbie ensured that Mischa received the best possible medical care during his many hospital admissions, consults and treatments. She was always by his side.
Thank you to Mischa’s long time cardiologist, Dr. John Rabson, for giving Mischa such excellent medical care.
Heartfelt thanks to Rabbi Yosef Benarroch for visiting Mischa and for providing comfort and support to the family during Mischa’s final days and immediately upon his passing at the Simkin Centre. Thank you to Rabbi Emeritus, Alan Green, Rabbi Anibal Mass and Bill Weissmann for visiting Mischa in the hospital and for their beautiful prayers.
Funeral services, officiated by Rabbi Mass, were held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue with interment at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on January 11th, 2019. Pallbearers were Dr. Neil Pollock, Dr. Jeffrey Bell, Joshua and Elliot Pollock, Benny Pollock-Kreel, and Ethan Pollock. Honorary pallbearer was Shoshana Pollock.
Donations may be made to the Lynn and Mischa Pollock Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or to a charity of your choice.
Mischa will be deeply missed. His inspiration and actions will live on eternally through his children and grandchildren.
May his memory be a blessing.
Zichrono-Livracha.
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.