Obituaries
MOLLY LACHTER (nee) MINUK
With heavy hearts we announce that Molly Lachter, our dear sweet mom, grandmother and mother-in-law, passed away peacefully December 12, 2019, with family by her side.
Molly will be sadly missed by her daughters, Marilyn, Carol and Lori, son-in-law Marty, and grandchildren, Mark (Julianna), Michael, and Ryan (Rena). She also leaves to mourn her sisters, Yetta, Clara; brother and sister-in-law, Harry and Annette; brother-in-law Jack, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Tybel and Beryl; husband Norman; son-in-laws, Murray and Darryl; sister Evie, and brother Norman.
Mom was born May 21, 1923, the eldest of six children, to Tybel and Beryl Minuk and was raised in a loving close-knit family. After graduating from St. John’s High School, Mom attended a bookkeeping program and then implemented her skills at Western Glove.
Mom and Dad met at a wedding and it was love at first sight. They married in 1948 and thereafter, welcomed three daughters, Marilyn, Carol and Lori. While we were young, Mom stayed home with us. We all remember Mom helping with homework, cooking great meals, sewing costumes for our various activities and always there to support us. Mom was a best friend to each of us, whether it was to comfort or celebrate, and it remained that way throughout our lives.
As youngsters, we saw Mom’s compassion for animals blossom. From the beginning, she babied and helped care for Marilyn’s pup and later enjoyed Carol’s dogs too. While out walking, Mom stopped to pat every dog along the way.
Later, when Dad had his own electric sign business (Allied Signs), Mom joined him in the office. Even the accountants marvelled at how meticulously she kept the books. In spite of their busy schedules, we experienced wonderful family trips, such as to Detroit Lakes, the Seattle World Fair, B.C. and California. Mom also loved travelling with Dad to Florida, Hawaii and New York. After Dad’s passing, Mom had a memorable trip to Alaska with some of her siblings. She also had a blast with Lori on a 10 day road trip in a sportscar to Minneapolis.
Mom was very social and enjoyed participating in the B’nai B’rith, Gwen Secter, and later the Luther Home day programs. She also stayed a member of the Chevra Mishnayes Synagogue. Yiddishkeit was important to Mom and she imparted her love of it to her family.
Mom and Dad had a wonderful, loving relationship. After Dad’s stroke, Mom literally stayed by his side. At the bowling alley, she would hand him the ball so he could continue his love of the game. While watching the Miss America Pageant, Dad proclaimed Mom was the most beautiful of all.
Following Dad’s passing, Mom enjoyed countless times at the Golub household, which for many years became the hub for family holiday dinners and special celebrations. While she was able, Mom loved bringing over special dishes she had carefully prepared. She was always the centre of attention.
For the next 20 years Mom continued going on trips to Clear Lake with Marilyn’s family. She enjoyed a special loving connection with Murray and they would spend countless hours schmoozing and laughing together. Mom and Marilyn also cherished their times together. Mom was very fit for her age and would trek over the hilly golf courses, scorecard in hand, keeping everyone honest. She delighted in every experience, from volunteering at the annual triathalons and cheering Michael and Mark on, to stargazing through Mark’s telescope and viewing the Auroras.
Lori took pleasure in regularly taking Mom out for dinner. They treasured their times spent together. Marty would also often join them. It was a tradition for Lori to include Mom on New Year’s Eve. They celebrated many years at the Velvet Glove, (with private viewing of fireworks) and later for many years at Hy’s Steakhouse, arriving back at Mom’s at 1:30 a.m.!
Mom and Marty enjoyed a close loving relationship. He fondly recalls the motorcycle ride on the back of his Harley was quite the thrill for her.
For approximately 18 years, Mom loved spending time with Lori and Marty’s many horses, patting them and giving them treats. She enthusiastically travelled with Lori and Marty to many horse shows and took pride in seeing the horses successfully compete. It was also a thrill for Mom to see their newborn foals, at one day old. Up until the very end talking about the horses would put a smile on her face.
After Dad’s passing, Mom’s strength was an inspiration to Carol. She affectionately remembers Mom beaming so proudly, walking down the aisle at Ryan and Rena’s wedding. Carol also holds dear the wonderful visits and so many lengthy phone chats she enjoyed with Mom.
Mom’s grandsons brought her so much joy. Her love and involvement in their lives was priceless, from simply playing with them to beaming with pride at all their birthday celebrations, concerts, Bar Mitzvahs and graduations. Mom also enjoyed hearing about their many diverse experiences. Mark, Michael and Ryan have so many loving memories of their Baba. Oh, how she will be missed!
Funeral services were held at the Etz Chayim Synagogue on December 16, 2019, with interment at the Shaarey Zedek and shivas at Marilyn’s home. A special thank you to Rabbai Kliel Rose for officiating, to Irv Vinsky for leading the shiva services and to the pallbearers, grandsons, Mark, Michael, and Ryan and nephews, Doug, Keith and Jeff.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mom’s caregivers, Violeta, Noemi, Paz, Thelma, Jamie, Linda H., Sanu and Linda E. for their loving care. With their dedicated support, Mom was able to remain in her own home. To our family and friends, thank you for your thoughtfulness. Your generous donations, cards, flowers, meals and food items were greatly appreciated.
Donations in Molly’s memory may be made to the Chevra Mishnayes Synagogue, the Winnipeg Humane Society or to a 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.