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Obituaries

SALLY NELKO

nelko sallySara Wolinsky Nelko was born in Yorkton Saskatchewan on March 3 1924.


The daughter of Rose Kantor and Louis Wolinsky The sister of Morris(Mazy) Wolinsky and Esther (Soski) Wolinsky Pessis…   mother to two daughters Wendy (Sam) and Lynne (Henry)and 6 grandchildren Lisa (Earl), Raven ,Jonathan (Kylie ) ,Robbie(Buffie) Jennifer, Michael (Moran)and seven great grandchildren  
She graduated business school in Winnipeg and married Maxwell (Max) Harold Nelko on July 5th 1944
Their union was a an equally shared partnership .In 1952 they moved to Portage la Prairie and literally with their own hands built  a thriving business  combining a Portrait Studio with a Camera shop
They were a team..They took school pictures thruout  Manitoba…our mom would do the posing and our dad would do as they say ‘the shoot”
Then they retired to Margate Florida…but they didn’t know the definition of ‘retirement’
Our dad decided to sell real estate…in most cases the child takes after the parent..but in this case it was reversed..but  my mother joined my dad and made ‘the team’..the first real estate ‘team” in South Florida..they retired when my dad got sick

That was their professional life…
As parents they had their defined roles..Our dad was the kind nurturing parent who loved unconditionally..Our  mother was the disciplinarian  she loved us but had her own set of rules..She was a force not to be reckoned with   
Curfews were strictly enforced..She was very protective of her girls..In a condolence letter Wendy received from a  former suitor of 56 years he said “Wendy although it has been many years since I saw or talked to your mother I will always have fond memories of being in her kitchen and being grilled about where I was planning to take you..and when I was planning to get  you home and what I was planning to do on the way..Your mother had an impact on so many people in her life..I know she will be dearly missed”

Our mother was a member of Hadassah, a member of the Portage la Prairie Golf Club ,belonged to Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and was thoroughly involved in the Portage business community

Living in Portage during our growing up years put many miles on the family car..’Shelping ‘us to Winnipeg for our BBYO  events and conventions..to orthodontic appointments..and making sure we felt a part of the Jewish teenage life in Winnipeg ..This was not looked upon as a burden..it was a natural sacrifice  Jewish parents made when they had children growing up in an non Jewish environment such as Portage

Retiring in Florida changed many lives…Wendy and Sam followed Mom and Dad to Margate..Pompano and finally Boynton Beach..They’ve been going there for 43 winters..2-3 weeks..now 4 months a year
Because of Mom and Dad the Chicago Pessis cousins  all 26 of them come to Florida for the holidays..Mom was the focal point..and drew everyone there
For the last 3 years mom visited Wendy and sometimes Wendy and Sam in Florida..She travelled there on her own..even to this year.had the best time.. went to concerts..was wined and dined by Wendy and Sam’s friends…. they thoroughly loved her…and of course she shopped…Fashion was very big in her life..She was a charter member of Chico’s .This year her need for an extended wardrobe very important..She moved into The Portsmouth and felt she had to dress every day..She persevered in Bridge..went to all the programs and thoroughly enjoyed her last 6 months

Her last hurrah was her 93rd birthday…only a few weeks ago..She booked a private room at The Portsmouth..Lynne and Mom took a flower arranging class so there would be a table centre  for the dinner  Little did they know Lisa was sending a most magnificent one also..Kylie brought the cake Mom was in her glory..she was surrounded by family ..her first love
That was our mother…the teacher of roly poly..the student of bridge and computers…and fashion role model to all.

Contributions may be sent to The Woman’s Endowment Fund ..Jewish Foundation 204-477-7525..or a charity of your choice.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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