Obituaries
SHERRY CHOCHINOV
Our loving mom and baba, Sherry Chochinov, passed away on January 7, 2024, at the age of 97.
She was predeceased by her husband Ben Chochinov; her parents, Chana and Max Rubinfield; and her sister Naomi Wolfe. She leaves behind her brother Jack Rubinfield; sister Eddy Werier (Lawrence); children, Alecs (Ruth Graham), Cindy (Charles Guberman), Lori (Andy Rafelman), Shale (Sary) and Michelle (Morry Murad); and grandchildren, Janna (Peter), Michael (Nataliia), Matthew, Noah, Ethan, Leah, Adam, Maya, Sydney, Annie, Eden and Jonah.
Sherry was born Sarah Rubinfield in a small town near Mokre, Poland. She immigrated to Canada in 1929, at the age of four. Canada was much safer than Europe in those years for a Jewish family but was also on the threshold of a depression. Her family lived in the back of a small grocery store on Alfred Avenue, across from Isaac Newton, where she went to school. She didn’t know it at the time, but she would grow to have a life of incredible richness, though not in the literal sense.
As a young teen, Sarah wanted a more modern, fashionable name so when her friends nicknamed her Sherry, it stuck. While her younger siblings played tennis and volleyball, socializing was Sherry’s preferred sport. She regaled her kids with stories about her dates as a teenager, but once Ben came into the picture, that was it. They were together for 73 years and she gave up her social life almost entirely, but willingly, for her family.
Mom waited seven years before Alecs was born but by the age of 45 she had five children and a vibrant household, where there was never a quiet moment, only the sounds of children. Those sounds were music to mom’s ears.
Sherry was a beautiful young mother, in every sense of the word. In the early 1960s, her shopping excursions with the kids left indelible memories. Lori and Cindy would watch with rapt attention as she transformed into a model from Vogue magazine, putting on her lipstick, gloves, fancy hat and outfit. A day at The Bay would often end at the Paddlewheel, with chocolate cream pie for all of us, Sherry included. She really seemed like the perfect mom – glamorous, nurturing, gentle, patient and happy.
Later, as teenagers, she’d wait up for us with coffee and cinnamon buns on Friday and Saturday nights, and we’d chat for hours. Mom was eternally curious about the details of our lives and those of our close friends.
Even after the kids left home – each departure a great upheaval and one of the rare times we would see mom cry – she called her daughters every day for years, until they had stable relationships of their own. She just needed to know that her babies were safe, even though the youngest of those babies was already an anesthesiologist in Toronto.
Sherry had an unflinching belief in the ability of her kids to achieve whatever they put their minds to, which gave us the confidence to be independent and successful in our own lives.
She knew who she was, lived life on her terms and didn’t care a whit about what anyone else thought. She was as strong, smart and determined as they came, yet incredibly gentle. Her independence of mind and stubbornness were hallmarks till the end, and her eccentricities will be the stuff of family legend.
Sherry’s home was a haven for her and her brood for her entire life. She is still at home now, in the only lasting home we can ever have, in the hearts and loving memories of her kids and grandkids, where she will remain, smiling, forever.
Mom’s generosity extended to everyone she touched in her life and was especially evident in her relationship with the ladies who cared for her these last eight years, after Ben passed away: Shirley Halpenny, Cresilda Magno, Susan Genido, Lisa Comia and Gloria Laconico. Sherry had a special relationship with each of them, and they clearly loved and took exceptional care of her. Our family will be forever grateful for their devotion and kindness.
Donations can be made to the Sherry and Ben Chochinov Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
Obituaries
SHIRLEY SHINOFF (nee BLUMBERG)
With profound sadness, yet with hearts overflowing with cherished memories, we announce the peaceful passing of Shirley Shinoff, surrounded by the unwavering love of her family, on February 21st. A beacon of warmth and grace, Shirley departed this world after a life richly lived, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and unwavering devotion that will forever illuminate our lives. She was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Alvin Shinoff, her partner in life and love, with whom she shared a lifetime of treasured moments, building a foundation of enduring affection and mutual respect that stood as a testament to their deep bond.
Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, aunt and a true matriarch whose love knew no bounds. Born and raised in the vibrant community of Winnipeg, Shirley was a proud daughter of Millie and Jack Blumberg. Very proud and adoring sister of Idy, Heddy and Saul. She embodied the values instilled by her parents, demonstrating compassion, empathy, and a deep commitment to her community. She carried forward the spirit of their upbringing, enriching the lives of those around her with her gentle spirit and unwavering support. Shirley was an integral part of the Winnipeg Jewish community, actively participating in its traditions and contributing to its vibrant tapestry, weaving connections that would last a lifetime.
Beyond her familial and communal roles, Shirley possessed a quiet strength and a gentle spirit that endeared her to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She found joy in the strategic intricacies of bridge, where she formed lasting friendships and honed her sharp mind, creating bonds of laughter and shared moments. Most of all, her heart overflowed with pride for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to “kvell” about them, sharing their accomplishments and joys with anyone who would lend an ear, her eyes sparkling with love.
Shirley will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her devoted children, Loree and Daniel, her cherished daughter-in-law Michelle, her adored grandchildren Anthony, William, Joshua, Aaron, and Jacob, and her precious great-grandchildren Wesley, Grayson, Millie, Adriana, Eva, and Lillian. Her beloved nieces and nephews and their children and her wide circle of friends will forever hold her gentle spirit, unwavering kindness, and enduring love close to their hearts.
Her legacy of kindness, generosity, and boundless love will continue to inspire and uplift those who were fortunate enough to know her, a lasting testament to a life beautifully lived.
Obituaries
ERROL TAPPER
February 8, 1944 – March 11, 2025
Errol Tapper passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025, at Health Sciences Centre at the age of 81 years.
He was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Lillian Tapper, and his beloved daughter Jody.
Errol is survived by his partner, Valerie, his daughter Jaime (Devin), brother Robert (Lesley) (nephew Elliot [Laura] and niece Meredith). He will be fondly remembered by neighbours and friends from River Heights, and summers spent at Winnipeg Beach, as well as colleagues from his equipment financing business.
A private cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Canada or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.
Tribute Link: branchandpyre.com
Obituaries
BRIAN SHINEWALD
Born: Apr 17, 1984
Date of Passing: Jan 22, 2025
Suddenly and unexpectedly on January 22, 2025, our beloved son and brother, Brian Neil Shinewald, began the journey to his final frontier.
Brian leaves behind a multitude of family who came together on the days following to mourn: his parents, Goldie and Mark Shinewald and his best friend and brother, Robert and sister-in-law Jen; aunts and uncles: Rose and Stewart Shinewald, Terry and Jeff Hurtig, Barry and Clara Roy, Martin Roy and Audrey Roitelman; cousins: Andrew, Alexis, Spencer and Skylar Shinewald, Stacie Jaye and Shane Leppky, Marnie Hurtig, Elayna Hurtig, Jay and Charlie Macdonald, Jerry Roitelman, Karen Ackerman and Dustin Roitelman, Evan Ackerman-Roitelman and Carey Atkinson, Michael, Rachel and Frankie Roy, Jeffrey, Stephanie, Jonah and Lev Roy.
Brian’s presence in this plane touched the lives of many friends including Morgan Fiks, Michael Dudeck, Kathleen Chomynec, Karol Hutniak, Rick Lafleur, Eric Feuer, and too many more to name. We are grateful for all of the funny stories and fond memories shared.
We are going to miss our weekly Sunday night dinners, our 3:30 p.m. phone calls discussing daily events, bike rides through the area and especially the drop ins for a quiet conversation coupled with a latte or a dram of scotch. These little things will refresh and maintain our memories, never to be forgotten. Rest in peace Brian, you will always have a special place in our hearts.
We wish to send a special thanks to the firefighters, paramedics and staff at St. Boniface Hospital who attended Brian in his time of need.
Donations may be made in Brian’s name to the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention:
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