Obituaries
SHIFFRA FENSON
An unveiling for Shiffra Fenson was held August 13, 2023 at Rosh Pina Memorial Park Cemetery in Winnipeg.Shiffra Fenson passed away January 4, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina with services held at Etz Chayim Synagogue in Winnipeg. Pallbearers were son-in law David Bronstein, nephew Robert Kligerman, great nephew Ben Elkin, Paul Knight, Brian Scharfstein and David Shnider.
Shiffie (as she was known to her friends and family) was first generation Canadian, born February 19, 1926 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Sarah (Sedletsky) and Morris Kligerman of Nicolayev and Odessa, Russia. Her parents gave her a loving, nurturing home, traits she inherited and embodied as she was raising her own family. Her father Morris was the proprietor of Kligerman Bindery. Shiffie always remembered his quiet demeanour – but when speaking, a man of deep knowledge and respect for others. From her mother Sarah, Shiffie learned much – patience, the traditional values of keeping a Jewish home and, notably, the art of cooking. It was from her mother’s lessons that Shiffie’s kitchen became legendary. There wasn’t a dish she didn’t master, from the most delicate pastries, to the main courses of the Jewish holidays.
Raised in Winnipeg’s north end, Shiffie attended elementary, junior and senior high school where she made close friendships that would last a lifetime. No matter the challenges that prevailed at the time for most children of immigrant families, she had a happy childhood, and along with elder sister Eva and brother Bill, she enjoyed a home of security and love.
In 1944, Shiffie would meet Morley Fenson, a sailor on leave from his World War II naval duties. In 1946, they married and in the following years would have 3 children; Ronna, Kenny and Carla. Hoping to advance Morley’s business career, the family left Winnipeg in 1960. It would be the beginning of a multi-year adventure that would take them to Tupelo, MS, back to Winnipeg, to San Diego, CA, St, Louis, Mo. and finally back to Winnipeg. During that period Shiffie navigated taking care of her family, making warm, loving homes in 8 different houses and settling her 3 children in over 10 different schools. And yet despite all the challenges, she managed it with the grace, focus and love that were the hallmarks of her life. Somehow, she managed the time to forge her own lifelong friendships at every stop.The family’s return to Winnipeg in 1966 gave her the opportunity to spend time with her family and cherished childhood friends. Her kitchen table was famous not just for the delights of her cooking, but for coffee and conversation with all, not the least of which were her children’s friends who felt her warmth, understanding and compassion.Although steeped in the traditions of the times, Shiffie always had a wide variety of interests. During the day her home was filled with the classical music and news shows of the CBC. She was a voracious reader of books of all kinds, always up to date on world events and enjoyed whatever latest exhibit happened to be at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.As her children grew older and with more time available to her, she pursued interests outside the home, including volunteer work at what was then the Rape Crisis Center and reading to the children at the Norquay School.In 1985 she and Morley retired to Palm Springs, CA where they spent their time hosting friends, and enjoy playing bridge and golf. In 2002 they moved to Chapel Hill, NC to be closer to family. Even at this stage, Shiffie embraced and established new friendships and is remembered there for her lifelong traits of intellect, grace and generosity.
Shiffie was all about family. Even though they were often separated by distances, she would do all she could to ensure that her children knew their uncles, aunts, cousins and close friends. She insisted on travel to anywhere there was a family celebration and nothing would bring a happier smile than seeing all her family and friends together at a celebratory occasion. She took great pride in seeing this legacy take root in her children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren, who remain connected and close.
A woman who lived a long, event filled and gratifying life, Shiffie is predeceased by her husband Morley, mother Sarah Kligerman (Sedletsky), father Morris Kligerman, sister Eva and brother in law Lou Elkin, brother Bill and sister-in-law Selma Kligerman, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Leo and Shirley Fenson, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Harry and Leah Fenson, sister-in-law Anita Fenson.
We are forever grateful to have had her for all these years, but nonetheless she is so very much missed by daughters Carla (David Bronstein) and Ronna, son Ken (Susan), her 7 grandchildren: Mira, Shana, Ben, Sarah, Joel, Danielle and Jacqueline, great -randchildren Morgan, Preston, Taliah, Remy and her many nieces, nephews and cousins.
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.