Obituaries
SHIRLEY CHOCHINOV
It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley Chochinov on July 2nd, 2022.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Florence Wolodarsky, siblings Doris (Fred) Lacovetsky, Jack (Shirley) Wolodarsky, Marilyn (Martin) Levitt, brothers-in-law Larry Usiskin, Sid Bagel, and Norman Chochinov, sister-in-law Claire (Harold) Shukster, and beloved daughter Ellen Chochinov.
She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Dave Chochinov, her children Harvey (Michelle) Chochinov and Brenda (Howard) Ryant, grandchildren Lauren Chochinov, Rachel (Cam Marr) Chochinov, Brad (Kelcie) Ryant, Jeremy (Rebecca Visser) Ryant, and great-granddaughter Sawyer Ryant, her sisters Rose Usiskin and Evelyn Bagel, brother Bill (Anne Marie) Wolodarsky, sister-in-law Gertie Chochinov, and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Shirley was born October 25th, 1930 in Winnipeg’s North End. Born the fourth of seven children, Shirley grew up on Boyd Avenue surrounded by her siblings, her parents, and extended family.
In 1951 Shirley married Dave Chochinov, and for over seventy years, they formed a partnership for the ages. Their love and devotion, their mutual respect and their deep understanding of each other set an extraordinary example for their children and grandchildren. Together they raised Ellen, Harvey, and Brenda, through adversity and joy. When Dave and Harvey Cogan bought Tasty Seeds in 1976, Shirley and Nessie Cogan ran the front office, helping turn the business into a success for nearly 20 years.
She was the engine of the family, constantly planning parties and get-togethers. Dave and Shirley loved to entertain and their house on Attaché Drive and cottage at Winnipeg Beach were a gathering place for holidays, birthday parties, and BBQs. Shirley had a way of running the show in her quiet, unsuspecting manner. No matter how many people, no matter how many last-minute guests, she found an extra chair, an extra bed, and always more food. From the Wolodarsky family’s annual Cribbage Tournament to hosting the entire Lakeside Camp for the Handicapped, the door was always open, always welcoming.
Shirley’s pride in her children was only surpassed by the pride she had in each of her grandchildren. She loved them endlessly and took delight in their accomplishments, in their phone calls and visits. She was warmth and kindness. Her love was a sanctuary. Shirley lived to see her first great-grandchild, Sawyer, and constantly marvelled at her intelligence and her beauty. She would excitedly report Sawyer’s achievements to anyone in earshot. Sawyer’s first words, her first steps brought Shirley happiness during her final years.
The family would like to thank Dr. Bruce Martin for his extraordinary care of Shirley and Riverview Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit E3. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Riverview Health Centre Palliative Care Unit E3 or Manitoba Possible (formerly Society for Manitobans with Disabilities).
Obituaries
Naomi Lander Rosenthal February 14, 1940 – February 12, 2025
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Naomi Lander Rosenthal was born in Winnipeg and passed away two days shy of her 85th birthday. She was the daughter of Drs. Jacob Joseph (Jack) Lander, a respected and beloved family practitioner in Winnipeg, and Clara (Shnay) Lander, a literary scholar and past President of the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s Board of Governors.
Naomi was a classically trained pianist and performed both formally and informally in many venues. She was always asked to play at any party where there was a piano. Her favorite classical piece was Bach’s Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring, which readers can listen to and enjoy here. Naomi was heavily influenced by the version played by the pianist Glenn Gould, which approximates how Naomi approached it. Naomi had a great appreciation for complexity in musical style and composition. Her piano repertoire extended from Bach and Brahms to Elton John and Billy Joel.
Naomi lived in Toronto from 1968-1988 and then moved back to Winnipeg in 1989 to help care for her father when he became ill. She worked in senior executive assistant roles from the 1970s through the early 1990s in insurance, government and the non-profit sectors before retiring at age 65. Her work ethic, perfectionism and sense of mission throughout her career made Naomi a beloved team member, who also fostered life-long friendships with her supervisors and even their families.
In addition to music, Naomi had many interests, including gourmet cooking, film, science fiction and fantasy, and politics. Naomi could engage anyone in any number of subjects and was particularly interested in health and medicine. Naomi will now go on to teach medical students through the University of Manitoba’s Rady Faculty of Health Sciences’ body donation program.
Naomi is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Ahava Rosenthal and Michael Shore, of Boston, MA; M. Sara Rosenthal and Kenneth Ain of Lexington, Kentucky; her grandchildren, Kayla Shore and Jacob Shore; her step-grandchildren, Maxwell Ain and Jacob Ain; her sisters, Myra Lander of San Mateo, California, and Judith Lander of Toronto; nephews Kalan Vuksanovich and Stephen Israels and many extended family members from the Lander families, Shnay families, and Rothberg families.
The family wishes to thank Richard (Dick) and Joanne Rothberg; Naomi’s wonderful caregivers at The Key, homecare assistance in Winnipeg, including Brian Boxall and Althea King; the Simkin Centre; and Elena Episcope for helping to make Naomi’s final years so much more comfortable.
A remembrance of Naomi will be held on Thursday evening, February 20th at 7 pm at 202 Lamont Blvd in Winnipeg. Donations in Naomi’s memory may be made to CancerCareManitoba or to the organization of your choice.
Obituaries
DR. ARTHUR G. HERSCOVITCH
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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Arthur Herscovitch on February 3, 2025, at the age of 77.
Arthur will be remembered by his wife Linda, daughter Rennie (Mark), granddaughters, Anna and Miriam, sister Judy (Mel), brother Robert (Lynda), brother Martin (Rose), and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arthur started his long career as a clinical psychologist in Winkler, Manitoba. A year later he moved back to Winnipeg, where he spent 36 years working at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, where he helped thousands of patients through very difficult times.
Arthur and Linda loved to travel and visited places such as China, Turkey, Morocco and many countries in Europe, and they went on road trips all over North America. Arthur was a very creative man who enjoyed woodworking and sketching, and he loved to engage in physical activities such as jogging and weightlifting. Above all else, Arthur cherished his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.
Thank you to the wonderful staff at the Simkin Centre for your care of Arthur. Your patience, compassion and understanding are greatly appreciated.
A funeral service was held in Arthur’s honour at the Chesed Shel Emes on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Obituaries
RHONDA MATIAS
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Rhonda Matias (nee Rykiss) passed away peacefully December 31, 2024, in Toronto, surrounded by her children.
Daughter of the late Belle and the late Max Rykiss of Winnipeg. Rhonda was born in Winnipeg on May 3, 1944, and raised in both the North End on Inkster Boulevard and later Cordova Street in Winnipeg’s South End. Her family nickname was Cookie as her father said she had a round face. She moved to Montreal when she was 18, only to be called back to Winnipeg to take care of her ailing mother.
Growing up in an entrepreneurial household, Rhonda was an independent and successful businesswoman. She worked in retail sales for her parents and from her basement, and later was a successful sales rep. Rhonda was a well-known and beloved figure at her own enterprise, A Store is Born, at the Winnipeg International Airport.
She loved fashion and art and followed in her mother and sister’s footsteps of cooking and baking. She read newspapers, kept in close contact with friends and family, stayed in shape and liked to spend time in the sun.
Rhonda relocated to Toronto in 2000 to be closer to family. She made many new friends and nurtured her love for dogs.
She is survived by her children, Debbi-Jo Matias (Kevin Filkow), Marshall Matias (Merav Barr). Bubbi Cookie adored her grandchildren, Mikaela Matias, Jack Matias, Jesse Filkow and Ari Filkow. She is also survived by her brother Bruce M. Rykiss and aunt Fay Rykiss, nieces and nephews, Jodi Sprackman (Paul), Steven Gilletz (Cheryl Lis), Douglas Gilletz (Ariane Cohen). She was predeceased by her son Jeffrey Matias in June 1973.
Funeral services were held at Chesed Shel Emes and Shaarey Zedek Cemetery in Winnipeg on January 2, 2025, Rabbi Kliel Rose presiding, and Shiva was observed in Toronto.
Pallbearers were Kevin Filkow, Jesse Filkow, Jack Matias, Ari Filkow, Bryan Borzykowski and Steven London.
The family wishes to thank her devoted caregivers, especially Michelle Ciego.
Donations may be made to Jewish Foundation of Manitoba – Rhonda Matias Memorial Fund in support of BB Camp, or charity of your choice.
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