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
ISADORE (IZZY)MINUK (Z”L) JULY 5, 1927 – DECEMBER 30, 2025
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Isadore (Izzy) Minuk, on December
30, 2025, at the age of 98.
Izzy was born on July 5, 1927, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the third of five boys born to Tibel and Ben Minuk. Izzy was predeceased by his beloved wife Merle Minuk and his
cherished son Morley Minuk.
Izzy leaves to mourn his children Martin Minuk (Stephanie), Linda Rabkin (Jack), Jeffrey Minuk (Lora) and Cheryl Bokhaut (Bradley), thirteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Our father was a man of great wisdom, kindness, strength and resilience. He was
fiercely devoted to his family. He was committed to his health and well-being and a longtime member of the Rady JCC.
Izzy spent his last years at the Simkin Centre. Our family would like to express its appreciation and thanks to the Staff and Administration of the Simkin Centre for their attentive care.
Donations in Izzy’s honour may be made to the Merle and Isadore (Izzy) Memorial Fund
at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Simkin Centre or the Rady JCC.
Daddy will always be our sweetheart
Obituaries
GERTRUDE “GERTIE”NEPON (NEE PIERCE) JUNE 1, 1926 – DECEMBER 26, 2025
Gertrude “Gertie” Nepon (née Pierce), aged 99, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025. She was a devoted wife, mother, Baba, sister, and friend, whose love, warmth, and strength touched all who knew her.
She is survived by her loving children Allan (Reeva), Mark (Leslie), and Jack (Carla) and her cherished grandchildren Jordan, Hillary (Ariel), Joshua, Hayley (Richard), Taryn and David. Born on June 1, 1926, in Winnipeg, Gertie was the daughter of Esther and Benjamin Pierce. She was predeceased by the love of her life, David Harry Nepon, with whom she shared nearly 40 years of marriage. Their enduring bond was an inspiration to family and friends alike. David passed away in 1988 and losing him left a void in her heart that never truly healed. They are now reunited in peace.
Gertie was also predeceased by her beloved siblings – brothers Moe, Max, Fred, and Jack Pierce, and by her sister Patty. She is survived by her sister Brownie Fleishman, and by many loving nieces and nephews.
Gertie was known for her ever-present smile—even during life’s most difficult moments. Her family and friends were always her greatest priority. She was a homemaker, often volunteering in schools where she tested the hearing of nursery and kindergarten children. She was known for her organization and meticulous nature, keeping her home in perfect order, with everything in its place. She enjoyed playing bridge and mahjong and sharing lunches with her many friends, well into her 90’s. Even in her final year at the Simkin Centre Nursing Home, at age 99, she retained that magical smile—a smile that could light up any room and stood as a testament to her resilience, positivity, and love of life.
Gertie’s funeral was held on Monday, December 29, at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, with Cantor Leslie Emery officiating. Pallbearers were Allan, Mark, Jack, Jordan, David Nepon, and Ellen Fleishman. The family extends a special thank you to the staff of Weinberg 2 at the Simkin Centre for their exceptional care, kindness, and compassion.
Donations may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
SONYA KAMINSKY MAY 24, 1925 – JUNE 12, 2025
Beloved mother and Bubbi passed away peacefully at 100 years old.
Sonya is survived by her children Brenda (Marvin) Kass and Sheldon Kaminsky, her grandchildren Josh (Samantha) Hartley (Erin), Jordan (Jenn), Nikki (Patrick) as well as eight great-grandchildren and cherished nieces and nephews.
Sonya was predeceased by her parents, sister and beloved husband Bill.
Sonya married the love of her life Bill and they spent 53 wonderful years together, Theirs was a true love story filled with laughter and many wondrous moments and grounded by devotion, respect and unconditional love for each other, Their home was always open to family and friends and at the center of it all was Sunny ( lovingly named for her for her sunny disposition). Sunny loved entertaining. She was a great hostess and enjoyed cooking and baking for her family whether it was Friday night dinners -holiday gatherings or birthday celebrations.
Sunny enjoyed 10 pin bowling and volunteer work with Bnai Brith Women.
However at the centre of her life was always her Family and her role as BUBBI filled her heart and kept her strong.
She was the best – MOM- Bubbi – Aunt – always there for everyone to listen , guide, advise, and support and always with unconditional Love. She adored each of her great grandchildren and imply could not get enough of them….they were her pride and joy!
We all feel so blessed to have her share our lives.
MOM you were our Rock and you will always be our “Sunshine.”
SUNNY will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her family as well as all those whose lives she touched.
Our gratitude to Simkin center and especially to Moms caregivers Marianne, Odette, Marinel and Mina.
Special thanks to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for his ongoing support.
Our Heartfelt thanks for the donations, meals, love and support extended to our family.