Obituaries
TANIA DOLOVICH September 5th, 1931 – May 2nd, 2021
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Tania Dolovich (née Fridell) four months shy of her 90th birthday. She is survived by her children Michael (Pat), Allan (Kayla), Jeffrey (Laurie) and Gary (Christa) and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is survived as well by her sister Miriam, her brother Jerry (Cynthia) and many nieces, nephews and other family members. Tania was predeceased by her parents David and Ruth Fridell, and her husband, Sam Dolovich.
Mom was born in Regina but lived her life in Winnipeg’s North End. She attended St. John’s High School.
Mom was a vibrant, vivacious woman with a strong independent spirit. She was a remarkable mixture of kindness and strength, bold when she needed to be, reticent when the occasion called for it.
Deeply intelligent, a voracious reader, and with a vocabulary few could match, it was near madness to challenge her to a game of scrabble or to try and outdo her in the most complex of crosswords. And yet she always seemed so proud when you put “boat” out on the board to her own word, “existential” (triple word score). When she saw the deep disappointment on your face, she would take pains to point out that luckily she just got some better tiles – the thing is, though, she meant it.
One of Mom’s proudest early achievements was her work with the Junior Chamber of Commerce. She became an integral part of that organization and gained the respect of the people she worked with. She spoke often of her time at the JCC and her face, inevitably, would light up.
Mom met her husband-to-be, Sam, when he rented a room from her parents while he was studying at university. Tania was still living at home and over time she and Sam became increasingly fond of each other.
Tania and Sam married on September 7th, 1952.
Mom and Dad were married for over 50 years and few couples have been as devoted to one another as they were. It is impossible to catalogue even a fraction of their life together as husband and wife, but it is also just as impossible to forget that magical moment when they danced together for hours under the moonlight at Disneyland as the Harry James Orchestra serenaded them with their children looking on.
Between 1957 and 1966 Tania and Sam had four sons together – Michael, Allan, Jeffrey and Gary.
Mom was deeply involved in community theatre and acting generally. She regularly performed in productions at Rainbow Stage, the Warehouse Theatre and MTC. She acted in productions such as The Diary of Anne Frank. She sang with the late Sara Udow and the Rosh Pina Choir, and performed with the Jewish Community Players at the YMHA. She also did commercials for both radio and television and appeared in magazines for companies such as Eaton’s and Simpson Sears. Additionally, she appeared in small roles on CBC Television.
Mom was always so humble about her achievements in the performing arts. She never thought it was a big deal – it was just something she enjoyed. She was, however, very proud of having worked with noted directors John Hirsch and Malka Lerner.
She was the consummate professional, always. And she was always available to help bring out the best performance in other actors.
For many years Mom worked at Alcan-Price Extrusions Ltd., and, in fact, retired from Alcan in 1996 after a long and successful career there, first as a part time secretary, and eventually progressing to become a business administrator with the company. She was dedicated to the company and became the representative major customers such as Loewen Windows and New Flyer came to depend upon.
Mom was devoted to her family and sustained it in the most trying of circumstances. When Dad took ill at a relatively young age, she engaged in Herculean efforts in order to ensure that the family not only survived, but thrived. Life continued unabated. Because of her tireless effort and incessant, heroic advocacy, Dad lived the rest of his life at home with his wife and family. For her sons, school, music lessons, summer vacations at Winnipeg Beach, Gimli and Sandy Hook all became part of the fabric of the family’s memories when by all accounts, given the magnitude of the challenges she was forced to confront, they shouldn’t have been. There was no shortage of other challenges she faced over the years and yet she faced each one with an indomitable spirit. Despite the many demands, she always made each of us believe she had all the time in the world. Mom’s greatest joys were her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
And throughout those years, during both good times and bad, there was always Tania and Miriam. It is difficult to put into words the nature of the relationship between these two sisters. During their younger years they looked so much alike even people who knew them well could have difficulty telling them apart. The fact is, though, they were very different people and yet the bond between them was unbreakable right from childhood to Mom’s last day. To say they were best friends as well as sisters, while true, doesn’t do them justice. They were inseparable.
During her final years Mom continued to be a joyful, musical presence in the lives of all who knew her. You always knew she was happy when you could hear her singing from the elevator.
For some time, a tall, handsome man has been waiting patiently for his dazzlingly beautiful wife to arrive, and together, now each loosened from the physical constraints that bound them in this world, they are free to spend eternity in each others’ arms and dance to the music of Harry James, Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey.
The family wishes to extend its deep appreciation for the incredible comfort, care and support she received from the staff of the Simkin Centre.
A graveside funeral service was officiated by Rabbi Anibal Mass on May 5th, 2021 at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Avrom Charach, Howard Kideckel, David Litvack, Liam Pollock, Reese Ratson and Myron Schultz. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Simkin Centre or to a charity of one’s choice.
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.