Obituaries
WALTER SALTZBERG
Professional Engineer; Born in Warsaw Poland January 12th, 1931; Died Winnipeg Canada March 8th, 2018
Walter was a Holocaust survivor who lost both of his parents and an older brother because of the Nazis’ goal to rid the world of the Jewish people. Walter, who last saw his family at ten years of age, spoke very often at various schools and other venues in the hope that his tragic war experiences would instill tolerance in people of various religious beliefs.
While he basically accepted the premise, “love thy fellow man”, he strongly believed that it should start with a more realistic approach: “Let your fellow man live in peace”. Walter had chronicled his war experiences and those who may be interested inn them should speak to his son, George.
It was Walter’s wish to acknowledge two individuals who, at the peril of their own lives, saved his life during the war. Dr Kazimierz Weckowski was a Christian doctor who smuggled Walter out of the Warsaw Ghetto when he was 10 years old and hid him in his home for two years. Dr. Weckowski was recognized posthumously as a Righteous Amongst Nations by Yad Vashem in Israel for his heroism. Peter Jablonski (Nachman Fryszberg) was a young Jewish man who saved Walter after a building they were hiding in was bombed. Peter dug Walter from the rubble and hid him in a hole underground that he built. Peter hid himself, Walter and three others there for a period of five months in that hiding space. Peter saved Walter’s wounded leg by using urine as a disinfectant. He found a sack of rotten onions that became their main source of food, enabling them to survive until they were liberated in January 1945.
Following years of surgeries and long hospital stays in both Poland and Sweden (to restore the use of his leg), Walter could walk again, sporting a big shoe on his shorter leg. He would explain to curious children who wondered about his large shoe: “So to kick a soccer ball further”.
Walter came to Canada in late 1947 just short of 17 years of age having completed only up to Grade 2 in French immersion in Warsaw. With a great deal of difficulty, years of missed education, learning a new language and financial problems, he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Manitoba in 1957. He then began his 40 plus year career with the Manitoba Department of Highways and Transportation. Despite his one short leg and his difficult past, he rose to the position of Director of Bridges and Structures for the Province of Manitoba, retiring in September 1997.
Walter’s extra-curricular activities were numerous and included many volunteer positions with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of Manitoba, culminating in the position of its President. He was recognized with many awards both on the Provincial and National scene. He was Past-President of the Optimist Club of Assiniboia, Past-President of the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society and Past Second Vice-President of the Canadian Schizophrenic Society.
Upon retiring from the Department of Highways Walter became International Liaison Officer with the ISIS Research Network and Associate Professor Engineer-In-Residence at the University of Manitoba.
In July 2017 Walter was recognized for his lifetime of contributions in volunteering as well as speaking about his experiences as a Holocaust survivor. He received the “Sovereign Award for Volunteers” from the Governor General of Canada, His Excellency David Johnston. This award was presented to him by Her Honour Janice Filmon, the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, who graciously came to the hospital to present it to him.
Walter would often say, “My Profession has been good to me, Manitoba has been good to me, Canada has been good to me”. He was a fiercely proud Canadian. Walter was forever grateful that Canada had given him a home and an opportunity to rebuild his life. He committed himself to give back to his adopted country.
Walter was predeceased by his parents Mauryce and Anna and his brother Jercyk who perished in the Holocaust, his wife Sheila Greenberg Smith and the mother of his children Joan Carole Gordon.
Walter leaves his loving children, George (Timothy), Jack and Anna; his nieces, Myrna, Patrisha and Penny and their families; as well as cousins, friends, colleagues, Sheila’s family (including stepson Grant [Rhonda] and their children, Jared and Shane; and his best friend, Clara Block.
The family is very grateful to Evangeline, Edna, Rishpa and Merlyn, who looked after him with such incredible love and compassion. They are also very grateful to the entire staff of the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre and especially to the team on Simkin 2 for the exceptional care he received.
Funeral Service was held at the Etz Chaim Synagogue on Sunday March 11th with interment at the Rosh Pina cemetery. Pallbearers were: Ron East, Dan East, Lior Avishay, Karen Vickar, Jonathan Fine and Zev Rumstein.
Donations in Walter’s name can be made to the Holocaust Education Centre Endowment Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or the Manitoba Schizophrenic Society.
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.