March 17, 1931 – December 27, 2022
Peacefully, in the early morning hours of December 27th, Mom began her journey to be reunited with Dad.
She will be lovingly remembered by her five children; Darlene (Ken), Bob (Debby), Tim (June), Laurie (Kim) and Tony, nine grandchildren; Trevor (Shelley), Reid, Michelle (Ben), Evan (Sylvia), Lindsey (Tyler), Michael (Selena), Dustin (Stacey), Tekla (Chris), Darla (Lyle), seventeen great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren, her brother Denis (Cindy) and their families, Léo’s sisters; Lorraine and Yolande and their families and his brother Gilles.
She was predeceased by her beloved Léo, her parents Mike and Mary and her sister Jackie.
Mom grew up in Emerson. Her home-making skills and love for cooking and baking were taught to her early on, by her hard working Ukrainian family. She carried on many of these traditions and passed them on to her family throughout the years.
̕In the late 1940’s, Mom a pretty hazel-eyed brunette from Emerson met and fell in love with a blue-eyed hockey player from Letellier. Together they raised their family in Pine Falls. Their steadfast devotion and love lasted more than seventy years. Their life together was truly blessed.
Her passion for food preparation and baking led her to a lifelong career in the culinary arts. Beginning with the “Wheel- In”, Helen’s catering and finally Sonny’s Chicken House, Mom forged lifelong friendships with her second families.
Since she was often at home at lunch time, our house became a gathering place for grandkids and their friends over the years. There was always an extra sandwich, a plate of fresh baked cookies or other goodies waiting to be devoured.
Mom went on to take on a Cake Design course through RRCC and using her own unique designs, created amazing birthday and wedding themed cakes. She loved seeing the joy on the faces of those who received one of her creations.
In her later retirement years, Mom helped outdoing office working a family business. She was always busy.
Weekends were often spent at the cottage playing cards and games, picking blueberries and mushrooms in the nearby woods and enjoying boisterous Sunday family barbecues. These were such good times.
Her close friends from the Rock – Polly and Anne became lifelong canasta and bingo buddies, their friendship lasting many decades.
Dad and Mom loved taking trips whether it was with all the children loaded into the old station wagon to visit Niagara Falls, visits to see extended family, trips to the States, and later casino trips to try their luck, or time spent at their cottage. Wonderful memories were made during those years.
Their love of casino games brought them much pleasure in their later years. They often chatted with other seniors, who over time became friends. Good luck and good times were plentiful.
Mom loved cooking, baking, sewing, knitting and crocheting for her family and friends. Her “secret” ingredient was finally revealed to us – LOVE. It’s why everything she made was just a little prettier, sweeter and tastier.
Mom loved plants and gardening. She always had ‘slips’ rooting on the kitchen windowsill. The front veranda ‘plant room’ was always filled with her well-tended beauties.
Throughout the years, Dad and Mom always loved, listened, supported and offered to help us in any way they could. For this we are eternally grateful.
After Dad’s passing in 2019, Mom yearned for the day that they would once again be together. We know that now your wish has come true, you are free of pain and with Dad.
Thank you for the ongoing kindness and care given by the dedicated staff at Sunnywood Manor.
Special thanks to Ila, Melissa, Ester, Devery, Doreen and all the HCA staff , nursing staff, Courtney and Maggie for your support and compassion and wonderful care for our Mom and for us, and to Dr. Atoyebi for your comforting plan. YOU ARE ALL ANGELS!
“When the day arrives that there are no more tomorrows here on earth for me,
I want my family, my children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren to know and never forget,
That they were, are and will always be deeply loved and watched over by me.
The whisper of a touch on your shoulder, a familiar scent, a melody we loved – for I will always be nearby.”
I LOVE YOU ALL.
Cremation has taken place.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
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