Tag: Interlake

Marie Stefaniuk (Baba)

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March 8, 1943 – March 18, 2026

Peacefully, at the age of 83, Baba has reunited with Grandpa in the stars.

Marie was pre-deceased by her husband Paul and leaves to mourn her daughters Chris (Terry), Kim (Gord), grand-children Terra (Luke), Meagan (Nick), Lauren, and great-grandchildren Rolan, Kashtyn, Hazel and Sage.

Always adding her own flair to everything she did, Baba was incredibly creative, talented, and resourceful. From painting to pysanky, sewing to home renovation projects, hairstyling to being a Master Angler, Baba’s talents were bountiful. But where she really thrived was in her gardens – her solace was having her hands in the soil. Her incredible self-taught ability to breed unique garden species, fashion beautiful arrangements and be the family’s designated ‘plant-rescuer’ earned her endless accolades and Ag Fair ribbons. Second to gardening came cooking, with intricate and laborious dishes made from traditions and a bit of flair that we’d call ‘fusion cuisine’ today. Nothing was ever wasted – a nod to her humble upbringing and the decades before us. The traditional Christmas Eve feast will always be one of my favourite memories with the table set just so, the many dishes prepared with love and the laughs that surrounded her and Grandpa’s table.

The best part of Baba was seeing her look up and smile at any of her great-grandkids running down the hall towards her. Seeing her eyes light up at the sight of them was the greatest gift from her.

Whether you knew Baba or not, my wish is that you don’t spend today being sad for any reason…Instead, grab a drink and enjoy it with the people you love.

Baba, may you be free of pain, dance forevermore with Grandpa and be reunited with your kitties.

As per Marie’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal celebration will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to East Gate Lodge in Beausejour.

Our family would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the angels at East Gate who provided exceptional care for our Baba, and reigniting her sense of community these last years.

Have you ever had bird in the nest?
My favorite breakfast, Baba made the best.
Ketchup on my eggs in a real silly smile.
She was always so goofy, that was her style.


Arts and crafts, with love and care.
A creative mind with thoughts to share.
A talent unmatched, she was the best.
Anything you could imagine, she’d accept the test.
Decoupage, painting, bedazzling too.
Whatever you asked, she’d make it for you.


Haircuts, sewing, gardening, she did it all.
Foraging for mushrooms every spring and fall.
From the banks of Bird River to the beach of Mexico.
The life of the party wherever she’d go.
Ice fishing, boating, a Pike master angler.
Marie before Martha, a real hobby wrangler.


Her door was always open, her stove always on.
I miss the savory smell, now that it’s gone.
Cabbage rolls, perishke, pepenki and more.
Comfort and warmth when you walked through the door.
A true host with the most, the details just so.
Doing for others was how her love showed.


An amazing homemaker, and proud entertainer.
Heaven is beyond lucky to gain her.
The best Baba that there ever could be.
I’m so grateful she was mine, and for every memory.


Poem written by: Grand-daughter Terra Smyk

Obituary and memories written by:

Grand-daughter’s Meagan Essar and Lauren Halowaty

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Marie’s memorial page using the comment field below.

Wesley Richard Pearce

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January 16, 1941 – March 14, 2026

Peacefully, on March 14, 2026 surrounded by his family, Wes passed away at the age of 85 years.

Wes leaves behind a legacy of LOVE to be forever cherished. His greatest joy was the 54 years he shared with his beloved wife Merle, the absolute love of his life and their children Sian (Eric), Brian (Sue), Lynne, Greg (Colleen), Michele (Philip), 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Dad was predeceased by his parents Ed and Barb Pearce, his grandson Grant, and his loyal sidekick “Dr Sparky Henderson.”

Dad worked hard all his life and was not afraid to try anything new. He could do and fix anything. He knew the value of a dollar and the strength of a handshake. Dad made friends wherever he went! He was a BIG man with a BIG heart and an even bigger sense of humor right up to the very end. Dad was a real “Man’s Man” who loved life, people and pranks. A man of faith which grew stronger in his later years. We will hold you forever in our hearts until we meet again. You will be missed. With love, love and more love, Your Family.

Cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held at this time.

Friends and family are invited to share memories and condolences on Wesley’s memorial page using the comment field below.

David Culbertson

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August 25, 1944 – February 26, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of David Lee Culbertson on February 26, 2026 surrounded by loved ones at the age of 81.

Eighty-One Candles – A Life to Celebrate.

Each year tells a story — through sunshine and storms, through much laughter and strain, through moments of joy and moments of pain. Time may have brought aches to your body and slowed your steps, aging and illness placed before you challenges you never would have chosen.  But your true strength always lived in your heart. Your mind as sharp as ever, you remained the same remarkable man we have always known and loved.

We honour you — a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather. We celebrate the life you built, the guidance you’ve given, and the many hard choices and sacrifices you made so our family could have the life we share today.

Your strength, your humour, and most of all your unconditional love mean more to us than words can ever fully express. And if we carry even a small part of your strength, your kindness, and your love forward, then everything you have generously given us will continue to live on — in this family, and in all of us.

Dave was a devoted husband to his beloved wife and soulmate, Donna, a loving father to his daughters Kristi and Kelly, a proud grandfather to Brayden, Ethan, Simon and Samantha and his grand pets, Charlie, and Lucy. He loved all our family quirks and wished us nothing but happiness always.

Dave was born in Salina, Kansas on August 25, 1944, and was raised in Algona, Iowa where he had many fond memories of his mother, aunts, uncles and numerous cousins.  He was drafted to the military in 1966 and served as an Operating Room Specialist in Fort Carson, Colorado. During his service, Dave met Donna and feel deeply in love. They married in 1968 and started a family soon after.  Dave’s sole purpose in life was to ensure his family was loved and well taken care of and he worked so hard to make sure we had a good life.

Beyond his immediate family, Dave made deep and lasting impressions on his nieces, nephews, godson, Tyler and his many friends. He touched the lives of all who knew him with his kindness, wisdom, and witty sense of humour. His was genuinely curious about people, and treated everyone with dignity and respect.  For those who were not able to say goodbye, please know he held you in his heart and cherished you always.

Above all, Dave will be remembered for the love he shared with his family. His courage in the face of too many years of physical pain is a testament to how brave he was. His presence will be deeply missed, but the memories he created will never be forgotten.

As per Dave’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a quiet family gathering will follow.

The family wishes to thank his many caregivers and the doctors, nurses, and health care aides at St. Boniface Hospital Cardiac Unit 4 & 5 for their care and compassion. He truly appreciated you.

Your fight is now over. May you rest in peace. Love you always.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice, in memory of our Dave.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on David’s memorial page using the comment field below.

Cindy Lou Martin (née Heinrichs)

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September 12, 1959 – February 28, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Cindy Lou Martin (née Heinrichs) on February 28, 2026, at the age of 66.

Cindy was predeceased by her loving parents, Eva and Otto Heinrichs, and her beloved husband, Garth Martin.

She spent her early years in Greta, Emerson, and Altona, building lifelong friendships and memories. In 1978, she graduated from St. Boniface School of Nursing and began a career that perfectly reflected her compassionate heart. She started at Children’s Hospital before continuing her work at Selkirk Betel and later Gimli Betel, where she retired in 2017. Even after retirement, her dedication to caring for others led her to continue working casually until 2023, when her health began to decline.

Cindy was a caregiver in every sense of the word — always thinking of others and rarely putting herself first. Even in her final days, her concern was for those around her.

Throughout her life, Cindy found joy in both busy and quiet seasons. In earlier years, she was an avid crocheter and quilter, effortlessly creating beautiful quilts and afghans for family and friends. She enjoyed cross-stitching and a friendly game of crib. She loved spontaneous road trips to visit old friends, soaking up sunshine at the beach, and perfecting her tan.

Cindy also cherished simple pleasures: bonfires, good food, thrifting adventures, late-night trips to the casino, and occasionally treating herself to getting her hair done or enjoying a good pedicure. In her later years, she found contentment in quieter moments and simpler joys.

She will be deeply missed by many. Cindy is lovingly remembered by her daughter Wendy (Dayle), her treasured grandson Cory(Bree), her special friend Brad, as well as Special friends Karen and Allison, and all who were blessed to know her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when the weather becomes warmer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Palliative Care at Gimli Hospital in Cindy’s memory.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Cindy’s memorial page using the comment field below.

Wanda Mae Hardwick

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January 16, 1953 – February 25, 2026

Wanda Mae Hardwick, 73 years young, beloved wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma, sister, auntie and friend to many, passed away surrounded by love and peace.

Wanda Mae was born January 16, 1953, in Selkirk, Manitoba. She was the eldest daughter of seven and sister to ten brothers. Mom married her one and only love, Bob Hardwick, May 29, 1971, and they shared a life of true devotion. Together they had three children, Roberta, Rob (Tikena) and Roy (Wendy), with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mom/Wanda will be remembered for her hard work ethics, zest for life, and that smile and infectious laugh that you could hear anywhere. Most of all, serving her one and only Lord Jesus Christ.

Wanda Mae will be incredibly missed by all who knew and loved her. It’s not good-bye, it’s see you later. We will meet again.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Wanda Mae’s memorial page using the comment field below.