Marie Archives - Interlake Cremation & Memorial Services

Marie Stefaniuk (Baba)

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.

Joyce Marie Tarnowski

11 Comments

June 11, 1945 – January 22, 2026

Joyce Tarnowski was a woman whose life was defined by love, devotion, and quiet strength. She passed peacefully on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the age of 80.

Born and raised in Woodridge, Manitoba, Joyce was the beloved daughter of Frank and Nellie Gerus. Her early years were rooted in family, faith, and community—values that would guide her throughout her life.

At the age of 12, Joyce moved to Winnipeg, where she attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School. It was there that her compassion for others and her strong work ethic continued to grow. Fate stepped in when Joyce went on a blind date with Adam Tarnowski. The connection was instant, and the two fell deeply in love, beginning a beautiful marriage that lasted 55 years.

Together, Joyce and Adam built a life centered on family. She was a proud and loving mother to three children: Page (Robert Spulnick), Dawn Tarnowski, and Adam (Marsha Gallaway). Joyce’s joy only grew with the arrival of her six cherished grandchildren—Lyndsay, Matthew, Keith, Anthony, Presley, and Jackson—as well as nine great-grandchildren who brought her endless happiness and pride.

Joyce and Adam’s journey took them to Kenora, where mom ran the lunch counter while dad was on the train, before returning to Winnipeg three years later. Adam started his own business and the family bought their first home in Garden City, where they lived for 14 years. Eventually, they settled in Fraserwood/Malonton, a place they would call home for 30 years and where Joyce’s deep roots in community life truly flourished.

Throughout her life, Joyce wore many hats. She worked at Eatons and the Stock Exchange, kept the books for her husband’s business, and served as a dedicated homecare worker. No matter the role, she brought care, diligence, and kindness to everything she did.

Joyce’s heart for service was evident in her countless volunteer roles. She gave generously of her time as a PTA volunteer and with the Girl Guides of Canada, she was a Brown Owl, Girl Guide Captain, and Camp Coordinator. She also served as a catechism teacher, was a devoted member of the Catholic Women’s League for 26 years, and proudly served as President of the Gimli Soccer League for five years. Her commitment to helping others shaped countless lives and strengthened the communities she loved.

Above all, Joyce will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her deep faith, her servant heart, and her gentle presence. She was the quiet glue that held everything together—a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and volunteer whose legacy lives on in the lives she touched.

A funeral service will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church in Gimli, with interment to take place at a later date. Honorary Pallbearers Jackson Tarnowski, Presley Tarnowski, Anthony Tarnowski, Keith Spulnick, Matthew Spulnick and Eden Leahy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff at Gimli Hospital for their excellent care, compassion, and kindness.

Joyce Tarnowski will be deeply missed and forever loved. Her memory will continue to shine through the family she cherished and the communities she faithfully served.

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

Marie Therese Seraphine Ross (nee Libbrecht)

Hanna Marie Norwell

20 Comments

December 26, 2002 – April 8, 2022

With broken hearts, her family announces the sudden passing at HSC of Hanna.

A Celebration of Life for Hanna will be held Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 2 pm. in the Selkirk Community Church 6569 Provincial Trunk Highway 9, St. Andrews. MB

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

December 26, 2002 – April 8, 2022

With broken hearts, her family announces the sudden passing at HSC of Hanna Marie Norwell. Born December 26, 2002 in Selkirk, she leaves behind her Grandparents, George and Louise Munn and grandmother Beverley Holigrocki; parents Michelle and Rob; siblings, Alexis, Irene, Conar and Anne; aunts Nicole (Sean) and Rochelle (Brennan) and cousins Donovan (Bethany), Madison, Sarah, AbbyGayle, Ryleigh and Carter. Also, mourning her passing is her father Allan Foster and Carol in Scotland, and her great aunt Sharon Sadowy, cousins Kevin and Heather and uncle Gerald Peterkin. She also leaves behind many close friends including Marcus, Piper and Paige. She was predeceased by her great grandparents Lorraine and Alexander (Papa), Tom and Alice Munn, her grandfather Rudy and her beloved cat Oscar.

Hanna spent most of her life on “Sesame Street” in Selkirk, playing Manhunt or just hanging out with Marcus. She spent her education at Daerwood Elementary, ESJH and The Comp and was working to finish her credits for graduation with her sister Alexis. She made an unforgettable impression on many people. She was someone that found her way into your heart and stayed there. She had her close “Army” of friends that she could always count on, but if there was one thing she was known for at home, was she would never allow someone, other than her, to pick on or talk bad about her siblings. Hanna had a talent for art and a great love for animals and was always asking to bring one home.

We love you and miss you our Hanna Banana but we know you are free from pain and together again with Papa and Oscar.

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

Heartfelt thank you goes out to Selkirk Hospital and the MICU at HSC for her care. Also to friends and teachers for the support to Alexis, Irene, Conar and Anne with loss of their sister. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cancer Care Manitoba in her memory.

Friends and family are invited to visit share memories and condolences on Hanna’s memorial page by using the comment field below. (Please note: there is a delay in time from when a comment is submitted to when it appears on line).

As long as I’m living my baby you’ll be. Love, Mom

Annette Marie Michelle Asselin

5 Comments

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Annette at the age of 62.

She was predeceased by her parents, Denis and Jeannine Asselin, her brother Edmond Asselin and her brother-in-law Larry Johannson.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Diana (Josh); grandson Justin; sister Jocelyn; brother Marc (Lori); cousin Michelle (Marcel) as well as nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Annette was a hard working single mother who dedicated her life to her daughter and later to her grandson. Her love for her whole family knew no bounds.

Annette will be remembered for her infectious laugh and her outgoing personality. She was selfless and often put the needs of others before her own. She had a gift for making those around her feel at ease and special. She was truly one of a kind.

Cremation has taken place and will be interred at a later date.

Friends and family are invited to share memories and condolences using the comment field below.

(Please note: there is a delay between your comment submission and it appearing on line.)