Valerie Theresa Tretiak, passed peacefully in Teulon on April 22, 2022 at the age of 88. Predeceased by her husband Michael (1994), Mom is lovingly remembered by her family Gregory (Gail), Rodney (Annette), Bradley (Lora-Lee), grandchildren: Victoria & Michael, Kayla, Cody (Jill) & Dylan, Riley (Nicole) & Haylee, great grandchildren Jax and Harper and by her sister Olga, sister-in-law Cassie and her cherished nieces and nephews and their families.

Jacob and Mary Yaworski’s youngest child ( daughters – Susie, Helen, Olga and Valerie, sons – Edward, Louis, Henry, Adolph, Edmund, Joseph and Anton), was born August 17, 1933 in Rama, Saskatchewan. Mom and Dad were raised in Rama, they married in Winnipeg in 1952 and then moved to Teulon to raise their family.

Mom began her career at Great West Life in Winnipeg and after moving to Teulon over the course of forty years she worked as the town’s switchboard operator, the local pharmacy’s store manager and finally at the local restaurant. Active in the community she was Teulon’s first female Town Councilor, a founding member and a president of the Kinettes, and member of the St. John Vianney’s CWL.

Through her work in the community she built lasting friendships with the residents of Teulon. Engaged, curious, compassionate and courageous throughout her life, she had a way of making those she encountered feel better. Her generous spirit and firm belief in helping her neighbors included regularly enlisting her boys to deliver, intact; homemade soups, casseroles and cookies to friends and neighbors in need. Together with her many friends they watched over the community’s children, we were blessed.

A gregarious person, Mom loved to travel whether it was a day trip to a neighboring community or further afield. She especially enjoyed the many travels with her nephews, sisters and Brad across western Canada and the USA to visit with family and friends. On these trips she would have her camera at the ready along with a treasure trove of pictures to share and reminisce. Her memory was photographic, and it never left her, she would recite facts and life histories on command.

During her time on the town council Mom was committed to continuing the health care provided at the Hunter Memorial Hospital and Goodwin Lodge. She recognized the importance of those facilities, however more importantly the dedication and professionalism of the all doctors, nurses and caregivers. The family extends its thanks and genuine appreciation to the staff at the hospital and Goodwin Lodge and Dr. Loudon for their patient and compassion loving care and friendship.

Mom was proud of her heritage and her family; five of her brothers served with the Canadian forces in WWII. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Red Cross – Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis.

A service will be held at the St. John Vianney Church in Teulon on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 2:30 pm. followed by a reception.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ruth Sampson (nee Appleyard) on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 surrounded by loving family.

Ruth was born in Grassmere on July 3, 1921 to Robert and Amy Appleyard, the eldest of seven children; Ken, Bob, Isabelle, Ron, Jim and Doug. Ruth attended grades 1-8 at Rockwood School southeast of Stonewall. After completing grade 8, she stayed home to help raise her younger brothers and sister and help on the family farm.

Ruth was a career woman which was rare for her era. Her first job was for the Eaton’s Catalogue in 1947. In 1950 she became a telephone operator for the Stonewall Telephone System. She lived with several other ladies in what is now the McLeod Teahouse known back then as Miss King’s Apartments.

Ruth married Middie Lefebvre in June of 1957 moving to their newly purchased farm in Argyle. She left the telephone system to become a farmer’s wife. However in 1962, Mid fell ill and they were forced to sell the farm and move back to Stonewall. Mid passed in October of 1963. Ruth then returned to work at the Stonewall Telephone System where she remained until 1966 when the telephone office closed. Ruth then secured a job with the Manitoba Government as a telephone operator working out of the Norquay Building in Winnipeg. All government phone calls went through that office at the time. She held this job until 1984 when she retired. During this time Ruth met Mel Sampson of Winnipeg and they were married October of 1983.

In retirement, Mel and Ruth became avid snow birds travelling to Texas for 23 years where many lasting friendships were made. Every weekend they could be found tearing it up on the dance floor. Mel passed away in November of 2020.

Ruth always enjoyed baking, dancing, old time music, gardening and her flowers, playing cards and spending time with friends and family. Well past her 100th birthday, Ruth continued to live independently in her home at Lions Manor where she never missed an opportunity to visit with family and friends. Auntie Ruth could always be found busy in her own kitchen making her nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews a double batch of her famous twirlies, tarts, Rice Krispie cake and tapioca pudding! Well into her 90’s Auntie Ruth still enjoyed picking saskatoons and strawberries, which always became delicious pies and jams to be shared and enjoyed. Having lived over a century, Ruth shared many stories and memories of a different time. She often reflected on how simple tasks were hard work when she was a child; collecting eggs, building a homemade ice box or making homemade bread with her mom.

Ruth was 18 when the second world war broke out. She remembered a time of great stress and fear when her brother Ken went off to war. In 1949, Ruth remembered getting electricity at the farm in Grassmere. They couldn’t believe how bright the house and barn were! The radio played all day as it was their main source of entertainment. In 1979, Ruth got on her first airplane to fly to Toronto to visit her brother Doug and his family. This was something she never even dreamed was a possibility as a child.

Auntie Ruth was always up for an adventure and never stopped making plans and looking forward. Whether it was bowling with the ladies, having a good weekly card game with dear friends, going out for lunch, enjoying family dinners, and even heading to the lake at the age of 100 and enjoying some fresh caught pickerel. Ruth was very proud to reach the milestone of 100 years of age. She was very honoured when so many of her cherished friends and family were able to attend her 100th birthday parade.

Ruth was blessed with a sharp memory that never waivered. She could recall specific dates, people and events from her entire life and was sure to correct the rest of us when our memories were not quite so sharp.

She was predeceased by her husbands Middie Lefebvre and Mel Sampson; parents Robert and Amy Appleyard; brother Ken and wife Viola, brother Bob and wife Doreen, brother Ron, sister Isabelle and husband George Nichol; her nephew Allan and wife Kathy and nieces Lorna Baker and Debbie Legary.

Left to cherish her memory is her brother James and brother Doug (Bev), their daughter Rachelle (Colin); children Kristen, Ryan and Trevor and daughter Susan and her son Nathan. She is also remembered by nephew Glenn (Valerie) and their children Cheryl (Darcy), Lori (Jarrett), Sara (Kevin), Whitney (Billy), Kenzie and all their families. Niece Linda (David) Tyerman and daughter Kelly (Trevor) and daughters Brooke, Kate, Reese and McKenna, daughter Tricia (Shawn) and their children Shaelynn, Kale and Makenna. Nephew Dale Baker and his daughter Roberta, daughter Patricia (Travis) and their children Allison and Payton, son Michael (Marie-France) and their children Eden, Abigail and Jameson. Niece Linda (Ed) Tomczak (Lefebvre) and family, niece Gail Lefebvre, nephew Paul (Shelley) Lefebvre and family, Ruth’s sister-in-law Janice and family. As well her late brother Ken’s family and late sister Isabelle’s family, late nephew Allan’s family. Ruth will also be remembered by countless nieces, nephews, cousins, family and dear friends.

The family would like to thank Ken Loehmer, Selkirk Hospital, Stonewall Home Care Staff as well as Dr. Pinniger for their care and compassion shown to Ruth over the years.

A celebration of life with family and friends will be held at Grassmere later this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ruth may be made to CancerCare Manitoba.

Auntie Ruth taught all of us what determination, resilience and hard work looks like. Everyone who crossed her path instantly loved and adored her. Ruth was an inspiration to all who knew her. She loved each of us unconditionally and we were so very fortunate to be able to call her our Auntie Ruth.

May 13, 1974 – April 12, 2022    It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Chad Ryan Yarema at the age of 47.

Chad will be forever missed by his two children, Connor (Talena) and Delaney (Joe), his girlfriend Janine, her children Bradley, Jillyan and Daggur; his parents Brenda and Jerry Yarema.

Also survived by the mother of his children Sheri (Wayne) and her extended family.

Chad was a devoted father, always putting his children first. He lived life to the fullest. He was outgoing, kind, caring, generous and loving. He was the life of the party and had a smile that would light up the room.

In his younger years Chad was well known in the Interlake for his music business Perfection Sound.

Chad took pride in his work; he was an excellent flooring tradesman. He was very well known for this quality workmanship and attention for detail in flooring and tile.

He loved the outdoors spending anytime he could with his children and good friends on quad and snowmobile rides. Many memories were made on the trails with his closest friends from Meleb. He recently started ice fishing and took great pride in his garden.

Chad was an active member in the Interlake Pool League where he had many friends. He was very proud that his team made it to the championship round and won silver at the annual pool tournament.

He will be greatly missed by his many friends of whom he cherished and considered family.

As per Chads wishes cremation has taken place and a private memorial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or donations, we ask that you take a moment to hug your child, grandchild, friend, or walk in the woods for a moment, an hour or a day. Time waits for no one.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Douglas Wayne MacDonald suffered a stroke at home on the evening of Monday, April 11, 2022, at 74 years of age.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Margaret, (Maggie to him), sons, Shawn (Char), David (Aaron) and Trevor (Angela) and grandchildren, Matthew, Katlyn (Maddy), Julie (Scott), Alyssa, Nathan, Kaleigh (Quinton) and Reese; Sisters, Edie (Richard) and Tracey (Bill), as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was pre-deceased by parents, Blair and Josephine; stepmother, Lois; sister, Jean and brother, Ron; in-laws Bill and Mae Zelisko and brother-in-law Marcel.

Doug was born on September 26, 1947, in St. John, New Brunswick, Canada. He was the second of four children born to Blair and Josephine MacDonald, although another sibling would join the family many years later, when his father remarried. Doug was often serious and reserved while growing up, but those who knew him well, knew that he did not stay that way. He was a hard worker and always had a job and a little money in his pocket, which he often shared with his younger siblings.

Doug graduated from Tech-Voc High School in 1966. Within several years, he met his sweetheart, and soul mate Margaret Zelisko. They married on October 28, 1972, about a month after his 25th birthday, as he was determined not to settle down before turning 25. They decided to settle in the Interlake region of Manitoba to raise their family of three boys. Doug was so proud of his boys, daughters-in-laws, and grandchildren, loving them unconditionally and wholeheartedly supporting their life choices and career paths.

Doug worked for several years at Plastic Films in Winnipeg before accepting a position at the Varta Battery Plant in 1975, where he stayed until their eventual shutdown in 1990. Later, he found meaningful work at the Co-op Gas Bar in Teulon and was still working there right up to the day of his passing. Known for his easy charm and quick wit, he loved to “hassle” his regulars at the pumps, dispensing his own special brand of banter. The sort of banter where you could get a dirty joke and a wink one minute, and a warm hug the next.

A funeral will be held at the Teulon Rockwood Community Center on Saturday, April 30, beginning at 11 AM. The family invites all who would like to attend to join them in celebrating Doug’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

March 5, 1944-April 11, 2022      It is with sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Pat/Mom at Riverview Health Centre Palliative Care Unit. She will be missed & remembered by her loving husband Daniel (Dan) of 53 years, her children Michelle Sigurdson (Darren), Sabrina Choma and grandchild Lexa Sigurdson. Survived by her brother Tony Genyk (Mary) and predeceased by her other brother Peter Genyk (Sonia). She will also be missed by her many nieces and nephews.

At the young age Pat moved to the city from Chatfield and married on Dec 28, 1968. She worked at MTS for many years then eventually went to work with Parks Canada. She loved gardening, canning, and cooking. There was many camping, fishing, and toy show trips with her husband. Pat was very proud of her daughters and enjoyed spending time with them sharing recipes, telling stories, shopping, and making sure they were taken care of. Mom loved her only grandchild, watching her during the day, running her for extra curricular activities and making sure she had a home-made meal. She will also be missed by her furry grand babies Harlow and Violet.

Thanks to all the wonderful staff at Riverview and to everyone who helped on this journey. Our family would like to send a special thanks to Dr. J. Webb for her care and guidance and Linda Soltys for her friendship over the years.

In keeping with her wishes no funeral service will be held, cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to a charity of your choice.

Vichnaya Pamyat

Mom passed away peacefully on April 8, 2022 at Goodwin Lodge. Mom was predeceased by her husband, Earl, her parents, her brother Malcolm, Sister Kathy, son-in-law, Ray, and special friend Ken. Left to mourn her loss are her children Rhona (Chuck), Sharon and friend Wray, and son Ray (Marian), grandchildren Darren, Devon, Kris, Trevor, Drew and Kyle, great-grandchildren Josh, Ashley, Noah and Kira, her beloved sister, Nancy and sister-in-law, Sheila.

Mom was born on August 29, 1928 in Stony Mountain. Her parents immigrated from Scotland. Mom was very proud of her Scottish heritage. She met our dad after he returned from WWII; they married living on a farm in the Stony Mountain area until moving to the Gunton area, owning Greenwood Garage. They made many friends, attended many dances and functions at the Gunton Hall, both working on the hall board. Dad and mom spent many winters in Florida enjoying fishing and golfing.

After our dad passed away in 1980, mom moved to Teulon and started working as a Health Care Aide at Goodwin Lodge, where she loved working with the elderly. She made many friends and often talked about the times when she worked there. Mom travelled to Texas and Arizona and made a special trip with her brother to Scotland to the Isle of Lewis where her parents came from. She enjoyed many trips to Halifax to visit her sister, Nancy.

In later years mom met Ken. Their love of dancing took them to several community halls around the area, and they would be up dancing as soon as the band started to play. Mom became a member of the Red River Cloggers and performed clogging at many events in the area, attending the Nashville Clogging Conventions numerous times. Mom’s other passions were playing the organ, knitting and crocheting toques, scarves, sweaters and making many baby outfits for all her grandchildren and attending her grandchildren’s hockey games and school concerts. Mom made the best chocolate chip cookies and pies.

The family would like to recognize the excellent care mom received in the last years of her life in the Teulon Hospital and Goodwin Lodge. Thanks to all the wonderful staff that showed such kindness to mom. Special thanks to Dr. Loudon for his care, also to Ken Loehmer and staff. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in mom’s memory to Teulon Goodwin Lodge.

Respecting mom’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service. A private family interment will take place.

You were a wonderful mother and we will love you forever, once again you are with dad where you were always the happiest. We have lost a loving mother and our children have lost a loving grandmother and great grandmother.

Farewell dear mother, thy work is o’er, Thy willing hands will toll no more A loving mother, kind and true No one on earth we’ll find like you.

November 6, 1945 – April 5, 2022     Our hearts are broken to announce the passing of Diane Dziedzic after a courageous fight with brain cancer. Diane is survived by her husband Frank, daughters Dana (Walter) Stewart, grandsons Duncan and Cameron and daughter Darci (Ken) Loehmer, granddaughters Ella and Alexa. Her mother Martha Charison, sisters Linda (Bun) Baxter, Shelly Eros, Candy (Herb) Laszchuk and Kathy (Doug Bottrell) Cockerill and their families. Her memory will be cherished by her large extended Dziedzic family.

Predeceased by her father Oscar Marcil and son Bobby Speek.

Diane was born in 1945 and raised in the bog on the farm and spent most of her adult life there too. School was at Good Hope, Gunton and Teulon, where she is remembered as the girl with great baseball skills, spunk, rosy cheeks and a smile on her face.

She was a young single parent and she soon lost Bobby to a heart defect. She met Frank at Crabby Steve’s dance hall, marrying in 1968. Diane was French in heritage but embraced Frank’s Ukrainian roots when she married into a family with 23 children.

Mom and dad were a team, on the farm and off. Their first home was tiny, no indoor plumbing. As the farm grew in Komarno so did their family. In 1978 Diane’s father Oscar passed away and they moved back to the bog near Balmoral and started Oak Hammock Ranch, a large cow/calf operation, with gorgeous hay fields. Diane was a true farm wife – she ran the house, the books and took care of us all. From running for parts and making meals, she was an equal part to their success.

As hard as they worked, they made time for family and fun. They had a cottage in Petersfield, close enough that we could run back to the farm. They retired in Wytewold, building their dream home. They always had a camper or motorhome, ready for any fishing or road trip. For over 20 years August long weekend was at WE Fest in Detroit Lakes, with Eddie and Helen and so many friends.

Mom didn’t embrace technology, never had a computer, cell phone or even an answering machine. But what she could accomplish with a phone book and land line was amazing. She helped plan the Veselka Ukrainian dance trips and competitions. She was always up for an adventure. With a map and a cooler, they’d let the road take them.

Family was most important to mom. She was always so proud of her girls and grandkids. She was who we called first with the good news and the bad. She always saw the positive in every situation and never dwelled on the bad. Life was too short. Mom loved to collect antiques and decorate. Give her a couple hours at an auction sale, she could always find a treasure. She had an amazing green thumb, winning awards with her show stopping gardens. She volunteered for years looking after the flowers at Rosewood Lodge.

Mom loved to travel and hated the cold so very winter was somewhere warm. Mexico for many years and then 15 years in Pine to Palm in Texas. But mom was just as happy with a weekend trip to Grand Forks with her girlfriends, where the shopping, beers and laughs were plentiful. Mom and dad made lifelong friends on their travels and stayed in touch with so many. She even played matchmaker with several couples, bringing Saskatchewan and Alberta farmers to meet her friends, and they ended up marrying a few of them!

Lions Manor in Stonewall has been their last home, and in Diane style she loved to go downstairs for coffee and make new friends. Diane was the most authentic person, never looking to impress. She was honest, opinionated and could tell a great story. The rosier her cheeks, the better the story after a couple of Coors Light.

Growing up she always said, I’m not your friend – I’m your mom. Sorry mom, this is the only time you failed. You ended up being our best friend. Our family has been blessed and our lives will never be the same without you. Mom you will live on in our hearts and memories forever.

If friends so desire donations can be made to the Interlake Community Foundation, Box 1575 Stonewall, R0C2Z0.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 8 at the Teulon Rockwood Centennial Centre, 14 Main Street, Teulon at 11:00 am.

August 6, 1920 – March 26, 2022       It is with sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Mom, Gramma and GeeGee at the age of 101. We are so very fortunate to have had her in our lives for so many years.

Mom was born in Toronto to James and Caroline Ward (Grotike). She was the youngest of three daughters. When she was 5 the family moved to the Grassmere area near Stonewall and the first of her three brothers was born when she was 6. Mom attended Grassmere School, Stonewall Collegiate and Normal School. Her first teaching job was at Rocklands School in 1938. She moved to Balmoral School in the early forties. In 1943 she joined the Wrens and was stationed in Halifax. After the war ended she returned to teaching in Balmoral. In 1946 she met the love of her life, Tom Croy. They were married in July and resided on the Croy dairy farm between Balmoral and Stonewall until 1985 when they moved to Stonewall. In 1959, after her children were in school, Mom returned to teaching at Balmoral. In 1962 she started teaching at the Manitoba School for the Deaf in Winnipeg where she taught until her retirement in 1979.

Mom liked to work in her garden, sew, knit, read, and bake. The CNIB reading program was a lifeline for her after she was unable to see well enough to read. She loved the scent of flowers, especially after her sight became poor. Mom and Dad enjoyed travelling and many family trips were made as we were growing up. Family get togethers were important to her and she instigated many family parties and reunions. Birthdays were always celebrated with a dinner and cake. Mom and Dad were lifetime members of the Royal Canadian Legion. Mom received her 70 year pin in 2015. She was also an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary. They were involved with the Legion for many years and after their move to Stonewall it became a major focus of their social life. It was there that they had many dear friends with whom they took numerous trips and enjoyed many happy times.

Mom was predeceased ten years ago by Tom, her husband of 65 years. She was the last of her generation in our extended family. Left to miss her and cherish her memory are her children Dan (Debbie), Colleen (Bruce) Croy Gibbons and Betty-Lou (Doug) Pickell; her grandchildren Deanna Hubert, Carrie and Dayna Croy, Adam (Mahdia) and Shannon Pickell; her great grandchildren Ryan and Kyla, Rick, Hassen and Shamsia. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and some good friends.

We would like to thank the nurses, doctors and healthcare aids at Gimli Hospital and Stonewall Hospital for their compassionate care given to Mom and to us the last four and a half weeks of her life. Thank-You to Dr. Pinniger for his medical care of Mom over the last many years.

There are no words to adequately express our gratitude to Michelle Loehmer, the Homecare Aids that provided care to Mom over the years and her friends and neighbours at Stonewood Place. Without the care, support, and friendship of all of you she would not have been able to live as independently as she had wished.

At Mom’s request there will be no formal service. Cremation has taken place and a family interment will be held at a later date. In memory of Mom donations can be made to CNIB 1080 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, R3G 3M3, SouthWest District Palliative Care, Box 1282, Stonewall, R0C 2Z0, or to a charity of one’s choice.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Marion McMahon age 76 years of Teulon, MB on Friday, March 25, 2022 at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg.

Survived by her husband Herb, son Trevor (Kim), brother Art (Diane) and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Marion had a very strong love for her family and her pets, her biggest passion was her love for art paintings that she has done over many of years.

A big thank you to Marion’s brother Art and sister-in-law Diane for making many of trips to pick up Herb and going to see Marion in her toughest days.

If friends so desire memorial donations may be made to the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation, CancerCare Manitoba or a charity of one’s choice.

A private family interment will take place at a later date.