Aug. 7, 1952 – Feb. 2, 2022 Heaven gained another great ball player, race handicapper, and general good guy when Jim passed away suddenly on February 2, 2022.

Jim was predeceased by his parents and his sister Judy Morris. He is survived by partner and best friend Bev, mother-in-law Marion, son Jeff (mother Sharon, wife Chantal, daughter Zena), brother Al, brothers-in-law Wayne, Bob, Ken (Francine), Russ (Laura), sister-in-law Tracy (Todd), nieces and nephews.

Jim was born in Lethbridge, spent his youth in Belle River, Ontario, and then his adult years in Winnipeg, MB. Jim spent the majority of his working career with the City of Winnipeg and then in ‘retirement’ held jobs with MTS and Standard Aero. These last years he worked for Equal Opportunities West. This position was one he loved very much; being with everyone at the agency brought him joy.

You may have known Jim by a different name! He was known as Spyder, James, and Jim. No matter the name, he enjoyed his connections to various ball teams (Rib Shack, Classics, Manitoba Speed). Jim was a skilled pitcher, and a keen strategist when coaching.

Jim had a second home at Assiniboine Downs, and valued his many friends (brothers) and fellow handicappers there.

Jim loved to chat and banter with people; he knew how to work a crowd, family gathering, or party, and would do his best to get folks laughing with his famous jokes. You are likely able to imagine Jim’s delivery followed by his own laughter.

Jim kept various notes (horses, NFL picks, jokes) and one highlight was this poem he saved.

Friendship is a chain of gold Shaped in God’s all perfect mold. Each link a smile, a laugh, a tear. A grip of the hand, a word of cheer. As steadfast as ages roll, Binding closer soul to soul. No matter how far or heavy the load, Sweet is the journey on friendship’s road.

Following Jim’s wishes, no formal service will be held.

With the heaviest of hearts, we sadly write to inform of the sudden passing of Nancy Fleury (Friederici), of Teulon, Manitoba (“Nanny”) at the age of 75. This incredible lady will be forever missed by the great love of her life, her best friend, devoted and adoring husband of 57 years, Eugene, and her beloved daughters Laurie (Angus) and Cathy (Keith). Also left to mourn and celebrate her life are grand-daughters Brandy (Tony), Nikki (Marty) and step-grandchildren Megan (Moe), Alexandra, and Tyler (Kristy), along with great-grand-daughters Toni, Marley (Brandy), expectant grand-baby (Nikki), and Elizabeth (Alex), Darius and Rae-Anne (Megan). She is also dearly missed by her life-long best friend, Ellie Hodges of BC, and her extended family, which she adored.

Mom was born in a 1 bedroom farmhouse on February 19, 1946 to Otto and Martha Friederici of Arborg, Manitoba and was one of 8 children, the youngest of 4 daughters. She was pre-deceased by her parents, brother Herman, and by her grandson Christopher (Cathy) but is survived by loving sisters Helen Puhach, Tillie Twohig, and Shirley Carbert (Don), and brothers Eric, Albert (Judy), and Arthur (Betty).

Those who knew her will not soon forget the great love she had for family, her strong compassion for all, her desire to do things right, her strong determination, and that wicked, sometimes inappropriate sense of humour that endeared her to all. Her go-to quote was “couldn’t give a rat’s arse”, which would always bring a smile to our faces because most times she really couldn’t. She was that liberated, and told it like it was, even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. She taught us that when life got tough, get tougher, and yet to always find the way to be kind. She was hard working, compassionate, so humble yet strong, always loving and honest, caring and forgiving and she always, always put the needs of others before her own. Her favourite of the 4 seasons was Spring, as she had a deep love of plants and gardening – her favourite flowers being lilies and roses. She loved camping, fishing, fireside hotdogs, and sometimes just to go for a car ride in the countryside to enjoy dad’s company. She was also an amazing cook, making something extraordinary out of seemingly nothing, passing her passions through generations to come.

She was also the strongest believer in helping others, and quickly saw the need to help locally when mom and dad moved to Teulon in 1977. She started many local charitable organizations including the Teulon Christmas Cheer Board, the local Food Bank, and she was an avid catalyst for donating to those in need, ultimately receiving the Governor-General’s award for Community Service in recognition of her hard work.

It’s impossible to sum up in a few paragraphs the essence of who she was, but the best of her will be carried in us all for our lifetimes and beyond. She is forever loved and missed by those fortunate enough to have known her.

As hard as it is for us to say goodbye, it’s time for you to rest in peace, beautiful lady. You will always be remembered with the greatest of affection. Your legacy lives on in us all.

A heartfelt thank you to the nurses and doctors at Stonewall Memorial Hospital for their kindness and compassion to ensure mom was comfortable.

Her loving family will be hosting a celebration of her life in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, we respectfully request donations in her name to your local food bank.

Peacefully on January 30th, 2022 at the age of 92 our amazing Uncle Eric was called home to rest. He was predeceased by his parents Gottfried & Rosa, brothers Gerry, Holdy, Roland & Hank.

He leaves to cherish his memory his sister Trudy (John) Magas, sisters-in-law Silvia, Lydia, Alwyn & special friend Dorothy. As well as numerous Nieces & Nephews, Great Nieces & Nephews and Great-great Nieces.

Eric was born September 4th, 1929 in Winnipeg. Grew up in Starbuck and in 1949 his family moved to Stony Mountain. Eric always felt grateful and blessed for family, friends and his health allowing him to farm into his 80’s. He had a special love of gardening and a great game of crib. He enjoyed curling, bowling and hunting. Eric made the best wine and had a lifelong love of woodworking. Happiest when surrounded by his family. He loved each and everyone of us and made sure we knew it.

Thank you to the staff at Stonewall Hospital, Dr. Graham, Christine Skakum (Palliative Care) & all the home care workers. A special thank you to Diane Ammeter for her care, strength, expertise and unconditional love.

Funeral service to be held on Saturday, February 5th at 11:00 am at the Stonewall United Church. Proof of Vaccination required.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Siloam Mission or the Salvation Army as Eric had the biggest heart and believed in helping others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 3, 1961 – January 26, 2022     Suddenly, while on the job at Muskrat Dam in NW Ontario, Keith passed away at the age of 60. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Lois (nee Benedictson), whom he took great joy in reminding that she was older than he was – and he made sure everyone knew it. He is also survived by his daughters, of whom he was immensely proud: Melissa (Barry) Hopman, Christy (Adam) Putz, Rachelle (Jim) Manness and Megan Hnatiuk; grandchildren, his pride and joy: Sebastian, Caleb and Charolette Hnatiuk; his sisters Lois Matis (Rod Boles), Lorine (David) Waters and Beryl (Rudy) Singbiel; Lois’s family and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Rosella Cook, his brother-in-law Steve Matis and niece Shelley Matis.

Keith grew up in the Komarno area where he farmed with his parents, married and raised his family. His spontaneous adventures with his family made many wonderful memories, from going to hotels with waterslides, often including extended family, a spur of the moment midnight trip to Winnipeg to a Garth Brooks CD release, camping trips, adventures to BC because “it rained too much to make hay”, taking the whole family on a Caribbean cruise to a last-minute trip to Disney World that included the grandkids, just to name a few.

He learned to operate Cat dozers as a teenager and continued to work in the construction industry in Manitoba as an equipment operator, in Saskatchewan as a Consultant and on the Husky Sunrise Project in Fort McMurray, Alberta, as a Supervisor. About ten years ago he and Lois decided to start their own construction company, K & L Contracting Ltd., completing many projects across Manitoba. Keith took great pride in putting a pushpin on the map where each project was located. He had a knack for estimating a job, the logistics to complete the job efficiently and establishing a congenial rapport with employees, clients and engineers alike.

He was so looking forward to retirement this fall, was excited to tour in their RV, and spend their winters at their newly purchased condo in Texas, that had his favourite, “a pool within walking distance!” He wasn’t one to shy away from sharing his opinion but he had a heart of gold, helped family and friends whenever he could, especially if it involved something with more than 100 horse power! He took co-workers and employees under his wing, mentoring them in both work and life skills. He always had everyone laughing and was the life of every party. His competitive spirit was evident when playing Scrabble, Chess or any game where it was “boys against the girls”. He will be sorely missed by everyone who had the privilege to know him.

Thanks to JoAnne and Sandra and everyone for your prayers, condolences, food, etc. and for your offers of meals, support and assistance. A special thanks to Clayton who went above and beyond when we couldn’t be there.

A private memorial will be held at a later date.

John 11:25 “… I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”

January 22, 1961 – January 25, 2022    After a courageous battle with cancer, Elizabeth peacefully passed away at the Stonewall Hospital. Elizabeth will be lovingly missed by her husband of 35 years, Randy, her son Rj (Cindy), grandsons Gage and Levi, granddaughters Hailey, Kylie, and Alexandra, son Roy and grandson Nathan, as well as her best friend, Sharon Kozak, who was always there for her no matter what. Liz is also survived by numerous family and friends.

Elizabeth was predeceased by her parents, Leonard and Isabell Martini, sister Linda Martini and her father and mother in law Kasper and Pearl Dziedzic.

Elizabeth worked at 17 Wing in Winnipeg for 35 years where she made many friends and eventually retired in 2016. In early retirement she spent her time looking after her first precious grandson Gage, taking him to Norris Lake, which was one of her favorite spots. This is where she would meet and have cocktails with many friends and family. Her door was always open to anyone who stopped in, either for a coffee or a cocktail. She also loved her flowers and gardening, but her biggest enjoyment in life was her three grandsons.

Over the years Liz volunteered throughout the community, at Polson Hall and the Children’s Wish Ride (Inwood). She was always one that could be counted on to help at various community functions.

We would like to thank the Stonewall Hospital’s staff for their kindness, care and compassion during this difficult time.

A service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society (uterine cancer research) or to St. Mary’s Cemetery (Inwood), Box 166, Teulon, MB, R0C 3B0.

We were happy that we got to spend your last birthday with you just the way you wanted it…enjoying some beer and chocolate!

Rest In Peace Liz. You are now free of pain.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful sister Beverly Joan Lazaruk on January 21st 2022. Bev was born on November 12,1950 in Winnipeg. She attended special needs classes at Kinsmen School and later Margaret Scott School.

Bev had many challenges in her life and had resided at home with her parents (William and Myrtle Lazaruk) until their demise. Bev continued living with her brother Jack and when Jack became ill and was no longer able to care for her Bev then moved to Stonewall MB to live with her sister Marie. Bev and Marie enjoyed their time together until Bev required more health care. In the recent year Bev moved to Rosewood Lodge in Stonewall where she received great care and continued to live her life, loving to sing all her most remembered Patsy Cline tunes, watching her favourite tv shows and participate in crafts and some recreation and continued to fight her many health and physical challenges.

Bev leaves to mourn her sister Marie Livingston and brother Jack Lazaruk, and nephew Dan Pancoe (Rachelle) and niece Stephanie Pancoe (Andrew). sister Lynda Sundseth (nephew Clint Sundseth (Yvette) and great nephew Jersey).

The family wishes to thank all the care-providers at Rosewood Lodge who treated our sister with so much love and respect and great care and to Dr. Graham for his continued care. Ken Loehmer Funeral Services in care of arrangements. In lieu of flowers kindly make a donation in Bev’s memory to The Winnipeg Humane Society or a pet rescue of your choice.

Rest in Peace Bev. “

July 26, 1958 – January 19, 2022    With his family by his side, Ron passed away at the Grace Hospital on January 19, 2022.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife Laurie, daughter Delaney (Steven), mother-in-law Rita MacMillan, brothers Dan (Judy) and Bob (Kim), sister Audrey (Ernie), sisters-in-law Leonie, Murielle, Lynne (Ken), brothers-in-law Ron (Midge), Gerald and Michael. Also numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and friends.

Ron hated the winter and cold. Internment will take place at a warmer, greener date.

October 26, 1934-January 19, 2022     Sophie passed peacefully, in her sleep, at Lions Manor Personal Care Home.

She will be remembered with love by her partner, Norman Macdonald (Norrie), sister-in-law Theresa, niece Barb (Peter), nephews Brad (Sylvie), Ron (Karen) and Doug (Teresa), great nieces and nephews Melissa (Chris), Amie (Paul), Michael (Kathleen), Magdalena (Arik), Stuart (Christina), great-great-nieces Natalie, Maëlle and Rebecca, and great-great-nephews Felix, Dale, Sawyer and Matthew, Norrie’s daughters Kirsty and Fiona and grand-daughter Rachel, as well as many cousins and long-time friends with whom she enjoyed travel, ‘going for coffee’, the symphony, or other outings. Sophie was predeceased by her parents Paul and Annie Melnychuk, her brother Zenon and her sister Ollie, as well as cousins and several friends whom she missed terribly.

Sophie was born and grew up on a small farm near Balmoral, Manitoba, the middle child of three. She attended school in Balmoral, completing Grade 11, then joined her sister in Winnipeg to continue her education.

Sophie was hardworking and eager to learn. She took advantage of every opportunity to take courses and continue her learning throughout her career. This resulted in many employment and advancement opportunities, helping to break through some of those ‘glass ceilings’ experienced by professional women of the time. During her career, Sophie worked for Century Motors, The Citadel, Wawanesa, Investor’s Group and Morguard, to name a few. She was recognized as a Fellow of Life Management Institute in 1980 for specialization in Administrative Management and received an Award of Merit from the Purchasing Management Association of Canada in 1990. Sophie was proud and humbled by her employment accomplishments, given that she didn’t have the opportunity for post-secondary education. She also maintained life-long friendships with many people she met along her career path.

Once she left the world of ‘paid work’, Sophie became an owner and operator of Silver Treads, a uniquely accessible tour company in support of seniors who benefitted from door-to-door transportation. She did extensive research about places of interest in Manitoba and worked with local businesses to provide refreshment and meal stops along the way. Tour days were extremely busy, and with the help of Norrie, specific needs were addressed so that all guests could enjoy their tours. There were many ‘regulars’ on the tours, who became Sophie’s friends.

Sophie also enjoyed travel beyond Manitoba borders. As a single woman, she enjoyed touring with friends to destinations such as the Orient, Europe, Russia and Ukraine. She also travelled with Norrie to Scotland and enjoyed a challenging but memorable trip to Hawaii with Barb.

Volunteerism was an important part of Sophie’s life, with a strong commitment to the Broadway community where she made her home. Over the years, she sang in church choirs, was on the executive of the Winnipeg Ski Club, taught dance lessons at the YMCA, fed the birds in the Broadway neighbourhood, and supported various fund-raisers including the Balmoral United Church walk-a-thon. One of her strongest and proudest commitments was to the Friends of Sherbrook Pool. Sophie and her friend Randy Conway were part of a small group of volunteers who worked tirelessly to keep the pool open for years beyond the time the city intended it to be closed.

Sophie was devoted to her parents in their elder years, and spent much time on weekends, driving to Teulon to spend time with and support them. She continued to maintain her parents’ house in Teulon for many years. Sophie loved working in the garden on the Teulon property, digging weeds by hand and letting ‘volunteer’ vegetables and flowers grow as they pleased. She couldn’t bear to destroy a ‘good plant’. When rabbits or deer ate her vegetables, she patiently acknowledged that “they have to eat too”, even though she valued the healthy vegetables she was able to harvest each fall.

We will miss many things about (Auntie) Sophie. Most immediately, we miss our conversations, her laughter and her love.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

On Sunday, August 28 at 2:00 p.m., a committal of the ashes will be held at the Victoria Cemetery, Road 84N, Balmoral, Manitoba, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at the Balmoral Hall.

If friends and family so desire, donations in Sophie’s name may be made to Lion’s Manor Personal Care Centre, 320 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2W6 or Goodwin Lodge, Box 89, Teulon, MB R0C 3B0. Our family would like to thank the staff on the 2nd floor of Lion’s Personal Care Centre for their care and compassion during the last few months of Sophie’s life, and for helping her bring laughter to the unit. Finally, thank you to Sue and Ellie for their support of our family. Ken Loehmer Funeral Services, Teulon, in care of arrangements. Condolences may be left at klfuneralservices.ca

It is with deep sadness that the family of Mary L. Smith announces her peaceful passing on Monday, January 17, 2022 at Riverview Health Centre, Winnipeg, with the love of her family and special friend, Rev. Milly Malavsky encompassing her.

Mary is survived by her son Jim (Joyce); daughter Phyllis (James) Marsch; grandchildren: Michael (Emma) Smith, Jennifer (Chris Taylor), Jason (Kathyrn) Nagy, Colin Marsch; great grandchildren: Brendan, Skylar, Danika, Rhys; brothers: Mike (Shirley) Panchuk, Nick (Sharon) Panchuk; sister: Lil (Martin) Dodd and many nieces, nephews and friends, notably Florence Smart and longtime neighbors and friends, Bunny Graham and Faith Brown. Mary is predeceased by her husband, George Smith; daughter, Christine Fillion; grandson, Sean Nagy; parents, Michael and Tina Panchuk; her brother Bill Panchuk.

Mary was born on September 13, 1930 in Ansonville, ON, where she lived until she was 5 years old. At the age of 5, she moved with her parents to live with her grandparents, who owned a farm just north east of the town of Stonewall, MB. It was here where she attended all her school, up to and including grade 9. Upon her graduation from grade 9, the excitement of having her first job, attracted her to move into Winnipeg, where she lived with her aunt Doris and uncle George Demetrioff in St. Boniface. Mary’s first job was as a waitress with Canada Packers, in what was then known as a private cafeteria for the administrative staff. After a couple years, she returned to Stonewall where she continued her employment as a hostess/waitress at Wilf’s Café. It was here where mom met her favorite regular customer and love of her life, our dad, George Smith.

Over the years, Mary enjoyed part time employment with Avon, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce in the dining room as a hostess/waitress, and in retail at the Dominion and then Safeway bakery counter. Although mom enjoyed the connections with others throughout her various job opportunities, mom always put the care for her family first. This especially held true in her willingness and warm embrace of child rearing her young sister, Lil, as her own, along with her own children throughout her early years of being a mom. Mom was never idle, filling her spare time with a number of enjoyable hobbies, needlework, knitting, crocheting, calligraphy, gardening and especially loved tending to African violets and flower gardening, baking and cake decorating, and making pressed flower pictures and bookmarkers. Mom shared her patience, joy and pride in teaching anyone who was interested in any of her hobbies, including how to make our traditional family favorites of pyrohy, chroostycky, holubtsi, along with Scotch oatcakes and scones.

Mom and dad celebrated their 54th Wedding Anniversary before dad’s passing. Throughout those years they enjoyed square dancing, bowling, and taking family trips. In their later years they continued to enjoy the adventure of travel with one another, visiting Canada from coast to coast, parts of the US, Europe, the British Isles – making a couple trips specifically to visit dad’s family in Scotland, and also to Australia where they visited longtime friends. Mom’s life time dream to connect with extended family in Ukraine came true when she travelled there on a tour and was able to coordinate a visit with them. In keeping with mom’s interest in strengthening her knowledge in faith and spirituality, she had the opportunity to join a Charleswood United Church tour of the Holy Land. This trip along with all the others held many happy memories, the numerous photo albums mom and dad compiled over the years was proof of this.

A celebration of Mary’s life was held on Monday, January 24, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Boulevard, Winnipeg, MB, followed by interment at Stonewall Cemetery, Stonewall, MB. Rev. Milly Malavsky officiating.

As per government regulations, all guests must be fully vaccinated and able to provide valid proof, masks must be worn during the service and social distancing will be adhered to.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Riverview Health Centre, 1 Morley Ave, Winnipeg, MB. R3L 2P4 or Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Boulevard, Winnipeg, MB, R3R 0G6.

The family would like to extend warm thanks to the manager, doctors, nurses, allied health care workers and support staff on UNIT 2 West at Riverview Health Centre for their care of mom over the past 4 ½ years. You were like a second family to mom. Your care, concern and gentle understanding with mom and her family is truly appreciated. Also heartfelt thanks to Rev. Milly Malavsky and Rev. Dr. Michael Wilson for their spiritual care and pastoral presence.

The day you left and gained your wings, Our hearts just broke in two, We wish you could have stayed with us, But Heaven needed you.

You left us with the memories, And we love you dearly still, No matter how much time goes by, You know we always will.

You were a very special person, With kindness in your heart, And the love we had together, Grows stronger now that we are apart.

We know we cannot bring you back, Although we wish it everyday, But a piece of us went with you, The day you went away,.