Valerie Theresa Tretiak

Obituary

Passed on April 22, 2022

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.

---

Comments