Winona Shupenia (Srutwa)
Obituary
Passed on
Winona Shupenia (Srutwa), of Komarno, Manitoba, passed away peacefully at Gimli Hospital on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the age of 88, with family by her side.
She is lovingly remembered by daughters Marlene (Dennis Boblinski), Donna (Steve Klym), Louise Shupenia (Lavallee), and Wendy (Craig Swanston); her grandchildren Jared and Jodi Lavallee, and Jennifer Swanston; brothers-in-law Mike (Rosalie) and Edward Shupenia; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was predeceased by husband, Bill (William) Shupenia (2015); parents Tom and Margaret Srutwa, brothers’ Victor (Anne) and Tommy; and her son-in-law Lorne Lavallee (2024).
Winona was born on March 8, 1938, in Selkirk, Manitoba and was raised on the family farm near Winnipeg Beach. In 1956, she met the love of her life, Bill, at Crabby Steve’s Dance Hall near Komarno. They were married on June 21, 1958, and built a life together farming and raising their family in Komarno.
Winona was a dedicated member of her community. She served as Vice President of the Komarno Sports Centre, Secretary-Treasurer of the Zbruch Community Centre, and was an active member of the Komarno Community Hall. In 1980, she made history as the first female school bus driver in the Interlake School Division after obtaining her Class 2 license. She drove for 27 years and was a strong advocate for bus drivers, working to improve benefits and contractual agreements. She also served as a municipal councilor for the LGD of Armstrong from 1992 to 2003.
Winona enjoyed travelling, including trips to Ukraine, California, Mexico, and Paris, France. She cherished visits to the Calgary Stampede, Banff National Park, and Lake Louise, Alberta. She also enjoyed visiting family in Innisfail, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; and Sudbury, Ontario. Closer to home, Winona and Bill attended many local festivals and community events throughout Manitoba, often sneaking in a dance or two.
Winona’s greatest pride were her children and grandchildren. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who created a warm and welcoming home, always ensuring there was plenty of food and refreshments for family and friends.
Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving were especially important to Mom, she enriched and instilled her traditions in us.
The family would like to thank mom’s friends for the daily phone calls, always checking up on her, the visits and immeasurable friendship over the years.
We extend our gratitude to the team at Gimli Hospital for their compassionate care during mom’s brief stay.
Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 10:30 am in the Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 380 Sophia Street in Selkirk, Manitoba, with Father Stefan Tyrawski officiating.
Pallbearers: Dennis Boblinski, Steve Klym, Greg Shupenia, Daryl Lucyshen , Christopher Lachuta, Ben Yasenko.
Honorary Pallbearers: Jared & Jodi Lavallee, Bernie Lachuta, Agnes Yasenko, Nancy Tuck, Virginia Grabowski, Mike Shupenia, Randy Monaster.
Interment to follow at All Saints Cemetery 4535 Main Street, West St. Paul, MB
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or a charity of your choice.
Comments
Sincere condolences, Marlene and Dennis, on the passing of your loving mother/mother-in-law. May she now rest peacefully. Iris Taraschuk
Iris Taraschuk
Sincere condolences, Marlene and Dennis, on the passing of your loving mother/mother-in-law. May she now rest peacefully.
Iris Taraschuk
Our deepest condolences to Winona’s family. She was our school bus driver for many years. My kids often ask about her when they come home and talk about their school days. And when I would run into Winona, she would always ask about my kids and how they were doing. Cherish your memories.
Mitzi, Steven, Gretchen, Tevin and Katrina Maksmyk
Sending my deepest condolences to the Shupenia girls and families on the loss of your mom and baba. I grew up knowing your mom as a hard working friendly face. Always had a hand in community functions- I enjoyed our visits. May she rest in peace 💕
Tracy Dziedzic
Sending our condolences.
Greg and Karen Chic
Sending our most sincere condolence to all the family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Leonard and Gladys Kohler
My condolences to You Louise , Jodi & Jared & all your family on the loss of your mother and grandmother. We Had many good visits with her & Bill over the years. Now they are together. May she rest in peace.
Carole Chobotar
Feeling saddened that we can’t be there in person to express our condolences. Sending our sympathies to the family - over the loss of your dear mother.💔As you reflect on her achievements - take comfort in the trail blazer she was and simply good friend to many. Wishing you time.❤️
Fran and Ken Trafiak
We are so saddened to learn of your mom’s passing. She was such a lovely lady! I always remember how excited she was to call me Mrs Gingera after Greg and I got married. She will be deeply missed❤️
Gloria and Greg Gingera
So sad to hear of Winona’s passing, what a great person she was. Mom enjoyed her phone conversations with her because “there’s not too many of us left that we can talk about the same things”. Rest in peace Winona, hugs to you.
Lucy Kowalchuk
Our deepest condolences to Winona's family. Remembering good times with Winona and Bill when our parents (Percy and Evelyn Williams) took us out to Komarno. - Lorlie, John and Connor Marschall and Cindy, Cayley and Chelsea Lamoureux
Lorlie Williams-Marschall
Donna and Steve and family so sorry for your loss💐🌷🌸🪻
Barbara Pfrimmer
I worked with Winona and Bill at many events in Komarno Hall. She had a great personality, and I certainly learned a great many things from her. Winona also had a good sense of humour and laughter often filled the kitchen. I will miss her, but I know she and Bill are busy organizing a dance for the folks in Heaven. They are together again. God bless them both.
Judith Dedrick-Williams
Dear Louise, Jodi & Jared, Please accept my sincere condolences at this time, of your loss. Your Mom, & Grandmother sounds like a lovely lady & I know that she' ll be missed. God bless.
Pat Bray
I have so many fond childhood memories of visiting your Mom and Dad and my Shupenia cousins, Winona was so kind and caring, she will be missed greatly. Please accept our sincere condolences during this time of loss.
Albert Harris
We are sorry to hear your loss of your Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you's and the whole family.She in a good place with your Dad planning the next get together or dancing up a storm. Love Sylvia & Ron
Sylvia Smoley
My condolences to the family members and friends Winona passing my thoughts and prayers with all Old neighbour on From Shari Lee Slater,Dwayne Cheadle and Carl Cheadle
Sharilee Slater
We were very sad to hear about Winona’s passing. We always enjoyed catching up with her whenever we saw her. Condolences to the family.
April and Nancy Woychyshyn
Sending our condolences.Sandy Srutwa and family and Darlene and Ben Solmundson and family.
Sandra Srutwa
Are you or someone you know planning a funeral?
Contact Ken today to book an appointment.
Contact Ken
Leave a comment