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ZELMA MATILDA SHAW
After a short but courageous battle with cancer, Zelma Matilda Shaw passed away Nov. 29, 2005 at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, Man., at the age of 87 years.
Zelma is survived by one son, Grant (Teresa) of Steinbach, Man.; two daughters, Jean Wiwchar (Morris) of Piney, Man. and Sharon Oliver (Bob) of Winnipeg, Man.; one daughter-in-law, Pat Shaw of Winnipeg; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Kay Turner and Blanche Nickel.
She was predeceased by her husband Bernard; her son Ronald; her grandsons, Cory and Alan; her parents, Philomene and Albert Willekens.
Mom was born in Belgium July 11, 1918. At the age of two she immigrated with her family to Canada, settling in the Swan Lake, Man. area. She married Bernard Shaw in 1936. They farmed in the Holland and Treherne districts, moving to Piney in 1951.
Mom was very active in the community, being a member of the over 40 club, a volunteer with the congregate meals, a lifetime member of the Piney Kraft Klub, a 4-H leader, to name a few. Mom loved to quilt, sew and knit. She learned to crochet just a few years ago. She enjoyed her flowers, especially the gladiolas.
A memorial service will be held Friday, Dec. 2, 2005, 1 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Dr., with Rev. Steven Johann officiating. Family interment will follow at a later date. Honorary pallbearers for the service will be her grandchildren.
The family would like to express special thanks to the wonderful staff at Cedarwood, homecare staff and coordinators.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation, Room ON109 - 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9.
Arrangements by: Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
DORA MAY GAUTHIER (nee Grouette)
May 9, 1933 — Nov. 20, 2005
Peacefully, while sleeping, Dora May left this world for what she believed a better place. Daughter of Celina and William Grouette, she was predeceased by her parents, two brothers, Bill of Surrey, B.C. and Doug of Toronto, Ont., and most recently Phil, her husband of 38 years, in February of this year. She is survived by her brother, Harold Grouette (Helen) of Chilliwack, B.C.; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends, Cec Lesley, being her very best friend.
Dora May was raised in Winnipeg, Man. and worked at Eaton's until she married and moved to Richer, Man. She loved country living and became an active member of that community. Dora May was involved in numerous committees and wore many hats. She worked with Child and Family Services as a foster parent and with the Metis Federation. She was one of the founders of the Young at Hearts Club in Richer and worked with the Boy Scouts. During this past year, Dora May was presented with a number of gifts and awards in recognition of her efforts on steering committees, and although she was suffering with cancer, she gallantly attended meetings, functions, and also dinners in her honor. She always had a tremendous sense of duty and caring for others in general.
We wish to thank the people of Richer, also members of the Metis Federation, especially David Chartrand, who paid special attention to Dora May's plight and made her very happy by including her in a gala dinner as an honorary grandmother at the "Keeping The Fires Burning" celebration last June. Dora May received excellent care from the CancerCare Team, especially Dr. Butler, the many home care nurses, nutritionists, and the Deer Lodge Center for their support and most recently, the wonderful staff at Riverview Health Center. A special thank-you to Kim and Ashley at Medi-Van Services for transporting Dora May with tenderness and care. Thank-you to all those who sent cards and flowers that really did brighten up her days. If we've left anyone out, we're sorry.
Cremation has taken place. There will be no service as per Dora May's wishes. Donations may be made to the Humane Society or CancerCare in her name.
LeClaire Brothers in care of arrangements.
HERMAN JAMES KEHLER
Peacefully on Nov. 13, 2005, at the Health Sciences Center, after a courageous and amazing 17-year battle with cancer, Herman passed away at the tender age of 40.
Herman will forever be cherished by his two sons, Craige (Angela) and Justin, wife Lori; father and mother, John and Agatha; sisters, Debbie (Ewald), Phyllis (Steve), Martha (Ralph), Kim (Marlen); brother-in-law Ron (Suzanne); sisters-in-law Noreen (Brian), Karen (Bill); and many nephews and nieces, (Forever my munchkin).
Herman lived for his two sons, who were the most important people in the world to him. Herman had a way of touching people's lives, especially children's. His compassion, strength and sense of humour will never be forgotten.
The family thanks family members and friends for all their support. Special thanks to everyone at Cancer Care for their support and to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Health Sciences Center GA4 Ward for their special care of Herman in his last few weeks. Very special thanks to Dr. Jones, Dr. Fewer, Dr. Martin-Barnes, Orit Reuter and Dr. Sutherland for their compassionate and loving care of Herman over the past 17 years.
The funeral service was held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 18, 2005, at Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church, 500 Lagimodiere Blvd.
In lieu of flowers, if you so wish, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society for brain tumour research.
I was the 8 million dollar man!!
ELISABETH (FUNK) LOEWEN
1917 — 2005
With family by her side, Betty Loewen went home to be with her Lord, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2005.
Betty is survived by Alice (Edwin) Greening, Ed (Ellie) Loewen, Wally (Eleanor) Loewen, Grace (Rob) Scarbrough, son-in-law Derrick Tirschmann, nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, sister Tina Spingler, many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
She was predeceased by her husband John, six brothers, two sisters and two grandchildren.
Mom was granted 88 years on earth. This was longer than she expected. Forty-nine of those years were spent with her husband John, who passed away in 1987. They started their married life together doing farm work and then began the garage in New Bothwell, Man. There, she worked doing many things from pumping gas to fixing tires. She also worked at Health Sciences Centre, Bethesda Extended Care and Reimer's Dress Shop.
In her semi-retirement years, she did alterations at home and volunteered at the MCC Thrift Store. There she earned her 25-year pin for volunteering.
Mom enjoyed gardening and will be especially remembered for the hundreds of gladiolas she grew. Bouquets of them were taken to church, given to family and friends and appeared at various offices. Even the florist would come for a special colour on occasion.
Viewing will be held Wednesday, Nov. 30, 7 to 8 p.m., at the Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Drive, Steinbach, Man. Funeral service will be held Thursday, Dec. 1, 1:30 p.m., at the CMC (Chortizer), 479 Hanover Street, Steinbach, with viewing prior to the service.
Special thanks to Dr. M. Duerksen and staff at the Bethesda Hospital. Donations may be made to the CMC or to a charity of one's choice.
Sobering Funeral Chapel and Crematorium, Beausejour, Man., in care of arrangements
WALTER (BILL) GAETZ
March 23, 1923 — Nov. 27, 2005
Peacefully, after a brief illness, it is with deep regret that we announce the death of Walter (Bill) Gaetz, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2005 in the Vita Hospital, at the age of 82 years.
He leaves to mourn his wife of 58 years, Pauline; and his children: Tonia (Bob) Storoschuk, Therese (Gordon) Porter, Pat (Maurice) Tkachuk, Brian, and Garry (Elaine). He also leaves grandchildren: Pam, Roger, Rick, and Christine and children Taylor and Jaycee Storoschuk, Deanna and Tim Jablonski, Derek and Rehannon and child Cole Tkachuk, Hillary Porter, Corey and Julie Gaetz; brothers: Eugene (Evelyn), Leonard (Shirley), Frank (Pat); sisters: Verna (Peter) Kozak, Rose (Ed) Olsonoski, Victoria Wilebeski, Sally Fishbrook, Bernice Wolf and Florence Cesmistruk; and numerous nieces and nephews.
His parents, Adam and Mary; sister Margaret Yanitski; and five brothers-in-law predeceased Bill.
Bill and Pauline lived on a farm in Tolstoi, Man. for 50 years, after which they moved to Vita, Man., as his health would not allow him to continue farming. He was very active with the Gaetz's Catering for many years, a lifetime member of the Tolstoi and District Senior's Centre. Some of Bill's hobbies were fishing, gardening, and woodworking, which he enjoyed with such passion.
Funeral service will be held Friday, Dec. 2, 2005, 11 a.m., at the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Tolstoi, Man. Viewing will take place half an hour prior to the service. Interment will immediately follow the service in the church cemetery.
Special thank-you to staff at the Vita Hospital, Dr. Ahmad and Dr. Arrezaghi.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation or to a charity of one's choice.
Vita Funeral Homes "Vita Chapel" in care of arrangements.
AGNES KRAHN
Agnes Krahn of Edmonton, Alta., formerly of Steinbach, Man., went home to be with her Lord on Nov. 23, 2005.
Agnes was born in Orenburg, Russia, April 12, 1921 to Henry and Margaret Loewen. She immigrated to Canada with her parents, brothers and sisters in 1926. They settled in the farming community of Tugaske, Sask. April 12, 1942, she married Peter Krahn. They farmed in Bridgeford, Sask. They had two daughters and a son while living in Bridgeford. They resided there until 1945, when a fire destroyed their house and all its contents. They moved to Manitoba and had another daughter and two more sons. The family resided in Steinbach, Man. until 1964, when they gave up farming and moved to Dryden, Ont. There they owned a small restaurant and gas station. They lived there long enough to see all three daughters and one son married. In 1969, Agnes and Peter moved back to Steinbach. At the age of 53, Agnes went to community college in Winnipeg, where she received her secretarial diploma. She worked in the Steinbach Personal Care Home as an Activities Aide, with senior patients who had physical handicaps. She retired from that job in 1978. In 1987, Agnes and Peter moved to Ft. McMurray, Alta. In 1992, Agnes lost her beloved Peter. She continued to live in Ft. McMurray until 1998, when she moved to Edmonton.
Agnes was predeceased by her husband Peter and son Ron. She is survived by three daughters and two sons: Hilda and Francis Donovan, Eileen and Wayne MacDonald, Shirley and Robert Watson, Lawrence and Eleanor Krahn, Ken and Gloria Krahn. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She also leaves to mourn one brother, three sisters and many nieces, nephews and close friends.
The family would like to thank Comcare for their excellent home-care service these past five years.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Soup's On Kitchen, care of "Grace Mennonite Church", in Steinbach.
LEONARD T. SWYNAR
1910 — 2005
Leonard T. Swynar, 95, formerly of Pansy, Man., passed away peacefully Dec. 9, 2005 at Bethesda Place, Steinbach, Man. Dad was predeceased by our mother, Stella (Maleski) in 1977, with whom he shared 36 years of marriage.
Besides his wife of 23 years, Anna (Tarnopolski), he will be lovingly remembered by daughter Olive (Bernie) Froese, son David (Gayle) Swynar and their children; Tara (Derek) Reimer, Tim, Stephanie and Kelly Swynar, stepdaughter Jean (Bill) Friesen and her family; Brian and Lori Kostyniuk, Shawn, Ashley and Kayla Kostyniuk, Valerie (Eric) Friesen, Tracy (Steve) Whitty, Melissa and Ryan Whitty and Randy Kostyniuk. Also surviving Dad is his sister Helen Michalishyn. He was predeceased by parents Todos and Maria (Mazurkewicz) Swynar, four brothers, six sisters and one stepson-in-law.
Dad was born March 5, 1910 in Uhryn, Austria/Ukraine. In the spring of 1912, at the age of two, he arrived in Canada with his parents and siblings and they settled in the Sarto/Steinbach area. In 1939 Dad bought the farm in Pansy, where he lived till their move to Steinbach in 1999. We thank God for the 60 years that Dad was blessed with enjoying the farm, which he loved so dearly. In the earlier years Dad and Mom ran a dairy and mixed farm and he was often seen modifying or inventing some new piece of equipment. He got great pleasure in tinkering in his shop, building a life-size Santa riding a bicycle or building snares and traps for skunks. He had a way of working with these critters without getting sprayed. He loved nature, picking mushrooms and blueberries, and he loved hunting. David and the guys included him on their hunting excursions till Dad was in his later 80s (he made them proud, as he was a real marksman). At age 87, Dad booked a tour of Ukraine and pursued a longing that was gnawing at him — the search for his "roots", his "home." Upon his return to Canada, "mission accomplished", Dad was at peace.
Although Dad had very little schooling, he was very sharp with numbers and learned to read and write English. He had a passion for the need for education, so it was no surprise when he pursued a new school and accomplished this when the southeastern district of Pansy, Tiny Creek School, was built in 1953. This is where we began our school days and the grandchildren are reaping the fruits of his labor. He was very sensitive to people's needs and would lend a helping hand, money or machinery. He was instrumental in the building of St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church, where he mixed buckets of cement and hauled them into the basement by wheelbarrow. Many nails were hammered into this structure and this was his lifetime parish. A number of years ago he helped repair Willow Plain School (his school) and Sarto Hall also reaped the fruits of his hard labor. The last 2 1/2 years were spent at Bethesda Place. Visits with the grandchildren always brought on that special smile and twinkle in Dad's eyes, and of course, the never ceasing sense of humour. "Mr. Handsome", as some staff referred to him, was cared for with compassion and there was a mutual love. Staff enjoyed his sense of humour right to the very end.
Special thank you to Chaplain Larry Hirst, Dr. Reimer and very special staff for caring for our dad. Thank you Fr. Zubacz for your visits with Dad.
We thank the Lord for giving our dad many good years on earth; we also thank Him for taking Dad to His eternal home when life was getting tough. May he rest in peace till we meet again!
Viewing Thursday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.; Panachyda (Prayers) 7:30 p.m. at St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Sarto, with Divine Liturgy, Friday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m., also at the church. Rev. Fr. Gregory J. Zubacz officiating. Cantor: Dr. Shelley Pidsadny. Interment at the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Sarto, Man., or Bethesda Place, Steinbach, Man.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
SUSAN WIEBE (MARTENS)
Oct. 19, 1946 — Dec. 11, 2005
We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother. With great dignity, integrity and peace, surrounded by her loving family, Susan Wiebe, age 59, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Sunday, Dec. 11, at Steinbach Bethesda Hospital.
Her memory will be forever cherished and she will be lovingly and deeply missed. She leaves a precious legacy of love and dedication to those who mourn her passing: her five children, Charlene (Gordon) of Steinbach, Man., Dianna, Sherry (Trevor) of Kelowna, B.C., James and Lisa of Steinbach; her eight grandchildren: Charisse, Stacey, Lynette, Michael, Scott, Jeremiah, Tristan and Jessica; and one great-grandson, Bailey. She also leaves behind her mother Susie, five brothers, their families and numerous other family and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Ron, father Cornelius, son Peter and granddaughter Ashley.
Mom grew up in Grunthal, Man., and later moved to Alberta and then B.C., and back to Manitoba, where she and Ron took care of her parents. She had a powerful desire to care for people, so in 2000 she went back to school and received her Health Care Aide Certificate. She touched many lives through her 59 years of life.
Our mom recognized the goodness in everyone who crossed her path in life. Her uniqueness and spiritual strength and generosity were some of her greatest gifts.
Mom's first priority in life was making sure her children were happy and healthy. Her love for her family and friends was so everlasting. She will be greatly missed today, tomorrow and always.
Viewing at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Thursday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m., with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Steinbach Chortitzer Mennonite Church Friday, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. Interment at Heritage Cemetery.
A special thank-you to Dr. Dyck and his team at Clearspring Medical Centre, the nursing staff at Bethesda Hospital, Steinbach Cancer Clinic, Dr. Krahn, Maggie Smith and staff, Anne Plett and the Palliative Care Unit and the Birchwood Funeral Chapel staff.
Donations may be made in memory of Susan Wiebe to Steinbach Cancer Care, Box 939, Steinbach, MB, R5G 1A3.
To our mother, our best friend, our soul mate.
You are now free from pills, patches, chemo, radiation treatments, pain and sorrow and you are now together with Dad. We will cherish our precious memories we had together forever. The pain of not having you with us is quite unbearable, but we know one day we will all be together in heaven. The family.
Finally Home
Just think of stepping on shore
and finding it Heaven;
Of touching a hand,
and finding it God's
Of breathing new air,
and finding it celestial
Of waking up in Glory
and finding it Home
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
ELIZABETH HILDEBRAND
1910 — 2005
Elizabeth Hildebrand of Steinbach, Man. passed away Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2005 at Rest Haven Nursing Home at the age of 95.
She is survived by her husband Dietrich; one son John (Dorothy) Martens; stepchildren, Helen (Kwai) Ho, Dick (Elsie) Hildebrand, Bill (Pauline) Hildebrand, Mary Louise (Bob) Montgomery; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother Peter in Germany and sister Sonja in Winnipeg; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her first husband Hans Martens.
The funeral service was held Saturday, Dec. 10, 2005 at the Steinbach Mennonite Church, with interment at Memorial Cemetery.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
