It is with great sadness that the family of June Marie Hrychuk announce her passing on Friday, Nov. 21, 2014 at the Emo Health Centre in Emo, Ont.
June was born May 31, 1931 in Stratton, Ont. to Tom and Myrtle Jolicouer.
Being the eldest of nine children, June was expected to help raise her siblings, and it was at this early age that she developed her strong work ethic.
After leaving home, June worked at Gauwley’s Camp at Vermilion Bay in 1947. She then worked at Clarke and Crombie’s Camp in Nestor Falls in 1948.
In 1949, June worked at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances and on the houseboat at Dalseg’s Camp in Nestor Falls. She then worked at Larsson’s Camp in Nestor Falls in 1950, and it was there that she met the love of her life, Dimetrius “Matt” Hrychuk.
That love would last through 57 years of marriage after June and Matt were married in Stratton on May 8, 1952.
June’s life centered around her family. She had deep love for—and took great pride in—each of her five children, 10 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
June enjoyed sharing her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s accomplishments.
June also had a great desire for providing the best upbringing for her children that she could. This was done by her leading her life by example, by providing delicious cooking and baking, by keeping a spotless home, and by always being there for her children.
June’s children were comforted to know that she always would be there when they came home.
June was a deeply-religious person. She had great faith in her Saviour and attended Mass whenever possible. She also showed her faith by praying the Holy Rosary and to St. Teresa on a daily basis.
June was a very kind, gentle-hearted, humble person who cared a great deal for others. She cooked countless meals for friends and relatives, and the coffee pot was always on and the home baking came out as soon as company came.
Caring for other people continued to June’s final days, as she watched over and helped some special friends in the Emo Health Centre.
June always saw the good qualities in people and prayed for anyone who was less fortunate than herself.
June was predeceased by her husband, Matt; parents, Tom and Myrtle Jolicouer; brothers, Tom Jolicouer Jr. and Vincent Jolicouer; in-laws, Matt and Nettie Hrychuk; and brothers-in-law, Gordon Pearson, Mervin Benjamin, Bill Martin, and Peter, Paul, Wilbert, Walter, and Steve Hrychuk.
June is survived by her daughters, Patsy Hunter, Judy (Myron McCool), and Donna (Richard Brady); and sons, Ron (Patricia) and Terry.
Also surviving are her 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Gladys Martin, Shirley (Mike) Zdep, Eileen Pearson, and Margaret Benjamin; brothers, Armand (Maureen) and Allan (Joan) Jolicouer; and sisters-in-law, Gladys Jolicouer, Doreen Jolicouer, Mary (Ron) Bloom, Helen Thornton, Ellen Hrychuk, and Ann Flowerday.
June also is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will be received Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014 from 7-9 p.m. at the Northridge Funeral Home in Emo.
Prayers will be offered at 7 p.m.
A funeral mass will be held Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Emo.
Internment will take place next spring in the Emo cemetery.
Following mass, a reception will take place at Northridge Funeral Home.
The pallbearers will be Daniel Hrychuk, Adam Brady, Aaron Brady, Keith Jolicouer, Gary Jolicouer, and Don Pearson.
The honourary pallbearers will be June’s sisters, Gladys Martin, Eileen Pearson, Shirley Zdep, and Margaret Benjamin, and her special friends, Ann Peterson, Erna Maunula, and Gertie Kamerman.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
EDNA PAULINE SOKOLIUK
On the morning of Nov. 22, 2014, God call His daughter, Edna Sokoliuk, to her eternal home.
Edna was born Aug. 19, 1922 in Birmingham, England, the oldest daughter of seven children born to Percy and Ada Lowe.
Edna was married to George Sokoliuk. Edna was training to become a professional singer, and was entertaining wounded returning soldiers at a convalescent hospital in February, 1945 in Birmingham.
There she met her future husband, George Sokoliuk. George was a Lance Corporal serving in Italy during WWII. George became wounded when he was a dispatch rider and was thrown off his motorbike into a bomb crater.
After the war ended, the servicemen returned back to Canada, and Edna arrived from England in 1946 at “Pier 21” in Halifax, N.S.
Edna was an active member of the Overseas Wives Club, and joined her fellow “War Brides” in her new homeland. These women became her Canadian family, and “sisters” who shared a family-like bond that sustained her in times of joy and sorrow.
Because of her voice training, Edna was involved in many of the music festivals in Fort Frances, and sang at many weddings and funerals throughout the district. She was actively involved in her church in her younger days.
Edna leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Lorraine; son, Brent (Nina); grandchildren, Rebecca (Mike) and Jordan; and great-grandson, Parker Davis.
She also is survived by brothers- and sisters-in-law, both in Canada and in England, and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, George Sokoliuk; son, Robert; parents, Percy and Ada Lowe; sisters, Zena, Doreen, Jean, and Joyce; and brothers, John and Ray.
She also was predeceased by her father- and mother-in-law, Mike and Lena Sokoliuk; and brothers- and sisters-in-law both in Canada and England.
Funeral services will be held Saturday Nov. 29, 2014 at 2 p.m. at the New Beginnings Fellowship Church in Fort Frances, Ont., with Sandy McEvoy officiating.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Pallbearers will be Jordan Sokoliuk, Doug White, Scott Ahrens, Paul Redford, Wayne Barron, and Doug Barron. The honourary pallbearers will be The Overseas Wives Club: The War Brides Pam Oliver, Monica Hanzuk, June Keddie, Dorothy Jones, Grace Armstrong, Nel Laur, Irene Redford, and Penny McFarland, and special friend, Elaine (White) Kiddle.
Interment will take place in Riverview cemetery in Fort Frances at a later date.
In memoriam donations may be made to the New Beginnings Fellowship Church, the Rainycrest Activation Department, or the Rainycrest Auxiliary c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
LOUIS EMILE GERALD COUSINEAU
Louis Emile Gerald Cousineau, 85, of 149 Fourth St. W., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away peacefully, with his family at his side, shortly after noon on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances.
Louis was born Sunday, May 19, 1929 in Fort Frances to the late William D. and Marie (Roy) Cousineau.
Louis spent his childhood in Fort Frances. He attended St. Mary’s School during his elementary years and later Fort Frances High School. Louis proved to be a strong student and good athlete, and graduated from high school in 1947.
Although keen on continuing his education and going to school to become a pharmacist, Louis ended up staying in Fort Frances when his father’s health began to fail. Louis helped his mother run the family business, the Electric Bakery at 272 Scott St.
When his father passed away in 1953, Louis stayed on at the store and later took ownership of it; buying it from his mother and bringing in his brother, Raymond, as a business partner.
The Electric Bakery, then later the Bonnie Blue, became a family-run business. The Bonnie Blue was a favourite spot in town to enjoy an ice cream, Long John, doughnut, spending time at the lunch counter, or just stopping for a chat with Louis, who always had a friendly smile for all.
In his spare time, Louis enjoyed many hobbies. His interest in prospecting took him on many different excursions throughout the district and allowed him to make many friends far and wide.
For all his work in the field, Louis was recognized by the Northwestern Ontario Prospectors’ Association and awarded an Honourary Life-Time Membership in Thunder Bay in 2007.
Louis loved to spend time at Bears Pass with his family and friends. He also was an active and enthusiastic member of the La Verendrye Hospital Auxiliary, the local Lions Club, and the local Knights of Columbus, Council 2766.
Louis was predeceased by his father, William D. Cousineau; mother, Marie; brothers, Bob, Leon, James, and Bernard; and sisters, Joan Boileau and Rose-Marie DeGagne.
He also was predeceased by his sisters-in-law, Marion, Doris, and Margaret; and brother-in-law, Louis Boileau.
Louis is survived by two brothers, Roy of Sacramento, Calif., and Raymond and wife, Helen, of Fort Frances, Ont.; sister-in-law, Virginia Cousineau of Thunder Bay, Ont.; and brother-in-law, Denis DeGagne of Thunder Bay, Ont.
He also is survived by numerous nieces and nephews who will miss him deeply.
Cremation took place at Rainy River Cremation in International Falls, Mn.
A memorial mass to celebrate Louis’s life was held Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances. Fr. Victor DeGagne S.J. officiated.
Knights of Columbus and the Lions Club provided the Honour Guard.
Internment will take place at a later date.
Friends visited with family on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014 from 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
The Knights of Columbus led the rosary.
The pallbearers were nephews, James, Bradley, Edward, and George Cousineau.
The honourary pallbearers were Larry Cousineau, Richard Boileau, Paul Cousineau, Rob DeGagne, Dan Cousineau, and Ken Desjardins.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus of Fort Frances, the Lions Club of Fort Frances, or the La Verendrye Hospital Auxiliary.
LAURA McCONNELL
After a short illness, Laura McConnell, of Fort Frances, Ont., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances with her family by her side.
She will be remembered by her loving children, Leslee Lappage of Dryden, Ont., Lyle and wife, Naomi, of Savona, B.C., Cy and wife, Lorie, of Invermere, B.C., Shelley and husband, Ray Ducharme, of Fort Frances, Ont., Melody McConnell, Nadine McConnell of Edmonton, Alta., and Calvin of Invermere, B.C.
Laura loved her grandchildren, Shawn (Angie), Brad (Katie), Tyler (Suzanne), Raelle (Philip), Patrick (Rachel), Laura (Andrew), Leslee (Ben), Leah (Brent), Lauren, Rory (Darcy), Brett (Meghan), Paige, and Brittany (Curtis).
She was Great-Grandma to Hailey, Cash, Scarlett, Rayne, Justice, Brody, Blake, Bryson, and Rilee.
Laura also is survived by her siblings, Ken Gosselin, Fred (Evie) Gosselin, Elaine Bone, Joyce (Jim) Crowley, Bob (Pat) Gosselin, and Keith (Joanne) Gosselin; and her many nephew and nieces.
She was predeceased by her parents, Alfred and Elizabeth Gosselin; husband, Eric McConnell; son-in-law, Frank Lappage; grandson, Justin DeGagne; sister-in-law, Elsie Gosselin; and brother-in-law, Doug Bone.
Laura was an avid sports fan and loved to watch almost any event. She could be found at the arena in her favourite spot at most hockey games.
She was a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary; she was just honoured with a 65-year service pin. She also was a member of the Rainycrest Auxiliary and belonged to the La Verendrye Hospital Auxiliary.
She enjoyed her volunteer work throughout the community.
Laura also enjoyed spending time with her family.
In her younger years, she and Eric enjoyed travelling; they had many trips to Alberta and B.C. on the bus and train. She also enjoyed visits to Dryden to spend time with her daughter and grandchildren.
She especially enjoyed going to Sister Kennedy Centre every morning for coffee and talking about world affairs with her “cronies.”
Coming from a large family, we had many family get-togethers and the family reunions at Sunny Cove were filled with fun and great memories. Laura will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service was held Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014 at 1 p.m. at St. John’s Anglican Church in Fort Frances, with Fr. Wayne McIntosh officiating.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Palliative Care Room at La Verendrye Hospital, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont.
“We love you, Gram!”
ANNA van LEEUWEN
The family sadly announces the passing of Anna van Leeuwen (nee Wiersema), 79, of Rainy River, Ont., on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014 at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
WALTER MICHAEL MCFAYDEN
Michael McFayden, 26, of Nestor Falls, Ont., passed away accidentally on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 1997 at Katamiagamak Lake, Nestor Falls, Ont. Michael was born Sept. 8, 1970 in Fort Frances, Ont. He graduated from Fort Frances High School and then went on to Confederation College in Thunder Bay, Ont., where he graduated from the Aviation & Flight Management course on the Dean’s list. In April, 1992, Michael was employed as a local guide. He worked in logging and the past five years as a commercial pilot for Nestor Falls Fly-in Outpost. On Nov. 11, 1996, Michael was united in marriage to Susan Elias and together they made their home in Nestor Falls, Ont. Michael loved the outdoors, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping and especially flying, having flown several different aircrafts such as the Super Cub, the Beaver, the Otter, and Twin Beach. Michael will be remembered for his caring ways, his sense of humour, his unique style of dancing, and always ready to live life to the fullest. His wife, family, friends, and flying were his greatest joys. He was predeceased by his grandfather, Borden McFayden (June 9, 1993). Michael is survived by his loving wife, Susan McFayden; parents, Merle McFayden and wife, Katy; brother, Jason McFayden, all of Nestor Falls, Ont.; grandmother, Muriel McFayden and grandparents, Jim Plumridge and wife, Vi, all of Fort Frances, Ont.; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. A memorial service will be held Friday, Sept. 5, 1997 at 2 p.m. at the United Church in Nestor Falls, Ont. The Rev. Bob Kayes will officiate. Honourary pallbearers will be Dave Beaushene, Jeff McLean, Mike Gate, Shane Pope, Dwayne Roen, Mark LaVerdiere, and Tanya Olson. In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the Arthritis Society, 209 McIrvine Rd., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3N3, or to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Box 807, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3N1. We will always remember you, Michael.
