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Today, March 18, 2011 was to have been a very special celebration. Today, Shirley Eugenia Millenchuk was to have turned 75 years old. On this day, we her family and friends choose to honor her. We share some events of her life stony as written by Shirley, herself in the Sandy Lake history book, OUR ROOTS.Shirley was born on a beautiful spring morning, second child and second daughter for Nicholas and Many Rystephanuk of Sandy Lake, MB.Since Shirley was not the son her dad had once again been hoping for, to help out on the farm, she somehow, instinctively became the little tomboy. She spent most of her early years outdoors learning to appreciate and love the nature around her. She especially loved the horses that were used for the farm work. Shirley entered school reluctantly, insisting she just didn't want to be cooped up all day in a classroom. Two special events Shirley loved while attending school were the Christmas Concerts and the Annual Field Days. The concerts allowed her to sing, dance, and act, all things that Shirley excelled in. The Field Days fulfilled her love of competition and her pride in being one of the Sandy Lakers. Shirley always remembered the school yell, Rip Saw, Rip Saw, Rip Saw, Bang! We belong to the Sandy Lake Gang! After leaving school to accept employment at first, Reid's Shopping Centre in Newclale, and second, the Sandy Lake Co-op, Shirley decided to further her education by attending Success Commercial College in Winnipeg. From there she accepted an office position at the Grain Exchange in Winnipeg.On Nov. 3, 1956 Shirley married Mr. John Millenchuk, also from Sandy Lake. The following spring they moved from Winnipeg to take up fulltime farming. Sadly, Shirley realized that farming had changed from the forties to the fifties, and her beloved horses had been replaced by powerful machinery. She really didn't take to this type ofsomething very special to Shirley, whether playing the piano, starting the many sing-songs after weddings or church functions, performing as a soloist at many weddings, or taking part in local Talent Nights. She cherished these moments.In 1970, Shirley joined the Sandy Lake School staff as a part-time paraprofessional at the elementary school. Here she found her true calling, working with young children. The joy she felt made her think, that in another world she would have liked to have become a teacher. She was very sorry to leave when declining enrollment meant her position was not available anymore. In 1972 Shirley took another part-time position at the Sandy Lake Credit Union. This position later became full-time. Here she worked many years as a clerk teller until her retirement in May 2000.Shirley and John moved into Sandy Lake after selling their farm in 1975. John passed away Oct. 19, 2001. Shirley and Sherlynne continued to live in their home on the lake, where Shirley especially loved the serenity of the lake and the beauty of the birds and animals all around. Throughout her life Shirley was also a true spirit and a devoted member of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, north of Sandy Lake.Tragically on Jan. 14, 2011 Shirley suffered a major stroke, and in the arms of the angels entered into the hands of the Lord the following day, Jan. 15.Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Nicholas and Mary Rystephanuk, younger brother Ned, and dear husband John.She leaves many wonderful and treasured memories for her daughter, Sherlynne, sister Edith and brother-in-law Joe Lennon, sisters-in-law Norma Stephans, Mary Millenchuk, Jean Roth and Marika Derhack, many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, extended family, friends and pets.
Newspaper Details
Erickson South Mountain Press
Erickson, Manitoba, CA
Fri, Mar 18, 2011
Page 13
Full Page
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Anonymous
CA 27 Nov 2024
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Erickson South Mountain Press
