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v=a- OBITUARY -Mary MillenchukSept 15,1927 - July 13,2014NorthIt is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Mary Millenchuk, of Sandy Lake, MB. She was born Sept. 15, 1927, and left us on July 13,2014 at the age of 86 years.At the tender age of 10, Mom and her mother, Nettie Luzney, left their hometown of Monastyrok, Ukraine on a true adventure. They were travelling by ship to their new country,Canada. Luckily for them they left when they did, for shortly after, Stalin closed the borders and forced many Ukrainians to hand over their crops to his regime.This resulted in many deaths caused by starvation. Crossing the Black and Mediterranean Seas and then the Atlantic Ocean, Mom and Baba finally arrived at the Halifax Harbor in Nova Scotia. They were now in Canada and not one moment too soon for Mom never forgot how seasick she was during the entire trip. In fact, the multi-colored Ukrainian embroidered blouse that Mom wore during this journey which was handmade by her mother while working in the fields, is now displayed proudly in our local Sandy Lake Museum. From Halifax, they travelled by train to a small prairie town called Sandy Lake in Manitoba. Here they joined their husband and father, Prokop Luzney, who had arrived earlier. He was really hoping this new land would be a new beginning for the family. Ivlom always remembered the land they homesteaded to because it reminded her of her beloved Carpathian Mlountains in her birth place. Back there she would roam and pick cherries, here she would roam and pick crocuses in the valley between Sandy Lake and Newdale.When Mom began school here, she was forced to start Kindergarten, even though she was 10 years old, because she did not speak any English. It really bothered her, but she showed everyone how clever she really was when she began grade one and progressed though to grade five in the same year. She always loved a challenge I Mom spent most of her school years at Mount Calm School. After grade eight, her parents needed extra help on the farm so Mom was forced to quit school; this was something she always regretted.Mom took great pride in her culture. She took part in and celebrated all Ukrainian traditions. She loved her church and she loved singing. Songs were entertainment for most Ukrainians and she knew many songs. In later years, she even took a course to become a Deacon which enabled her to respond to the priest in a Ukrainian Catholic Church service. Every year, she looked forward to Ukrainian Christmas caroling for all three days. The ringing of the bells and the traditional carols were so dear to her heart. She also sang many duets with sister-in-law, Shirley Millenchuk. Their voices harmonized so well together. Overthe years, they competed in many a talent night competition, even winning a few. Mom had a passion for art too. During her years in Winnipeg, she discovered and developed ^ her gift for painting and now because • of that, she has left her family atreasury of artwork to cherish. When Mom returned to Sandy Lake, after 13 years away, she became a real pillar of the community. She joined most local organizations including holding positions of office in the Ukrainian Catholic League, the curling club, the Ladies Auxiliary Branch #184, the Drop-In Centre, and Communities in Bloom. Sandy Lake soon recognized Mlom for her cooking skills. Over the years she catered fall suppers, weddings, funerals and corporate meetings. She was an avid gardener who had a true green thumb. She shared several awards such as the Birks Dingham Cup in 1970 and 1975, and the Graves Trophy in 1978 for the best beautification of a farm yard in Manitoba. She shared several awards from the Newdale Horticultural Competitions over the years. Mom just loved nature, the birds, the animals, the flowers, and especially the serenity of the lake which she enjoyed so much in her retirement. She always loved the excitement of the town when everyone was around. She loved the happiness she felt in the air.Having experienced many hardships during her early years, Mom had empathy for people with difficulties. She would often take homeless people a meal, handing them a little cash to help them out when they were parting. She would even pick up hitch hikers on the road, which really scared us. Mlom couldn't help herself; she just felt sorry that they had to walk. Most people didn't even know this about Mlom. But, it was because of her many struggles, particularly the adversity coming from Ukraine to Canada, that Mom became such a strong, determined woman. Nothing could stop her if she decided to do something. That was the Mlom and Big Bobbie we respected so much.Mom was a very proud Mother, Big Bobbie and Great Big Bobbie. Through her legacy, her strength will carry on. She will be sadly missed and always remembered by her daughter Colleen Thompson, grandson, Ian Thompson (Karen), great grandchildren Mlarissa and Andrew Thompson; granddaughter, Mlichelle Salemi (Phil) and great grandchildren Domenic and Damon Salemi.Donations in memory of Mom may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or to the Erickson Palliative Care Fund in Erickson, MB.Until we meet again. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. The journey begins again!
Newspaper Details
Erickson South Mountain Press
Erickson, Manitoba, CA
Fri, Sep 19, 2014
Page 10
Full Page
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Anonymous
CA 27 Nov 2024
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