DIANA PONA

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DIANA PONA On Friday morning October 9, 2009, Diana Pona passed away. Diana was born on January 1, 1928 in Cherpovody, Ukraine in an unpredictable and unstable world. Her earliest memories are of going to Murmansk in the winter with her father at the age of four. She survived Stalin's forced famine of the 1930's (HOLODOMOR), abducted by the German army at age 15 to work as farm labourer in Lichtenau, Germany. After the war ended, she stayed in Germany until 1948 during which time she married and had a son, Ihor. The family immigrated to Venezuela where a daughter, Maria, was born. The family was sponsored to Canada and made their final home in Winnipeg. Diana was a talented and resourceful woman who taught herself many skills, including reading and writing in three languages. People knew her as a generous, kind hearted and thoughtful person. Those who knew her well, also knew her as a courageous woman with a wicked sense of humour. She was a respected member of the Hall community, and gave and received support and comfort. She loved her grandchildren and took joy in all of them. Funeral service will take place on Friday, October 16, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Knysh Funeral Chapel, 1161C Fife St. and Church Ave. with Fr. M. Lanctot officiating. Interment to follow in All Saints Cemetery. To sign the book of condolence please go to www.knyshfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 15, 2009