JEAN ONYSKO STEWART

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JEAN ONYSKO STEWART

February 25, 1927 - March 14, 2024

Jean Stewart, our beloved Mom and Baba, slipped peacefully into eternity, with family by her side, on March 14, 2024, at the Holy Family Nursing Home at the age of 97.

She was predeceased by her adoring husband of 65 years, Charles (Chuck) Robert Stewart in 2013.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Alan and Nancy Stewart, Elaine and Grant Stapon, Paul and Judy Stewart, and John Stewart and Kate Hall; her grandchildren, Scott Stewart and Kelly Boulay, Patrick Stewart and Amanda Hartley, Lindsay and Brandon Jones, Claire and Michael Minister, Corey Stewart, Randy Stewart, Brent Stewart and Jennifer Arcand, Erik Stewart, and Alex Hall; and her great-grandchildren, Adam, Violet, Blake, Jay, Heather, Paisley, Charlotte (Jubilee), Reverie, Bennett and Lila.

She also leaves to mourn her passing her niece and goddaughter Doreen Hobson, other nieces and nephews, and her former daughter-in-law, Monika Stewart who provided her with loving companionship care during her final year.

Jean was born and raised in Winnipeg, the second youngest of eight children of George and Mary (nee Bodner) Onysko. Despite the hardships of the Depression and the Second World War, the Onysko family was close-knit, lively, and loving. Their home was a welcoming gathering place for all. They were actively involved in the Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church; Baba remained a devout parishioner her entire life. Her deep and enduring faith gave her strength and comfort.

Jean graduated from Lord Wolseley High School at the top of her class. Although academically gifted, she did not attend university but instead, worked as a bookkeeper to help fund her older brothers’ education. She took pride in their patriotism and achievements (two brothers died serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force, and two brothers served in the navy, one surviving landing on the beaches of Normandy, the other going on to become Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy after getting his engineering degree. The oldest brother got a degree in commerce and became chief cost accountant at Dominion Bridge, the same company where their father had laboured as a blacksmith).

Jean met Chuck after he returned from serving overseas in the Second World War and they wed on April 22, 1948. They had their first born in 1951 and moved into their home on Hazel Dell Avenue (a home Jean so loved and ended up living in for 69 years) in 1952. Three more children followed. Jean was a loving wife, a caring mother, and later a doting grandmother and great-grandmother who was thrilled to be called Baba. She was a devoted daughter and sister, and a loyal, giving friend. She was a homemaker extraordinaire, and despite a tiny kitchen and ancient stove, a wonderful cook and baker. She made every birthday and holiday celebration special. She would always do her best to ensure everyone around her lived their life to the fullest – and was well-fed!

Besides raising her children, babysitting her grandchildren, and remaining active in the church, Jean volunteered at the cancer clinic for many years, easing the suffering of others and acquiring much medical knowledge. She probably saved her husband's life when she insisted (and everyone who knew Baba knew she was a master of insistence) that a suspicious mole on his arm be biopsied; it proved to be an aggressive malignant melanoma caught in an early stage.

With devotion and fortitude, Baba cared for Gigi, her husband, for 12 years in their home after his diagnosis of mixed dementia. When she herself was later diagnosed with vascular dementia, she was blessed to be cared for in her home for five years by her wonderful grandson, Brent Stewart. Baba was an animal lover and Brent wisely gave her the cat Lucky, aka Pussycat, who provided her with great joy. The family will be forever grateful to both Brent and Monika.

The family would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Holy Family nursing home for their competent and compassionate care of Baba in her final months.

A special thank-you to Dr. Braeden Debroni and staff of the WRHA Palliative Care Program for their invaluable expertise.

Our deepest gratitude to Father Michael for his spiritual care and visits to Baba, the final one being on the last day of her life.

It is remarkable that Baba, even with advanced dementia, would remember to thank her caregivers for each of their helpful acts. Her cheerful smile and endearing charm will be greatly missed by all. She leaves a legacy of kindness, generosity, and gratitude.

Divine Liturgy will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Saturday April 27, at Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 505 Watt Street at Munroe Avenue. Private interment will take place at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Bird’s Hill Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4G2, Alzheimer.mb.ca, or a charity of one’s choice.

Rest in Peace, Baba. May you “dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23).

We will always remember and love you.

VICHNAYA PAMYAT

ETERNAL MEMORY

KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL

204-956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 23, 2024, Mar 23, 2024