FRANCES ANNE GUNNING (FEDORUK)

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FRANCES ANNE GUNNING (nee FEDORUK) July 13, 1949 - June 18, 2003 After a courageous, eight-year struggle with cancer, Frances passed away peacefully with her husband by her side at St. Boniface Hospital on Wednesday, June 18, 2003. Frances will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband and childhood sweetheart, Gene, to whom she was completely devoted for almost 34 years, and her two precious sons, Keith (friend Roberta) and Tim; her sisters, Victoria (William) Hryciw, Joyce (Lawrence) Stopera, Gloria (Robert) Olynyk and Stephanie (Paul) Smolarski. Frances also leaves behind her aunt Annie Kulbaba, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her father, Nicholas, in 1983 and her mother, Minnie, in 2001. Frances loved young people and devoted her life working with them. She started teaching at the early age of 19 years. She taught with passion and set high standards for her students, who responded positively to her expectations. In 1993 she left the teaching profession to accept a position, the first of its kind, as Youth Co-ordinator for the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Winnipeg. This ministry truly touched her soul. She felt so blessed to work closely with the Bishops, Priests and Deacons of Manitoba, as together, they helped young people discover and deepen their Catholic faith. Unfortunately, due to her illness, Frances retired from this position in November 2000 and was also, no longer able to submit her regular "Co-ordinators Corner" column in the Progress. Despite failing health, Frances continued to stay in touch with young peoples issues. Her understanding of young people, her unfailing belief in positive thinking, and her caring nature, were an inspiration to us all. Until her demise, she worked tirelessly, along with Alexandra Solomon, to explore Ukrainian language and cultural programming options at the high school level, with the hope of establishing a Ukrainian Canadian Academy in Winnipeg. Frances and her family lived in the Lockport area for approximately 30 years where Gene operated his business, Genes Gunsmithing. As an active member of the Holy Eucharist parish in East Selkirk, she taught Catechism and had been on the church executive for many years. Frances always expressed a deep faith in God and knew that the Lord was ultimately in charge of her life. Frances truly valued her close friendships, drawing much strength and joy from them. She knew how much pain her illness had caused her friends, especially for the two closest to her heart; her sister, Stephanie and sister-in-law, Yvonne. Frances continually expressed gratitude to Stephanie and her husband, Paul, for walking the entire difficult journey with her and her family. The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to all the very special and wonderful people who helped Frances in her struggle with cancer: Dr. Brandes and staff at CancerCare Manitoba, Interlake Regional Health Authority, St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care staff and co-ordinator, Dennis St. Laurent and Janet, Francess home care worker. The family is also grateful to the many friends who offered their support, prayers and love. Prayers will be sung on Sunday, June 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 505 Watt St., Winnipeg (corner of Watt and Munroe.) Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Monday, June 23 at 10:00 a.m., also in the church, with Very Rev. Fr. Michael J. Winn officiating. Interment will follow the reception in the East Selkirk Cemetery. Francess final request was that all the special young people who touched her heart be honorary pallbearers. In accordance with her wishes, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Youth Programs of the Archeparchial Youth Ministry Office, 233 Scotia St., Winnipeg, MB R2V 1V7. "On the wings of an Angel, may she find comfort there." VICHNAYA PAMYAT Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 21, 2003