SISTER ONYSIMA ANNE CHEREWYK

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SISTER ONYSIMA ANNE CHEREWYK, SSMI 1916 - 2003 Sister Onysima, a Sister Servant of Mary Immaculate, died at Holy Family Nursing Home, Winnipeg, on December 3, 2003. Anne (Sister Onysima) was born on December 31, 1916, in Norquay, SK. She entered the Novitiate of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate in Mundare, AB, on June 26, 1941. She made her first profession of vows on December 17, 1943, and her final profession of vows on August 15, 1950. Throughout her 62 years in religious life, Sister Onysima was always open to learning as her response to the evolving needs of her religious Community in their service to the people. At Mount Mary Novitiate, Ancaster, ON, she assisted in the preparation of young candidates and Sisters for mission life. The Sisters remember her for her compassion and her understanding, and for teaching them, by her example, to live the Gospel values. After upgrading her education, by correspondence, Sister Onysima entered the health care field as a practical nurse, serving with dedication and compassion at Holy Family Nursing Home in Winnipeg. From an outreach position she made countless home visits, assisting the elderly and the infirm in whatever way possible. Sister Onysima also taught catechism, helped out at childrens summer camps, and moderated the Children of Mary, particularly in the Archeparchy of Winnipeg. She was a member of the Millennium Choir in Winnipeg. In 1994, Sister Onysimas role changed to that of a ministry in personal suffering and deepened prayer. She was transferred to St. Josephs Home, Mundare, AB. In 2000, she returned to Holy Family Nursing Home, this time as a resident, bearing her infirmities with patience and in the spirit of prayer. Sister Onysima was predeceased by her parents; brothers, Steven and Andrew; and her sisters, Olga, Mary and Angela. She is survived by her sisters, Metilda Kyba of Winnipeg, Julia of West Sacramento, CA, and Natalie Ruchman of Kamsack, SK, and by numerous nieces and nephews. Prayers will be held on Sunday, December 7 at 7:00 p.m. at Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate Bethany Home, 131 Aberdeen Ave. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Monday, December 8 at 10:00 a.m., also at the Bethany Home. Interment will follow in Holy Family Cemetery. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 06, 2003