TEKLA OBACH (TUTKALUK)

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TEKLA OBACH (TUTKALUK) (nee Hawryliuk) Peacefully, on Wednesday, November 16, 2005, Baba left us for her eternal rest in the kingdom of Heaven. Baba was predeceased by her mother Sofia and father Piotr at an early age, as well as brother Mikhail; sister Katrina; hubands, Anthony Tutkaluk, John Obach; sons, Steve and Taras; son-in-law Harry Dola; granddaughter Valerie Dola and great-granddaughter Shannon Stefishen. She leaves to mourn and to cherish her memory, daughter Agnes; two daughters-in-law, seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, a niece, two nephews and their families in Ukraine. Baba was born in selo Trobochiwchi, oblast Ternopilska, Western Ukraine. She came to Canada on March 3, 1937 on a ship called the M.S. Batory. It docked in Halifax and from there she started her new life in Canada. She and Anthony settled in Gimli, then Zbruch and Komarno. Baba later moved to Winnipeg where she worked at the Winnipeg General Hospital. After she retired, Baba kept busy, being a member of her local Church, St. Michael's. She was also a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Church in Komarno. Baba enjoyed cooking and loved visiting her favourite stores, Eatons and The Bay. As young children, we remember how Baba always used to bring us clothes she had bought at the Eatons Mail Order outlet. And of course, we fondly remember how she always brought us those gallons of A W Rootbeer on her visits to the farm. We loved the days when we used to stay at Baba's during the Hi Neighbour Festival in Transcona. Those are the times we will cherish forever. Baba truly enjoyed all the culture of Folklorama. We remember how she introduced us to this festival. We also remember how we, as young kids, couldn't keep up with her as she ran from one pavilion to another. Her energy was something we were constantly amazed at. Memories of Christmas at Baba's are ones we will never forget. We all knew that it meant the world to her that we shared this time with her. Baba was extremely proud of her Ukrainian heritage. She meticulously made each granddaughter a full Ukrainian outfit, including fine and precise embroidery on every piece of the ensemble. She also had her doll collection which she also clothed in Ukrainian attire. Her embroidery was a work of art and could be copied by no one. The stitches were tiny and precise, each one perfect. Baba also loved to sing old Ukrainian songs - on visits there, she would sing to us, or play us tapes of her singing she had recorded. We remember watching Baba on a T.V. in her Ukrainian outfit, along with her group of Ukrainian friends, who were performing on T.V. show one night. We were so proud of her. And of course, we remember how she constantly lectured Toby about getting a haircut and how wearing ripped jean jackets didn't look nice, how deeply she loved Jeffrey's teasing (a trait he got from his father) and how she always called Harvey Small Harry . Baba had a special place in her heart for Steven, the youngest grandson, who was always in her thoughts. As kids, we always knew when we did something to upset Baba. She would simply say, Baba don't like. Family was the most important thing to Baba. In her later years, seeing her great-grandchildren brought a smile to her face, which we all could see. Our memories of Baba are fond and endless. We will miss her love, her teachings and her gentle spirit. We are truly happy that Baba got to travel to Ukraine with her daughter Agnes a few years ago to see her relatives, revisit her homeland and see the resting place of her parents one last time. It was something she always wanted to do. Thank you, Baba, for all you gave us. You were a wonderful Mother, Baba and Great-Baba. We will cherish your memory always. Your work is done, it is your time to rest. Thanks to the staff at Gimli Community Health Centre and Betel Home for their care. A special thank you to Dr. R.C. Patel for his compassion and caring for Baba. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 21 at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church, Komarno, MB, with Rev. P. Chorney officiating. Interment will follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Komarno. Flowers are gratefully declined. VICHNAYA PAMYAT KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 19, 2005