IONA MARY WACHAL (LYTTLE)

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IONA MARY WACHAL (nee LYTTLE) On March 21, 2006, at Seven Oaks Hospital, Iona Wachal, aged 75, passed away with her family at her side. Left to mourn are her son Bruce (Jennifer) and daughter Sheila (Jack) DiSanto; and her five grandchildren, Scott, Nicholas, Evan, Daniella and Liam. Also bereaved is her sister Margaret Rickner; sister-in-law Bertha Dominiuk and Dorothy Wachal; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Predeceasing Iona, were her father William, mother Harriet, granddaughter Sarah and her husband Edward of 51 years. On July 22, 1930 Iona was born in Winnipeg and raised in the St. Vital area, where she enjoyed life's joys and hardships. Some of Iona's fondest memories of growing up include visits to the family farm, picking strawberries and playing outside with her sister. She attended Glenwood School and graduated from Glen Lawn Collegiate. Iona worked at Prudential Insurance up until her marriage in 1954. Iona's life was made complete with the arrival of their son Bruce, and three years later their daughter Sheila. In 1963 the family ventured to Santa Monica only to find after one year, that their hearts belonged in Canada, and returned home to their families, and settled in East Kildonan. In 1969 Iona assisted her husband Ed in establishing West-Can Inspection Ltd., and worked as his assistant for several years, while raising her family. Iona was a devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed creating a warm and comfortable home, and her talents included cooking, baking, decorating and sewing everything from curtains to Halloween costumes to clothing and dolls. Together with her family, Iona enjoyed many camping trips in the school bus, as well as many distant adventures with Ed. She was an avid animal lover, always pulling for the underdog and supported both the Winnipeg Humane Society and the Quwagga Animal Shelter. Many animals found a loving home at her Howl-a-day Inn ! Iona was a woman with classic beauty and grace. She was quiet and modest, but at the same time very intelligent, well read and had a quick wit. She will be always loved and deeply missed. The family would like to extend their many heartfelt thanks to Dr. Derocquigny, who worked endlessly for Mom to help her enjoy a better quality of life, to Dr. Duprat for her insight and compassion, to Laurel and the staff of Seven Oaks Hospital, and to the caring staff and friends she had made at Thorvaldron Care Centre. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Klassen Funeral Home, with Rev. Peter Cain officiating. Donations in memory of Iona, may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 5 Kent Rd., Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB R2L 1X3. An Irish Blessing May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again. May God hold you in the hollow of his hand. Arrangements in care of: KLASSEN FUNERAL HOME 1897 Henderson - North of McIvor - 338-0331 Help us support Winnipeg Harvest by bringing a Tin for the Bin

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 23, 2006