DOBRODIJKA CONSTANCE JARMUS

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DOBRODIJKA CONSTANCE JARMUS On Wednesday, March 29, 2006, Dobrodijka Constance Jarmus fell asleep in the Lord at Riverview Health Centre, in Winnipeg. Connie Jarmus was born in the town of Corby in England, to Harry and May Houghton. She was the fourth of seven children. Connie grew up in the city of Grantham, about 100 kilometers north of London. Connie's education was cut short when, as a teenager, she had to leave school in order to care for her younger siblings, as her mother looked after her father, who was battling terminal cancer. Looking after her brothers and sisters was natural for Connie, as she always had a deep love for children. As a young woman she would work as a nurse's aid in a local children's hospital. In 1951, she met Stephan Jarmus, from Ukraine, who was living at a displaced persons camp outside of Grantham. The two were married in 1955. Stephan pursued a calling to the priesthood in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and after his ordination in 1956 they moved to London, where he served in a local Ukrainian Orthodox parish. In 1960, Connie said good-bye to Fr. Stephan, as he travelled to Canada to pursue further theological studies at St. Andrew's College, in Winnipeg. She would join him three years later, in 1963. In April of 1964, Connie and Fr. Stephan's only child, Andrew, was born. Connie dedicated much of her life to raising Andrew, taking on only the occasional part time job when he was older. She worked as the manager of an apartment building, and as a personal companion for a woman living at the Sharon Nursing Home, in Winnipeg. Winnipeg would be Connie's home for most of her life in Canada, with exception of two years, 1967 to 1969, when the family lived in Sheho, SK. While she always felt that she had a place in Canada, England was her home. She would travel back to England to visit her family twice, in 1978 and 1994. Connie's health began deteriorating through the summer of 2005. In October 2005, she was diagnosed with colon cancer, which had spread to her liver. Although treatment of the colon cancer was successful, the liver cancer was inoperable. Connie is remembered as a person with a kind heart, always ready to offer an encouraging word. Her gift for relating to children has shone through numerous times throughout her life. Her greatest joy has been spending time with her three grandsons, whom she loved and cherished deeply. Connie was predeceased by her father Harry, and mother May, an infant brother Philip and another brother who died at childbirth. She is survived by her husband, Fr. Stephan; her son Fr. Andrew (Kristi) Jarmus; grandsons, Aidan, Isaiah and Jonah; sisters, Joan, Jean (Brian), Doreen (Lew), Mary (Doug); brothers, Worsdle (Doreen) and Edward, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces. Connie's family would like to thank all of their friends and loved-ones who have shown their support through her illness, and especially in her final days. They especially wish to thank all of the staff at Riverview Health Centre Unit 3 E for their compassionate and tireless care. May God bless you all. Prayers will be said on Monday, April 3 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, April 4 at 10:00 a.m. at All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1500 Day St., Transcona. In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made to Holy Cross Mission Parish, P.O. Box 23009, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5S3. May her memory be eternal! Vichnaya pam'iat! CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 01, 2006