MYROSLAWKA NAHNYBIDA MARION WESLAK

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MYROSLAWKA NAHNYBIDA MARION WESLAK To Those I Love, and Those Who Loved Me: When I am gone, release me, let me go I have so many things to see and do, You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears; Be happy that we had so many years. I gave to you my love, you can only guess How much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, But now it's time I travelled on alone. So grieve a while for me if you must; Let your grief be comforted by trust, It's only for a while that we must part, So bless the memories within your heart. I won't be far away, for life goes on; If you need me, call and I will come, Though you can't see me or touch me, I'll be near And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear, All of my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and say Welcome home . Her hands rest contently now; they once were busy and loving. Her hands toiled endlessly in the rich, dark soils of her gardens. Her hands caressed the sea of blossoms that flourished under her care and nurturing. The flowers greeted her each day and are but a fragrance in the winds of time gone by now. Her hands plucked the little weeds aside to boast a magnificent garden each year. Her hands held and loved her children and grandchildren. Her hands coaxed feasts of endless hearty meals, no matter the time of day. Her hands pinched perogies, rolled cabbage rolls, curled cinnamon buns, kneaded fresh breads, brined pickles, baked luscious roasts. Her hands chopped wood, carried pails of water from the rivers, milked cows, delivered calves, chucked bales, hauled grain, planted gardens. Her hands crocheted, played bingo, enjoyed a warm cup of tea. Myroslawka Nahnybida was born on September 13, 1935 on her parents' homestead northwest of Arran, SK. Marion attended Padolia School. She has lived for a short while in Spirit River (Alberta), The Pas, Rackham, Jackfish, and Elma (in Manitoba). She worked seasonally in Clear Lake, MB at Donner's Lodge and at the dance-hall. She also worked as a housekeeper at the Elma Hotel. In later years, she worked as a housekeeper at Parkview Inn near Hadashville, MB and at Pineland Nursery, south of Hadashville. In July 1959, she married Stanley Earl Weslak and together they farmed northeast of Medika, MB, on the east banks of the Birch River. Her most rewarding career, however, was as a Mother and Baba. She is predeceased by her husband Stanley Earl Weslak (1932-1998); her sons, Walter Derrick Kowalick (1956-1956) and Clayton Earl Weslak (1959-1983); her parents Wasyl Nahnybida (1891-1948) and Antonina (nee: Lewandowski) Zuk (1896-1973) and stepfather John Zuk (1897-1974); her sisters, Anne Sobkow (1918-1999), Stephania (Stella) Dutchession (1931-1962), Martha Nahnybida (1924/infancy); and her brothers, Michael Nahnybida (1915-1989), Stefan (Steve) Nahnybida (1916-1969), Peter Nahnybida (1919-1995), Anthony (Tony) Nahnybida (1929-1981), Wolodymyr Nahnybida (1922-1925) and Vladimir Nahnybida (1933-1933). On June 9, 2006, after a graceful and courageous battle with cancer, Marion passed away. Her determination and strong will, and neverending love are her most remarkable traits. To celebrate her life and a legacy of memories, she will be remembered by her children, Thelma and Gavin Findlay, Leslie Weslak and Lisa, Brenda and Dave Tetreault, Darin and Tanya Weslak, Ray Cole, and Sherry Neyedly; her grandchildren, Samantha Findlay, Gavin Findlay, Jacey Weslak, Kendall Weslak, Ashley Cole, Tyler Cole, Kelly Tetreault, Darrius Weslak and Trinnity Weslak; and her siblings, Sofat (Joe) and Laura Nahnybida (Coquitlam, BC), Zenovia (Gloria) and Walter Demchuk (Winnipeg, MB), Natalie (Ethel) Deminick (Medicine Hat, AB), and Julian and Rosemarie Nahnybida (Sherwood Park, AB); numerous nieces, nephews and great- and great-great-nieces/nephews; and her many friends. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 14 at the Prawda Community Centre, Prawda, MB at 11:00 a.m. Thank you to the doctors and staff at the Ste. Anne Hospital for their gracious comfort and respect while providing palliative care for our mother. Rest peacefully dear Momma and Baba God bless you always. Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints in the snow, I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain, When you awaken in the mornings hush, I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds inclined flight, I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die. SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM, Beausejour 268-3510 or MB Toll Free 1-877-776-2220

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 12, 2006