MIN LANOWAY (KARASIVICH)

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MIN LANOWAY (nee KARASIVICH) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Min Lanoway in Winnipeg on August 27, 2006. She was predeceased by her husband John in 1991, her parents Stefan and Anastasia Karasivich in 1974 and 1990, her sisters Mary Elford (Bob) of Toronto in 1976 and baby Zenia in 1918, her brothers Julian (Daria) of St. Petersburg, Florida in 1984, Bill of Winnipeg in 1978, Stanley (Pat) of Vancouver in 1975, Eugene (Corinne) of Abilene, Texas in 1987 and Ted (Irene) of Ottawa, Ontario in 2001. She is survived by her son Brian (Brenda) of Winnipeg and grandsons Jordan and Kris, her son James (Nadia) of Winnipeg, her daughter Linda and grandsons Andrew and Mikael of Vancouver, her sister Ann Neufeld of Winnipeg, her beloved sisters-in-law (Corinne, Pat, Irene and Daria), and many nieces and nephews. Min was born in Seech, MB, and moved with her family to Shoal Lake in 1921 where she received her high school education. Because Grade XII was not taught at Shoal Lake, she took her Grade XII by correspondence and graduated with honors before enrolling as a student at the Winnipeg Normal School. Her teaching career began in a one room country school at Mohyla followed by six years in Angusville. She was granted a principal's Certificate in 1942 and taught in Gypsumville, Hazleridge and Eriksdale. Min met John Lanoway on Christmas Eve in 1949 and they married in 1950. Min happily gave up her teaching career to begin her new career as first a wife, and then a mother. Always the teacher, Min ensured that her three children were all reading and writing before they began kindergarten. Though not a musician herself, she made many sacrifices to ensure that her children received music lessons, and found great joy in sitting in on each and every practice hour. She was also a season ticket holder for many years of both the Winnipeg Symphony and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Though Min saw her role as wife and mother as her first and most important calling - she continued to work as a substitute teacher in Winnipeg schools while pursuing her University education in literature and psychology. Her plans for her degree were put aside when she and her husband bought their second home in Florida to get away from the long Winnipeg winters. Min was an active member of a number of women's organizations - the Mary Dyma Chapter of I.O.D.E., the St. John Brebeuf C.W.L., the Carpathia Home and School Association, the Woman's Auxiliary of the Manitoba Chiropractic Association, the Great Books Study Group, and the Woman's Auxiliary of the Holy Family Nursing Home. A talented seamstress, for many years Min sewed most of her daughter's, as well as her own clothing (including her wedding gown) - and delighted in making matching outfits for Linda's favourite doll. In her later years she took up oil painting - and to her surprise, found that she had a talent for landscapes. Many of her paintings are hung with pride in her children's homes. Min and John loved their cottage at Ponemah, and could be found every evening taking long walks with their little dachshund. They also bought a winter home in Florida and made many new friends in Bonita Springs. John developed a great passion for fishing, and as a result, Min became adept at creating new recipes for his daily catch. Min was a voracious reader and always had a great stack of library books beside her reading chair. She was an avid crossword buff and loved playing Scrabble with her children and grandchildren at the cottage. Above all, Min was a woman of great intelligence, known for her calm and her wisdom. Not only her children, but her nephews and nieces came to her for advice - cherishing her caring and ready ear. She was a devoted grandmother and found great joy in the company of her four grandsons. When they were small, she happily read to them until she was hoarse - and cheered their efforts in school and music as she had with their parents. After John's passing, Min moved from her home on Carpathia Road to The Waverley, and then as her health failed moved first to the Rosewood, and then to the Meadowood Personal Care Home where she lived her last years. The family is grateful to the staff of the Meadowood and Dr. Darcy Johnson for their devoted care - ensuring that Min lived in dignity in her final years. Prayers will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 31 at the Green Acres Memorial Chapel (Highway #1 East at Navin Road). Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 1 at St. Jean Brebeuf Church, 1707 John Brebeuf Place. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to the Salvation Army in her memory. Mum - you brought us up well and you will live in our hearts and the hearts of your grandsons forever. We know that you are with Dad now, and he will take good care of you, as he always did in this world. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery Hwy. #1 E. at Navin, (204) 222-3241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 30, 2006