JOHANNA (JEAN) STOLAR

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JOHANNA (JEAN) STOLAR Johanna Stolar died peacefully at the age of 86 on Monday, August 20, 2007. Also known as Yanka or Jean, she was born in Stryj, Ukraine. She married Wasyl, and in 1943, during the Second World War, she rode a train alone from Germany back to Stryj to fulfill her fiercely patriotic husband's wish that their son Ihor (Edgar) be born in Ukraine. After the war, rather than returning to Ukraine, they made a decision to immigrate to Argentina where Wasyl's brothers had already settled, but in the last moment, a sponsorship by Dr. Stolar in Canada brought the family to Winnipeg in 1948. Yanka always maintained that this had been a positive move, as it provided a better life than the one left behind. She worked in a sewing factory until the early 1960s when she and Wasyl became co-owners of Metro Meats on Euclid Avenue, which they operated for 20 years. In 1989, cancer claimed Wasyl's life. As Yanka had been a member of the Ukrainian community in Winnipeg, she continued her friendships. She was predeceased by her brothers, Peter Hrynek and Walter Hrynyk; survived by son Ihor (Halia); grandchildren, Toosha (Paul), Vlodzo (Natalka); great-grandchildren, Sara and Stephen; sister-in-law, Julie Hrynyk and nephews Danny Hrynyk and Walter Hrynyk; extended family in Ukraine. Her home had been St. Joseph's Residence since 1999. There she enjoyed bingo, outings to Goldeyes games and Folklorama, and sing-alongs with visiting entertainers, often providing lyrics to forgotten old country songs. Her life at St. Joseph's Residence was greatly enhanced by the affection and kindness bestowed upon her by the staff, for which the family is grateful. A very sincere thank you is extended to Dr. Taras Babick for his friendship, support and selfless efforts devoted to her care. She especially enjoyed visits to Victoria, BC, Ukrainian Park and family celebrations. Her knowledge of proverbs was endless. Looking at photo albums, we are reminded of her love of life and family and her precious pet dog, Tanya. These will forever remain in our memories. According to Yanka's wishes, a funeral has taken place officiated by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Mitrat M. Buyachok. We thank pallbearers John Borys, Danny Hrynyk, Walter Hrynyk, Ben Konowalchuk and Paul Letby; and Honorary Pallbearers, Dr. Tatas Babick and Volodymyr Stolar. VICHNAYA PAMYAT KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 25, 2007