ANDELA FRANCIS ILLCHUK (RIHA)

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ANDELA FRANCIS ILLCHUK (nee RIHA) It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our wife and mother, Andela, on Thursday, October 18, 2007 at the age of 83 years, at Bethesda Place, Steinbach. Remaining to forever cherish Andela's memory are her husband Peter; daughters, Marion Parisien, Darlene Johansson and husband Ken, Shirley Allen and husband Keith and sons Peter and wife Janet, Dennis and partner Sharon, and Jeffrey and wife Laurel. She will also be sadly missed by her 14 grandchildren; her six great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Veronika Riha and brother Frank Riha. Andela was born in Czechoslovakia on February 25, 1924 where she lived until age 15 when she immigrated to Canada. At age 18 she went to work at the Victoria Hospital in Winnipeg until 1946 when she married Peter Illchuk on June 8 of that year. She had the Post Office in Carrick for 10 years before she went to work in Steinbach at Friendly Family Farms. She worked there for 18 years and retired at the age of 67. She was dedicated to her family; a loving mother who always put everyone else before herself. Her quiet strength and fortitude resulted not only in a tight knit family but instilled in us the confidence and work ethic that has been passed down to generations. The funeral service, officiated by Father Albert Frechette, will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Drive, Steinbach, MB on Wednesday, October 24 at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Woodridge Cemetery to follow the reception. The family would like to extend special thanks to all of the staff at Bethesda Place for the friendship and wonderful care and compassion shown to our mother during her stay. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 200 - 6 Donald Street; Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6 Arrangements by: Birchwood Funeral Chapel 1-888-454-1030 or 1-204-346-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 22, 2007