NELLIE ANGELA STOLASH (SLOBODIAN)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

NELLIE ANGELA STOLASH (nee SLOBODIAN) On Monday evening, February 12, 2008, at the Maples Personal Care Home, tenderly comforted by her niece Darlene and great-nephew Duane Garett, Nellie in her 95th year, peacefully journeyed to her eternal rest. Softly and gently borne on the wings of angels, Jesus joyfully embraced and welcomed Nellie into His Heavenly Kingdom. Nellie was predeceased by her wonderful parents Teenie and Gregory Slobodian, the absolute love of her life husband Frank John Stolash, soulmate and companion her precious sister Nettie Slobodian, best friend and confidante brother Stephen, brother Joseph and her very favourite and dear cousin Ann Woodhouse. Left to cherish her blessed memory; Nellie's much loved and special sister-in-saw Helen Slobodian, her kind and considerate niece Joan and husband Lou Joyal, great-niece Lisa and husband Jeff Brown and their daughters, Mia and Rhea, and her lovingly dedicated, devoted and attentive niece and great-nephew Darlene and Duane Garett Dahl. Nellie was born in Winnipeg on November 8, 1912. To know Nellie was to deeply love and adore her. She was the most beautiful, genuinely affectionate, sentimental and tender-hearted soul; loving, a deeply devout Catholic, and extremely generous to a fault. Nellie never missed an opportunity to tell you how much she loved you; wrapping her arms around you in a warm embrace and showering you with many kisses. How much we will miss her hugs and kisses goes without saying. Nellie began her employment career as a very young girl in Private House'; initially employed by two very prominent families in Winnipeg, namely the prestigious D'Eschambault Family of St. Boniface, who always held a special place in her heart, followed by the extremely colourful William Harris Family of Handsart Blvd., Tuxedo. Following her years in Private House, Nellie ventured onto J.M. Sinclair Ltd., quickly rising in rank to Floor Lady (her proudest moment), finally retiring from Bonar Bemis; an impressive career spanning a total of 44 years. On November 8, 1941, Nellie married her dashing and handsome Knight in Shining Armour' Frank Stolash. Together they forged a marriage of strong work ethics, the importance of devotion to family and their Catholic faith, and keeping in close contact socializing with their dearly loved friends. Travelling extensively throughout Canada and the USA was the ultimate treat'; from the moment they married until 1991, they travelled to their favourite vacation destinations. They initially began their travelling adventures to New York, San Francisco, Florida and Montreal before it was fashionably correct'. However, Hawaii and Las Vegas were their all time favourites. Sports played a large part in Nellie's life; especially enjoying the excitement of football, hockey, golf, and baseball (Nell was an excellent Pitcher in her youth). Nellie, Sister Nettie and Brother Steve were one of the originals to hold season's tickets for many years to their beloved Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Horseracing, however, stole her heart; we were all amazed how well she could decipher the racing digests' like the pros. Nellie's interests and hobbies were many, but her artistry shone through in her creative and beautiful needlework, followed closely by her mastery at gardening both were her No. 1 passions. Her huge vegetable and flower gardens were admired and envied by all who were privileged to stroll throughout the impressive Stolash property on College Avenue. Nellie always remarked that when she tended her gardens she was working with God . Family was the number one priority to Nellie; she never missed an opportunity to celebrate a festivity, especially birthdays, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, music and dance recitals, etc. Christmas and Easter were huge celebrations. She totally supported everyone's accomplishments and endeavours. Sadly, the ravages of old age necessitated Nellie and Nettie leaving their family home. On July 7, 2003, they both began the final chapters of their life's journey as they took up residence at the Maples Personal Care Home Their Safe Haven. At this time, Darlene and Duane would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the amazing and exemplary management and staff of the Maples Personal Care Home; especially Nellie's darlings, her One West Angels for their excellent care, compassion, respect, support and loving friendship. She never was blessed to have children of her own, but each and everyone of you can definitely consider yourselves her Sons and Daughters; to Nellie's lovely hairdresser Tessie Unisa what a beautiful blessing you have been...a great friend, and of course the very dedicated and caring Kitchen Angels for truly sustaining Nellie for the past four years seven months and five days with delicious and nutritious meals and snacks. Also, we are so thankful to Father John A. Melnyk for his wonderful pastoral care and Nellie's Podiatrist Dr. Ian Palmer for his tender-loving care (Dr. Ian you made Nellie so happy). We must also make special mention to Emilene Bender and her delightful Mother Jennie Johnson for their genuine friendship. The years of lunch hours shared as we fed our loved ones have been special moments. Your tenderness and stimulating conversation will be missed, but never forgotten. God bless you. Finally...to our trusted support team as they assisted us with their professional counsel, guidance, expertise and loyal friendship in managing Nellie's legal and administrative affairs, namely, George Derwin, Karen Sagurski, Marilyn Joyal and Victor Danyliuk; simply amazing. Respecting Nellie's wishes, there will be no formal funeral; cremation has already taken place. Burial at All Saints Cemetery next to Nellie's beloved husband Frank will take place at a later date. Flowers gratefully declined. Extend a special gesture of kindness to a total stranger or you may make a donation in Nellie's memory to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg MB R3C 4G2. OUR ANGEL ON EARTH, NOW A SPECIAL ANGEL IN HEAVEN As we fondly remember Nellie, we smile for she is wearing her huge wide-brimmed straw hat' DEFINITELY WORKING WITH GOD tending his magnificent Heavenly gardens. We are so comforted knowing that waiting to greet Nellie at the Pearly Gates are her beloved parents, amazing husband Frank, her beautiful sister Nettie, much loved brothers Steve and Joe, also she will at last be reunited with her best friends Jennie and Mike Solarz, Ann and Frank Lewicki, sweet cousin Ann Woodhouse, dearest Mable and her very favourite neighbour Yvonne. Take her in Thine arms, dear Lord, And ever let her be A messenger of love Between our hearts and Thee. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 16, 2008