LENA MICHALUK (BESTELECHMAN)

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LENA MICHALUK (nee BESTELECHMAN) Peacefully on Sunday, April 20, 2008 at the Riverview Health Center, after a short illness, our Mom and Baba passed away at the age of 94. Lena was predeceased by her beloved husband John in 1986, her son Bill in 1978, son Ron and daughter-in-law June in 1981 and their son Wayne in 1986. Also, Lena was predeceased by her siblings Dora Prokopovich (1981), Bill Bestelechman (1981), Ann Feschuk (1993), Mary Dumanski (1995), Beatrice Burtniak (2003) and Kathryn Restelli (2005). Left to mourn her passing are her daughter Mary and son-in-law Laurence Blondeau, her granddaughter Rhonda (Ryan) Galloway, grandsons Dan (Diane) Michaluk, Brad Michaluk, Kelly (Leanne) Blondeau and Larry (Shelley) Blondeau. Also mourning Baba's passing are her great-grandchildren Matthew and Kyle Michaluk and Nicholas and Kylie Blondeau. Baba was born on July 30, 1913 in Fork River, north of Dauphin, Manitoba. She married Gigi in 1932 and together they owned and operated Super Fish and Chips on Sutherland Avenue for 25 years and retired in the late 1970's. After Gigi's passing, Baba lived independently for 22 years, until her short stay in the hospital. Baba was a strong woman who loved her independence and could always be seen working in the front yard of her home in Wolseley. Baba was especially proud of how her yard looked, with her beautiful flowers and plants being her passion. Baba loved spending time in the kitchen where she enjoyed making wonderful meals for her family. Her greatest pride, however, came from the love she had for her family and in watching them grow. A private family service was held on April 24, 2008 with Rev. Father Nestor Yakiwchuk officiating and interment followed at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were her grandsons Dan, Kelly, Larry, Ryan and great-grandsons Matthew and Kyle. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff on 3E at Riverview for the wonderful care and compassion they gave Baba as they kept her comfortable during her stay. Thanks also to all our friends and family for their love and support. If you so desire, a donation may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2B7 or a charity of your choice. I am standing on the seashore. A ship spreads her sails to the morning breeze and starts for the ocean. I stand watching her until she fades on the horizon, and someone at my side says, She is gone! Gone where? The loss of sight is in me, not in her. Just at that moment when someone says, she is gone! there are others watching her coming. Other voices take up the glad shout, Here she comes! And that is dying. - Henry Scott Holland Although she has left us here, Baba is now with her loved ones that passed before. We will miss her dearly, but know that she is at rest and in peace. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 26, 2008