LILLIAN (EMILY) HUDYMA (SPECHT)

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LILLIAN (EMILY) HUDYMA (nee SPECHT) September 27, 1920 - August 18, 2008 Peacefully, with her grandchildren at her side, on Monday, August 18, 2008, Lillian passed away at the Douglas Campbell Lodge in Portage la Prairie, MB at the age of 87. Lillian will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family: sons, Daniel and Johnny (Cathy); daughter-in-law Elaine; grandchildren, Shelley (Jason), Dean (Colette), Kevin, Tracy (Dave), Sheri (Ken), Sandra (Richard) and great-grandchildren, Michael, Stephanie, Lyle, Tyler, Ashley, Brett, Steven, Samantha and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends. Lillian was predeceased by her husband John, son Edward, daughter-in-law Lana, parents Pauline and Joseph, brothers and sister, Bill, Peter and Elsie. Lillian was born in Ladywood, MB and raised by Klemens and Louise (better known to everyone as Bobcha) Kupczynski. At an early age, she left Ladywood and moved to the big city of Winnipeg, MB to work as a nanny and housekeeper. But in her heart, she was always a country girl and returned home to the farm. This is where she met the love of her life, John. They were married on June 18, 1941. She was a devoted wife and mother to her three sons, a homemaker and worked part-time as a caterer. She worked hard all her life. Her home was full of love and there was always plenty to eat. She enjoyed cooking, which we always benefited from. Some of her specialties included perogies, cabbage rolls, petrishka, pies, and many home-made soups. We took that for granted as we were younger and believed that it would always be there. She always made sure that when family and friends came to visit, they never left empty handed. She always gave handfuls of garden vegetables, canning and meat from her freezer from their own livestock. She enjoyed reading, playing cards, dimes, Romoli, and spending quality time with her family. In her younger years, during the summer holidays, her home always had a few extra family members that wanted to spend their time on the farm . Those days are fondly remembered by all. Lillian was especially giving, caring and proud of her family throughout her life. She was also very strict and a disciplined person by nature, in which we have all benefited from, especially as parents ourselves. She resided on her farm until the age of 79, but when her health began to decline, she then moved to St. Claude. With the help of her granddaughter, Sheri, she still managed to live on her own. After many new health issues, she was then forced to relocate to Douglas Campbell Lodge, where she still kept her independence along with the help of the staff. She always had a very strong sense of self. Something that will be missed is her amusing sense of humour and she often surprised us by saying the darndest things. She was much loved and admired for her spunkiness, feistiness and loving nature. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched. Lillian was a strong willed woman who fought to the very end. The family would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to her extended family (staff) at the Douglas Campbell Lodge. Their loving care and dedication gave her the respect, dignity and independence she required. A celebration of her life will be taking place at the Sobering Funeral Chapel, Park Avenue East, Beausejour, MB at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 21. Interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, if friends and family so desire, donations in her memory can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 - 200 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3L 0K6. We Love You and Miss You May You Rest in Peace SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM, Beausejour 268-3510 or MB toll free 1-877-776-2220

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 20, 2008