JEAN LAPKA

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JEAN LAPKA Peacefully, on Sunday, October 19, 2008, Jean Lapka passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre with her family by her side. She leaves a legacy of love with her husband, Wasyl Jim Lapka and their three daughters Marguerite and David Woytowich of Sanford, Manitoba, Janet and Al Pitzel of Winnipeg, and Elaine Lapka of Brandon, Manitoba; and her precious grandchildren, Jenna, Rina and Jonathon Woytowich, Ryan and Caitlin Pitzel, also John and Sylvia Froese (Garrett, Nicholas, and Emily). Jean was born on June 23, 1930 near Rembrandt, Manitoba, the fourteenth in a family of nineteen children. She was raised on a farm in the Sylvan district. She met Jim while working in Eriksdale. Shortly after their marriage on July 22, 1954, they moved to Morden, where their daughters were born. For the past 46 years, they have lived in Brandon. Jean enjoyed knitting, embroidering, playing bridge, gardening and baking, especially making big batches of poppycock for her grandchildren. She also enjoyed visiting with family and friends. She was always thinking of others, especially her family. Mom looked after us with a loving heart and a willing hand. She was always there for us when we needed her. She will be remembered as a generous, kind, loving and patient person. Jean accepted and faced the challenges in her life, especially in recent years, with grace and dignity. She was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Mary Chyzzy; five sisters, Victoria, Mary, Annie Leichert, Nellie Hawkins, and Sophie Haack, and five brothers, Bill, Sam, Mike, Tommy, and Pete, as well as her parents-in-law Andrew and Jessie Lapka. Surviving are her sisters and brothers: Katie Zayik, Rose Lubinski, Lillian (Edwin) Kowalsky and Joe (Minnie) of Arborg, Manitoba and area, Valerie (Robert) Rutherford of Howden, Manitoba, Vicki Dubowski of Winnipeg, Paul and Eddie (Cecilia) of British Columbia, and her sisters-in-law, Rose and Olga Chyzzy of Winnipeg and Kay Chyzzy of Arborg. She is also survived by Jim's family, Peter Lapka of Russell, Manitoba, Michael (Verna) Lapka of Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Stella (Peter) Shewchuk of Binscarth, Manitoba and many, nieces, nephews and treasured friends. In keeping with Jean's wishes, private family Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Brandon, Manitoba. Celebrant was Fr. Michael Tkachuk. Cantor was Stella Fedeniuk. Cross bearer was Jonathon Woytowich. Urn bearer was Ryan Pitzel. Interment followed at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. For those who wish, donations may be made in Jean's memory to the Parkinson Society of Manitoba, 171 Donald St., Suite 302, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 1M4 or to a charity of your choice. The family expresses their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Chris Martens and the dedicated home care providers from the BRHA, the compassionate staff at the Assiniboine Centre, as well as to Dr. S.J. Duncan and Dr. D. Hobson. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com Arrangements are with Memories Chapel Pre-Planning Centre (204) 727-0330 Vichnaya Pamyat

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 08, 2008