SYLVIA KUSMIDER (YAKIMISCHAK)

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SYLVIA KUSMIDER (nee YAKIMISCHAK) With great sadness, the sons of Sylvia Kusmider announce the passing of their mother at the age of 81 on June 6, 2009, at Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg, after a lengthy illness. Sylvia was born on September 4, 1927, on a farm in Pleasant Home, Manitoba, the second child of Joseph and Frances Yakimischak. She studied at elementary school in Pleasant Home, high school in Teulon, and secretarial school in Winnipeg. Sylvia married Joe Kusmider in 1959, and together they had two sons, Patrick of Toronto, and Kelly of Winnipeg. Tragically, Joe passed away in 1969. Sylvia was also predeceased by her parents, and by her sister Muriel, wife of Gordon Ross of Fort Frances, Ontario. Sylvia worked as a secretary and bookkeeper for numerous employers in Winnipeg, including the Province of Manitoba, the University of Manitoba Plant Science Department, Investors Group, where she was a Region Office Supervisor, St. Paul's High School, and Great-West Life. For several years while raising her young sons on her own, she was a self-employed typist at home. Later, she was also landlord of the Gordon Apartments at 200 Brazier Street. Despite various setbacks and hardships, including ill health at many times in her life, Sylvia was a self-described fighter who never gave up until the end. Sylvia was a loving, devoted mother, a hard worker, and a caring, concerned friend in need to many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Sylvia enjoyed dancing, music, flowers and gardening, cooking, dining out, dressing sharp, organizing and attending family gatherings, and being the life of the party. Sylvia also loved to travel. She visited many places in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, but Hawaii was her favourite. Sylvia was a longtime member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Winnipeg, and served on the sisterhood there. More recently, Sylvia was a resident of Riverview Health Centre. There, she enjoyed the many concerts, parties, and recreational activities, as well as the constant companionship of Kelly and the frequent visits by Patrick. In accordance with Sylvia's wishes, a private funeral service has already been held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, attended by her closest family, friends, and neighbours. Thank you to the staff of the 4th floor of Victoria General Hospital for the care they provided to Sylvia in her final few days. Sylvia is now finally at peace and relieved of all pain. Fond memories of her will forever be cherished by her two sons, as well as by everyone else whose lives Sylvia touched with her unconditional love, warmth, friendship and sense of humour. Glen Eden Funeral Home 338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 11, 2009