ALICE (LESIA) KONOWALCHUK

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ALICE (LESIA) KONOWALCHUK It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wife, mother and grandmother (Baba), Alice Mary Lesia Konowalchuk (nee Zazula), on July 8, 2009. She was predeceased by her parents Osyp and Tetiana and her brother George. Lesia was born in Brody, Western Ukraine, on January 16, 1944. During the war her family fled to Regensburg, Germany before moving to Emerson shortly before the 1950 flood. Later her family moved to Winnipeg and lived in Point Douglas and the North End where she attended St. Nicholas, Immaculate Heart of Mary and TecVoc High Schools. Lesia and Benny were married on September 19, 1964 and together they built a new home in West St. Paul and lived there since 1968. She loved the open space, her vegetable and flower gardens. Lesia lovingly raised three sons Glen (Cindy), Walter (Angela) and Andrew and her grandson Tyler. Mom supported us in our studies, culture and travels which took us all over the world, and for this we will always be grateful. Lesia was employed by Middlechurch Nursing Home for over 20 years where she cared for the elderly with compassion and understanding. After her retirement in 2002 she continued to volunteer sharing Ukrainian culture and traditions. Mom and Dad enjoyed traveling and camping every summer, both by themselves and with their family. For Easter 2007, she enjoyed a trip to Ukraine to visit family and the Zazula homestead in Ternopyl. Lesia especially loved to cook and prepare traditional Ukrainian dishes on holidays. They were very special times. She also enjoyed spending evenings socializing with her friends. She was a devoted Catholic and active member of St. Theresa's Church, and the Catholic Women's League. More than anything she loved her grandson Tyler and her time spent with him was precious. Tyler referred to Baba as his best friend and he will miss her immensely. We are grateful to all of our friends and family who provided support and strength to our Mom and family during this difficult time. Mom, for all your years of love and support, we thank you. For being our strength, for holding our hands, for always believing in us, know that you will be cherished, always, in our hearts and in our minds. My lovely wife, know that no barrier will ever separate us, you will always be by our sides and we, in turn, will always be by yours. Loving you deeply and always, your family. Cremation has taken place and prayers will be said at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21 at St. Theresa's Roman Catholic Church, 3597 Main St., West St. Paul, MB. Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22 also at St. Theresa's Church, with Rev. Msgr. Louis McCloskey and Fr. Michael Wollbaum officiating. A private interment will follow. Thank you to the West St. Paul Fire Dept, EMS and staff at Seven Oaks Hospital. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in memory of Lesia may be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation or the charity of your choice.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2009