CATHERINE MICHALCHYSHYN

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CATHERINE MICHALCHYSHYN March 12, 1912 - October 8, 2009 Peacefully on October 8, 2009 our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister-in-law passed away in Winnipeg at age 97. She was predeceased by her husband Walter, son Ray, daughter-in-law Christine, son-in-law Fred, parents Sam and Anna Kuzyk, and siblings Mack, John, Bill, Steve, Walter and Mary. She leaves to cherish her memory brother Fred Kuzyk (Kay), sister-in-law Ann Kuzyk (Steve), daughters Irene Gajecky, Stella Hryniuk, sons Joseph (Shawna), Iyvan (Marta) and daughter-in-law Betty, grandchildren Bohdan and Ivanka Gajecky (Rob), Michael and Angela Hryniuk, Laura (Rick) and Natalie, Paul (Heather) and Carl (Joanna), Ihor and Andriy, great-grandchildren Everan, Paris, Jasper and Joelle, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Catherine was born and raised in Glenella Manitoba, the third child of Sam and Anna Kuzyk, a pioneer Ukrainian farming family. Her parents imparted strong values which sustained her throughout her long life: love of family, loyalty to the Ukrainian Catholic Church, respect for Ukrainian traditions and admiration for higher education. The Kuzyk family moved to a farm near Poplar Point in 1926, and forged strong links to the Ukrainian Catholic community in Portage la Prairie. Catherine worked as a domestic in Winnipeg, coming home to help on the farm in the summers. In 1935 she met and married Walter, an apprentice baker. Walter's work took them to Brandon, Winnipeg and Shoal Lake, where they owned a bakery in the 1950s. Catherine was an active mother, part-time manager of the bakery and pillar of the Ukrainian Catholic parishes wherever they made their home. She loved being at the centre of parish life, attending religious services faithfully, supporting the work of the clergy and Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate. She devoted much time and energy to the various women's organizations, and was a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League since 1959, when she and Walter joined the parish of St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church. Her persuasive manner in organizing church volunteers earned the affectionate nickname of The Coach . She had deep respect and love for priests and sisters, whom she admired as exceptional servants of Christ. Catherine was a cheerful, generous and jolly soul whose home radiated warmth and welcomed all. She enjoyed her garden, cooking, baking and most of all sharing her wonderful meals with family and friends. In 2000 Catherine and Walter became residents of Holy Family Nursing Home, where they were active in the religious and social life of the Home. She shared with them her secrets of long life - her faith, love of family, and a daily dose of brandy, honey and garlic! Family members express their heartfelt thanks to the caring staff of Holy Family Home, especially St. Anne's Unit. Our gratitude goes also to caregivers at the Seven Oaks Hospital. Prayers will be said on Wednesday, October 14 at 7:00 p.m. and Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, October 15 at 9:30 a.m., both at St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church at 250 Jefferson Ave. in Winnipeg. Interment will follow at the Holy Family Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in her memory. In Canada: St. Joseph's Church Decoration Fund, 250 Jefferson Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2V 0M6; or UCWLC - St Joseph's Branch - Orphanage in Zolochiv, Ukraine - 250 Jefferson Winnipeg , MB R2V OM6; in the U.S.: Nativity B.V.M. Orphanage Fund, 8530 W.131 Street, Palos Park, IL 60464. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 13, 2009