SONIA STEFANIUK

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SONIA STEFANIUK 1926 - 2011 It is with sadness and sorrow that our family announces the passing of our loved one, Sonia. Sonia passed on in the morning hours of Monday, March 21, 2011, at Seven Oaks Hospital. She struggled long and hard after having a stroke on Friday, March 4. Finally her body released her and she is at peace. Sonia completed her life cycle. Her journey is at an end. Sonia was predeceased by her parents, Hnat and Eufemia Finkiewich. She leaves behind her to celebrate her life her husband of 62 years, Harry Stefaniuk; daugther and son-in-law Deborah and Perry Grycko; grandson Adam Grycko and fiancee Amanda Lucas; granddaughter Aurora Grycko (Robert Mayo) and great-grandson Gabriel Mayo. Sonia was born on December 30, 1926, in the village Dereviany in the Ukraine. She immigrated to Canada with her parents in 1928. They settled and farmed in Glenella, Manitoba. It was in Glenella that Sonia met and married the love of her life, her sweetheart Harry. They married on July 20, 1948. Sonia and Harry farmed until they moved to Winnipeg in 1954. Sonia then took a course at Scientific School of Beauty and became a hairdresser. She had a small salon in her home where she loved doing the hair of family, friends and neighbours. Summers were spent at the family cottage at Husavick. There she spent her time gardening, chatting with her friends and enjoying the sun and sand. Sonia was proud of her Ukrainian heritage and she was a member of the AUUC. Her appreciation of music led her to joining the AUUC Women's Barvinok Choir. For many years and into her late seventies she volunteered her time cooking and serving travellers at the Lvow Pavillion during Folklorama. Her favorite hobbies were sewing and knitting. One of Sonia's highlights in her life was when she went to the Ukraine with husband Harry and was able to finally meet with family that she had only connected with via mail. This meeting of her family abroad touched her so much that Sonia and Harry made many return visits to the Old Country . Her love of travelling also took her to Cuba where she fell in love with the people and their culture. Many trips were to follow. Sonia and Harry came home rejuvenated from their fun in the sun. Sonia's commitment to her family and humanity was strong. She was an advocate of world peace and hoped that all people would live in harmony one day. To us, her family, there was no better wife, mother, Baba or Pra-Baba. So dear loved one, we are going to miss you terribly, but the lovely memories we have of you will uphold us in our life ventures. We all love you. Thank you to Dr. Patel and all the staff on 3-Unit-4 at Seven Oaks Hospital. We don't know how we would have gone on without your support, kindness and compassion. We thank all family, friends and staff at Seven Oaks for your kind words and visits during Sonia's struggle. We are forever indebted to you all. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your charity of choice. At Sonia's request, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 26, 2011