STELLA (STEPHANIE) MCLEAN -

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STELLA (STEPHANIE) MCLEAN 1921 - 2011 After a lengthy illness, Stella passed away peacefully at the Swan Valley Hospital on Saturday, June 25, 2011. Mom is survived by her son Ron Lewicki (Cathy), and daughter Diane Semaniuk (Glen), grandchildren Mike (Kim), Jason (Carla), Kristy and Joel (Nikki). She is also survived by five great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and other numerous relatives. Mom was predeceased by her husband's Walter and Clarence, son David, brothers Ed and Frank, her sister Rosie and her parents. Mom was born on October 27, 1921 at home in Merridale, MB to Stephen and Michalina Myslewchuk. Mom grew up on the family farm in Merridale where she also attended school until Grade 8. She had to leave school, as it was determined that she needed to help on the farm full-time. Mom loved school and always wished that she could have continued her formal education although she was always educating herself with her love of reading and boy could she ever do crossword puzzles. After the birth of her oldest son David in 1943 she moved to Cold Lake, MB where she found work at the Sherridon Hospital. In 1946 she married Walter Lewicki and in 1948 her second son Ron was born. Unfortunately in 1950 she became a widow and found herself having to support two young children. To do this, she began working for Pete the Baker at the bakeshop in Cold Lake, MB. There is where she began her life-long love of baking and cooking. Mom we are sure going to miss your cabbage rolls and pickles and Glen is especially going to miss your headcheese. In 1952 Mom was fortunate to marry once again after Clarence McLean wooed her while she was working at the bakeshop. In 1953, Mom and Dad moved to the new community of Lynn Lake, MB. This was a new community that was created by moving (Dad was involved in) the entire town of Sherridon 160 miles north over frozen lakes and rugged terrain. In 1954 Stella again found herself caring for her young children by herself when Dad lost his leg in a mining accident and spent a year in hospitals in Winnipeg and Lynn Lake. They overcame this and completed their family when their daughter Diane was born in 1957. Mom had many interests but the most important one to her was overcoming the weather challenges in Lynn Lake so that she could grow flowers and vegetables. She succeeded at this and won many prizes for her stunning flowers, her gigantic vegetables and the nicest yard in town. In 1986 and after 33 years of residing North of 56 Mom and Dad pulled up roots and retired to Swan River. MB. Mom and Dad settled in to retirement, by going to the Co-op for coffee every day with friends and the Legion for happy hour . Of course Mom's first priority was to grow her gardens and she was beside herself once again as she now had to adapt her flower and vegetable growing to nice weather . Once again she excelled even more with her gardens. Over the years Mom and Dad travelled extensively throughout Canada, the United States, Mexico and Europe. Her favourite destinations were always the places that had VLT's at the end of the road. Mom faced many challenges throughout her life but was always able to overcome them. May she find peace in her new adventures in Heaven. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service was held on Thursday June 30, 2011 in Swan River with internment at the Birchwood Cemetery. Because of Mom's love of flowers they were greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, Arrangements were entrusted to Jim Webster of Swan Valley Funeral Services Ltd. 363 Kelsey Trail (Hwy 10 North) Swan River, Manitoba. 734-5775

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 02, 2011