MARTHA WIWCHAR-POSTEMA

Condolences & Memories (6 entries)

• The memories of the Wiwchar family are an important part of growing up on Dudley Avenue. I still think of them when I walk down that street .. pretty hard to forget. I remember when they first moved in to that house that eventually had white stucco, and green trim. Little Danny hopping down the front sidewalk with a yellow tam, then Judy, Phil and Joy to follow. Judy was a friend to my sister Margie, and with her blonde braids, she would sing some songs for us in our living room. We loved music in our family! My mom always coaxed a song out of all visitors. The Wiwchar kids were well loved, and I recall the pristine wash hanging on the line at the Wiwchar's house, socks on stretchers, beige pants of Peter's on pant stretchers, sparkling clean linens blowing in the Winnipeg wind. Martha would walk down the lane to the house behind ours, the Parkers, for visits. The red tulips bloomed every spring in the front flower bed, to celebrate Dutch heritage. Sy McDougall remodelled his family home in the style of Peter Wiwchar, the first house nearby to extend the " back shed:" with a sloping roof, stucco and new windows. Sy chose the straight style of roof for his. Those guys sure worked hard for their families. Always tinkering with something! The well kept yard of the Wiwchars was hard to compete with!Spotless cement, not a weed in the green lush lawn... When our television konked out (horrors) we would call Mr Wiwchar over to replace a "tube". We were always so grateful for his magic case of tools! This visit called for a good day of cleaning to bring the house up to the Wiwchar standards of course! We were so touched that your family came to our mom's prayer service! I will never forget that moment when you all came up to us, on such a sad occasion.Our parents would have been so impressed by that gesture of respect and caring as well. God bless each and every one of you and be thankful for parents who did the best they could for you, making sacrifices you do not even realize. Sorry I cannot attend this service for your wonderful mother. Patsy (McDougall) Stockbrocks Aldergrove BC - Posted by: Pat Stockbrocks (neighbour) on: May 10, 2012

• I have fond memories of your Mom and Dad from living on Dudley Avenue. As a kid we always knew the "Wiwchar's place". My Dad and Mom would often talk to Peter and Martha and compare notes on their growing families. Life was not always easy in those early days, but still lots of laughs. I recall the neighbourhood all going out for Halloween, or on Victoria Day holiday everyone on their front porches of the wartime homes setting off fireworks. Old fashioned family fun. It was nice to see Martha at my own Mom's funeral service in July of 2010 - she looked great, we appreciated her attending. All the best to the whole family in this time of sorrow. - Posted by: Louise Graham (nee McDougall) (neighbour from childhood days) on: May 08, 2012

• So sorry to hear about your mother-n-law Ruth. Condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Nell Ududec (Friend and colleague of Ruth Wiwchar) on: May 07, 2012

• I have fond memories of having chocolate sandwiches for lunch at Joy's house, and how I would listen in facination to how Mrs. Wiwchar would describe what it was like in Holland. I also remember her showing me her collection of Ukrainian eggs and describing how they were made and the different designs had their own meaning. My thoughts & sincere sympathies go out to Joy and her family. - Posted by: Pat Thiessen (Friend) on: May 06, 2012

• So sorry to hear of the loss of Auntie Martha. She was a unique person, very intelligent, always interesting, often funny, and I always enjoyed her company when I was with her. I'll remember her with a great fondness. My condolences go out to Dan, Ebra, Phil and Joy and their families. - Posted by: Pat Forbes-Chychrun (niece) on: May 05, 2012

• Our condolences go out to all the immediate family. Maybe I am amongst the many who felt that I had a special connection with Aunt Martha. I certainly did, and do, feel that way. We shared many laughs, and some quiet moments, together. I will never forget her zest for life and her sense of humour. Her wit and charming Dutch accent always added a spark to family getherings. I used to tease her, that she was very special because she was the only one in the family that had a birsday. I will miss Aunt Martha, but will cherish the many memories. - Dave Our heart and thoughts are with Dan, Ebra, Phil and Joy, and their families at this time. - Elaine and Dave - Posted by: Elaine and Dave Fisher (Martha was Dave's aunt) on: May 05, 2012