STEPHANIE LILLANN BARNETT (MIHALYK)

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STEPHANIE LILLANN BARNETT (nee MIHALYK) June 28, 1937 - August 21, 2014 In the loving company of her daughters and granddaughters, Stephanie passed away peacefully on August 21, 2014. Stephanie began her life in the village of Pineridge. She was the eldest of the four children born to Harry and Anne Mihalyk (nee Mlynarovich) and she was followed by Raymond Mihalyk (Sharon), Beverly Pelechosky and Doug Mihalyk (Debbie). In 1941, at the age of four the family moved to their new home in the Rural Municipality of Springfield. At the age of five she attended Corona School, which now is located as a historical building in Assiniboine Park in the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden. Stephanie was thrilled that her childhood school was preserved in such a beautiful place. She loved the area that she was raised in and often spoke of her childhood in North Springfield. Stephanie wed Sydney Barnett in November of 1955 and in 1960 they started a family. They were blessed with three daughters whom she dearly loved: Linda Wachal (Ken), Joan Barnett (Don) and Barbara Barnett-Fontaine (Billy). In 1963 she designed a beautiful home and Stephanie and Sydney oversaw the construction in Anola. This is where Stephanie developed her avid interest in horticulture which was to remain one of the joys of her life. Being an avid gardener consumed much of her spare time and she found excitement in sharing both her knowledge and her plants. She loved to create and she had an amazing ability to design and sew an array of items which ranged from tailored clothing to outfits for Vanessa's Big Teddy and Adrianna's Moosie as they could not be fitted with "off the rack" clothing. Stephanie also liked to shop for bargains and had a regular route she used to visit her favourite thrift stores to acquire things that she really did not need but could be gifted to Alexis, who could never say no to Granny's offerings. Her appreciation of art, music and the performing arts combined with her own creative and artistic abilities was always a source of inspiration for the "Next Project" and in most cases they were wildly successful - she was never one to accept failure. Stephanie enjoyed spending time with her three daughters and, in later years, with her three granddaughters: Alexis Schmidt (James) and sisters Vanessa and Adrianna Fontaine. All three of the grandchildren exhibit the artistic talent that she instilled in them. She was forever teaching, sharing knowledge and providing loving support and encouragement. The devotion that she showed to both her daughters and her granddaughters was an inspiring sight. In later years, when she had more free time, the grandchildren were the focus of her life and she has taught them all a great deal. Throughout her life Stephanie showed great determination and strength. These qualities were great contributors to her success in almost any endeavor she took on. These qualities also led her to become an accomplished entrepreneur - she always followed through on any project that she started. She felt it her responsibility in life to take an active role in community and country and instilled in those around her the importance of being a responsible and productive member of society. In the last years of her life, given the additional free time that comes with retirement, she dedicated more time to be with loving friends and family. She was always doing something for somebody and she always gave with a good heart. As a true believer in the afterlife, she was comfortable in knowing that her time on earth was drawing to a close and that there would be a new beginning just beyond the horizon. Our lives on earth are measured in minutes, hours, days and years. A life well lived is measured not only in accomplishments but also in what you have bestowed on others and, if this is so, she has led a very accomplished life here on earth. May God bless her and embrace her in His loving arms. In compliance with Stephanie's wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled in the near future and an announcement will be published in this section to advise details. If friends and family so desire, donations can be made to either the Boiler or Pipe Organ Fund at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 256 Smith Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1K1. We will also be accepting donations to Holy Trinity at the Celebration of Life. Heartfelt thanks to the accomplished staff in 3 East of Concordia Hospital and Reverend Merv Lanctot of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church. The care and compassion that they bestowed on Stephanie in her final days was greatly appreciated and made a real difference in both her life and the lives of her family. Funeral Arrangements in Care of Wheeler Funeral Home, Cemetery & Crematorium 1800 Day Street 204-224-1525

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 30, 2014