MINNIE SCHAPANSKY MAJOR

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MINNIE SCHAPANSKY MAJOR September 29, 1933 - November 4, 2015 On November 4, 2015, at the Douglas Campbell Lodge, Portage la Prairie, MB. At 6:15 a.m., at the age of 82 years, Mom left this world with her "Munchkin" youngest son Muna Major taking her hand to come with him, freeing her of her pain. Minnie's three daughters were constantly with her, never leaving her alone; talking to her; holding her hand; reminiscing with her; comforting her; ensuring she was not in pain until she decided to go with her Muna. To share some of Mom's life: she was born near Plum Coulee, MB and had 13 siblings. Mom married Robert Major and she raised eight children, doing the best she could. Ricky (Doreen) Major, Jeanine Carpenter, Wanda Major, Michelle (Maurice) Espenell, Cyril (Wendy) Major, Dennis (Corriann) Major, Shawn Major, and her Muna (Owen) Krisia Major. Mom considered Gloria (Doug) Twiss as one of her children. Mom had 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, also numerous nieces and nephews. Minnie is survived by six sisters: Helen Purkis, Katie Ginter, Betty Bisset, Eva (Ben) Bergman, Ida (Hank) Peters and Rose Wiebe: six brothers: Johnny (Marianne) Schapansky, Eddy (Tina) Schapansky, Billy Schapansky, Bernie (Helen) Schapansky, Abe Schapansky and George (Mary) Schapansky; and brother-in-law Keith (Marlis) Major. She was predeceased by one son Owen (Muna) Major, great-granddaughter Emily-Anne Major, sister Anne Elkie, nephew Geoffrey Ginter, parents Helen and George Schapansky, mother and father-in-law Frank and Mae Major, sister-in-law Betty Major, son-in-law Terry Carpenter, brothers-in-law; Jake Ginter, Fred Purkis and Willie Bisset. Mom will be missed by her good friend Murial Williams with whom she shared a lot of good laughs. Mom unfortunately had a very hard life, but was not one to complain. She could be quite the "fire cracker" when she wanted to be. She dealt with what life threw at her. Her youngest being deathly ill, herself having to deal with Multiple Sclerosis for 40 plus years; having to give up her home in Elm Creek, having to rely on home care coming to care for her when she moved to the base, and then unfortunately due to health and having to have constant care, moving to Douglas Campbell Lodge and spending the last three years of her life there. We are sorry for that Mom. She was robbed of the life she should have had, missing her calling of caring for animals. Mom nursed many different animals that were orphaned or injured. Just to name a few, Moses her baby fawn, Maggie the Magpie, hawks, owls, bush rabbits, raccoons and a Prairie Chicken. She also nursed George the lamb and Mooselini the goat. When an animal needed nursing it was brought to Minnie. Mom had her dogs Pinocho, Fang, J.R. and Orbit, her fat cat Gizmo, and Tweety bird. Mom was a fantastic cook, making meals out of next to nothing. If you showed up at meal times, a plate was ready for you. Mom was famous across the countryside for her chocolate cake and homemade buns. Mom also picked up the name "Ma Barker", protecting her boys, even when she knew they were up to no good. Minnie will always be remembered by her country boys that were always around the homestead and grew fond of Mom. While at the Douglas Campbell Lodge Mom touched the hearts of certain staff in nursing, recreation, dietary and housekeeping. You know who you are. "Thank you" for visiting her, your kind words, sharing stories with her and loving her. To the ladies that sat with Mom at meals, "Thank you" for caring about Mom. Mom's favourite flowers were lilacs and tiger lilies. For those of you who have a mom in a care home please go and visit her, give her a hug, tell her you love her and thank her for what she has done for you. A visit means a lot, it does not matter how long the visit lasts. When you are there talk to the other elderly, it breaks your heart when they thank you just for taking the time to stop and talk to them. Jeanine, Wanda and Michelle would like to give a special "Thank You" to granddaughters Tara Carpenter and Meghan Espenell for always helping their Mama. Picking up things for her, visiting her all the time and making her laugh. Especially the last couple of weeks helping to feed her daily, to try to make her better. Also a special "Thank You" to grandsons Tejay Carpenter and Micheal Espenell, Mama's Big Boys that were so gentle with her when we would take her out and she had to be lifted and carried, and always taking time to visit their Mama. Mom requested no funeral service, cremation and no burial. Her wishes were carried out. If you wish to honour Mom, please make a donation in memory of Minnie Major to: Wildlife Haven, P.O. Box 165, Ile des Chenes, MB R0A 0T0 or call 1-204-878-3740. "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, If I should die before I wake I pray the Lord my soul to take." Arrangements are by RONALD MOFFIT MEMORIAL Services (204-856-3487)

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 07, 2015