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GERRY ILCHYNA (PARKHURST)
Born: May 26, 1942
Date of Passing: Dec 27, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGERRY ILCHYNA (nee PARKHURST) May 26, 1942 - December 27, 2017 Gerry passed away peacefully in the early morning of December 27, 2017, after holding on for one last Christmas. She defied her initially poor prognosis given to her over six years ago and continued to live a full life right up to the end. She accomplished many things in her life, leaving nothing left on her bucket list. Included among these accomplishments were her induction into the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame, the establishment of a scholarship in her name at Dakota Collegiate, and of course her hole-in-one. She treasured her many great friends made along the way, who are far too numerous to mention. These include her golf and curling buddies, her old school friends, especially a few former Home Ec. classmates with whom she maintained close friendships, her former work colleagues and former students, former basketball teammates, and many other friends and neighbours. Above everything else though, her family was most important to her. Her home was the site of many Sunday dinners, birthday celebrations, and many other family get-togethers and special occasions. She could always be found at sporting events, concerts, recitals and any other activities that her children, grandchildren, or other extended family were involved in. She will be sadly missed by her husband of 52 years, Jerry, their children: David, Dan (Karen) and Lorie (Ashley Epp); and grandchildren: Dylan, Braden, Brett, Shaelyn, Morgan and Kara; and her siblings: Barbara Fraser, Brian (Evie), Allison (Richard Stefanyshyn) and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family. She is predeceased by her father Kelvin and mother Mary. Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, January 6, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at Dakota Collegiate, 661 Dakota St., with private family ceremony to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jerry and Gerry Ilchyna Scholarship Fund by cheque to the LRSD General Scholarship Fund. Obituary may also be viewed on the Wheeler Funeral Home website. Funeral Arrangements in Care of: Wheeler Funeral Home Cemetery & Crematorium 1800 Day Street - 204-224-1525 Please sign the book of memories at www.wheelerfuneral.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 30, 2017
Condolences & Memories (26 entries)
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Mrs. Ilchyna was one of the people in my life who really encouraged me in sport. My fondest memory is of her bringing some apples for me, Sean, Bruce, Dan, Stephen, John and others to eat after we won the competition at an x-c race on home turf at St. Vital Park. Apples taste so good after a hard race, and help you recover too, she said. They really were amazing, those apples. Later that season she let me race the championship on a badly sprained ankle after having had it taped up by the nurse - she knew how hard I had worked. She said, “Go for it,”. It was my best x-c race ever. Rest In Peace, Mrs. Ilchyna, and belated condolences, Mr. Ilchyna. - Posted by: Mark Kaufmann (Former Dakota student) on: Jan 06, 2022
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We have known Jerry and Gerry for about 5 years and have never suspected that Gerry had any health issues. She carried herself with such dignity, such cheerfulness, such friendliness. We now know what a heroic soul she had! And equally heroic, equally cheerful, equally generous was Jerry, and so caring for her! May her heroic and generous soul rest in perfect peace! - Posted by: Joseph and Christine Nnadi (Neighbours) on: Jan 25, 2018
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So sorry to hear of the loss of your dear wife. Just happened on her obit. While researching another. I knew you as kind and caring and that would have carried on in your marriage and family. So very sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Barbara (McMullin) Johnston (Teacher at Norberry with Jerry Ilchyna before their marriage. ) on: Jan 14, 2018
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So sorry to hear of Gerry's passing. A tremendous loss to all who knew her. She was truly an inspiration in every way. Our sincere condolences to her family. - Posted by: Olivia Stadnyk and Ken Orr () on: Jan 14, 2018
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Gerry always seemed to have a big smile on her face whenever I saw her. She was my physical education teacher at Norberry School in the 1960’s and immediately inspired me with her wonderful charm. Jerry and family I offer my deepest condolences. - Posted by: Andrea Srigley (Student and neighbour) on: Jan 13, 2018
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Mr. Ilchyna, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of Mrs. Ilchyna. She was a lovely, caring and dedicated woman. I am very glad that I got to know her through our visits at your house. My sympathies to you and your family. - Posted by: janelle kopytko (Former Dakota Collegiate student) on: Jan 11, 2018
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Gerry was a brilliant educator and a kind and wonderful human being. Rest in peace, dear Gerry. I am thinking of you, Jerry, and your family at this sad time. A "new star" is shining above us...and with time, may you just have wonderful memories of Gerry live on in your heart. - Posted by: Terry Borys (Colleague and friend) on: Jan 09, 2018
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Deepest condolences to you Jerry and your family. Will miss you dearly Gerry. You were a very special sister-in-law, always giving of yourself to everbody. Will always remember when the family would get together on the farm practically every summer.Yout never failed to have us over for your famous lasagna and blueberry pies. We will always treasure our fun times together Thanks for being such a lovely sister-in-law. God bless you and rest in peace. Joyce and Ron. Posted by Joyce Phillips (sister- in- law). Jan. 09, 2018. - Posted by: JOYCE PHILLIPS (SIster- in- lawr) on: Jan 09, 2018
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Deepest condolences to you Jerry and your family. Will miss you dearly Gerry. You were a very special sister-in-law, always giving of yourself to everbody. Will always remember when the family would get together on the farm practically every summer.Yout never failed to have us over for your famous lasagna and blueberry pies. We will always treasure our fun times together Thanks for being such a lovely sister-in-law. God bless you and rest in peace. Joyce and Ron. Posted by Joyce Phillips (sister- in- law). Jan. 09, 2018. - Posted by: JOYCE PHILLIPS (SIster- in- lawr) on: Jan 09, 2018
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So spirited and always ready with a big smile. That is how I will always remember Mrs. Ilchyna. It was a gift knowing her. My heartfelt sympathy to the family. - Posted by: Ursula Buller (friend and former student) on: Jan 09, 2018
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Dear Mr.Ilchyna, I was so sorry to hear of your wife Gerry's passing. How lucky you were to have spent so many wonderful years together, she sounded like a most remarkable woman. Take care of yourself and continue to find the joy in life. My deepest condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Tracy Alards ( nee Hunnie ) (Former student) on: Jan 08, 2018
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Jerry and family my thoughts are with you during this sad time. I have many fond memories of Gerry during my time at Dakota playing sports. She always had a kind word and time for a chat. She will be missed by all. With a sad heart and fond memories i wish you all well. Gray - Posted by: Graham Wilcox (Friend ) on: Jan 07, 2018
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I'm sorry to hear of "Mrs. Ilchyna's" passing. She was my phys ed teacher many years ago. Jerry and family, praying that the Lord will comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead. - Posted by: Ruth-Ann (Former Dakota student) on: Jan 06, 2018
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My condolences to Mr. Jerry Ilchyna and all the family. Jerry was an outstanding Master teacher and her legacy as a teacher, mentor to so many during and after her retirement will always be remembered. I cannot attend the Celebration of her life at Dakota Collegiate today, but a donation will be made to the LSRD Scholarship Fund. A beautiful spirit has left us, but her legacy will endure forever. Alex Boyes - Posted by: Alex Boyes (Colleague/friend) on: Jan 06, 2018
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Condolences to the family. Her joie de vive was contagious.Our children remember her for her love and caring. - Posted by: Leslie, Irene and Family (Friend) on: Jan 04, 2018
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Our deepest condolences to Gerry & the family on the passing of your wife. Have many fond memories spent at the farm with Albina & family some joyous times. May she rest in peace. Sophie & Ray. - Posted by: Sophie Allan (Friend) on: Jan 03, 2018
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Extending deepest sympathy to the Ilchyna family on the passing of your dear wife and mother. Please know that our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Staff and friends at the Canadian Cancer Society - Posted by: Lynda Ruban (staff at the Canadian Cancer Society ) on: Jan 03, 2018
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Dear Uncle Jerry - I was saddened to hear of Gerry's passing -Albena told me on Dec 29th that she had passed - my deepest condolences to you and your children - take care of yourself - the pain will pass but it takes time. Warm regards, Your neice Linda - Posted by: Linda Futty (nee Krasnowski) (neice) on: Jan 02, 2018
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Gerry’s and my family were back door neighbours in the Riverview district in Winnipeg. We were best friends until high school and then went our separate directions. As kids we spent hours playing hide and seek outside and Monopoly in the Pankhurst’s porch in the summer and winter hours skating at the Riverview community centre. Those were the days, fun and worry free! In later years we kept in touch at Christmas. We were the same age..10 days apart! My condolences to all the family. - Posted by: Elaine Nairne (neighbour and elementary school friend) on: Jan 02, 2018
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My sincerest condolences to the Ilchyna and Parkhurst families! I have known Gerry since grade 6, at Norberry School, where I called her Miss Parkhurst and she encouraged me to play sports. Her positive attitude and love of life has always been an inspiration to me! I hope the family can find comfort in how much she was loved! Lynda Palahniuk (nee Smith) student/friend - Posted by: Lynda Palahniuk () on: Jan 02, 2018
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I grew up on the same street and always had a fondest for the Gerry and Jerry. Such an inspirational pair. The love they shared was so strong. My family esp. My parents thought of Gerry as a great neighbour always being helpful and kind. Gerry influenced a lot of students as a coach and mentor. Dakota holds many fond memories of Gerry. We will all miss her very much. My condolences to Jerry and the family. Next time i'm in Wpg. I'll drop over for a hug. Until then take pride in knowing you made a beautiful loving couple and all who knew Gerry loved her. - Posted by: lorie nash (Past neighbour , friend and student (now in White Rock)) on: Jan 01, 2018
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So very sorry, Jerry. Keep your sunny side up. - Posted by: Patricia Desilets (Just a neighbour with trees in the backyard.) on: Jan 01, 2018
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I knew Gerry since Grade 7 & she always told me stories about myself from back in my milk maid days. Jerry will know what I mean, and I hope this and other fun memories help mend the hole in his heart surely left by her leaving. She was an amazing person, a great teacher, and has left a legacy to be proud of ! - Posted by: Lorie Benoit (former student) on: Dec 31, 2017
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We are saddened to hear of the loss of your dear wife Gerry! Our heart felt sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. - Posted by: Jim & Rita Nadler (Jim also taught at Dakota Collegiate. ) on: Dec 30, 2017
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My condolences on your loss. She was a wonderful lady. - Posted by: Margaret Sutton (Friend ) on: Dec 30, 2017
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Our heartfelt condolences to you and the family Jerry... Gerry will be greatly missed by all the neighbours she has taken the time to always talk to and made them feel welcomed to the neighbourhood, just as you do. May she rest in peace Ralph and Sharon Malec - Posted by: Sharon & Ralph Malec (Neighbours) on: Dec 30, 2017