Nellie CHOKAN

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CHOKAN: Nellie Mary passed away peacefully at Fairview Home, Brandon, MB on Tuesday, October 20, 2009, with her daughter, Sylvia, by her side. Nellie was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on December 25, 1911, to immigrant parents Philip and Anna (Welyczko) Madrigga. She was the oldest daughter in a family of 10. The family moved many times and settled in The Pas, Manitoba and were some of the earliest pioneers who helped in the development of farming in the Carrot River Valley. The family farm is still operated by Nellie’s nephews and niece. Nellie married Austrian Nick Chokan and they lived in Wekusko, MB before settling in The Pas, MB. Their daughter Sylvia was born there in 1934. She married Bill Loe in 1959. When Nick died on August 1, 1945, Nellie’s life as a single mother and working parent began. She worked in retail, both as a sales clerk and bookkeeper, until her retirement at age 65. Nellie was a loving and supportive mother, grandma, great grandma, sister, aunt and friend. Following her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her siblings in The Pas and making trips to Brandon and later Dauphin to visit Sylvia and Bill. During their growing years, her grandchildren eagerly anticipated letters and parcels that arrived regularly, and visits that resulted in the tastes and smells of her savoury Ukrainian dishes. Thanks to the support of her nephews Nellie lived in her own home in The Pas until July 1997. She came to Dauphin due to Bill’s failing health and stayed following his death. When Sylvia moved to Brandon in 2001, she relocated with her. In spring 2002 she moved to Fairview Home where she resided until her passing. Nellie was predeceased by her husband, Nick; parents, Anna and Philip; siblings John, Lena (Gene) Goffinet, Vicki Forsey, Mike (Elizabeth), Bill (Kate), Andrew (Jennie), Phillip (Gladys), Harry; brother-in-law Art Corman; son-in-law Bill Loe; and niece Betsy Schjodt. Left to cherish her memory are daughter Sylvia Loe, Brandon; sister Annie Corman, The Pas; grandson Doug Loe (wife Marjory Phillips and great grandchildren Kate and Alex), Mississauga; granddaughter Janice Loe (great-grandchildren Lincoln and Gina Zentner), Brandon; and many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place and in spring 2010 a celebration of Nellie’s life will be held at Christ Anglican Church in The Pas, Manitoba, followed by interment alongside her husband. In memory of Nellie, donations may be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or a charity of choice. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel and Pre-Planning Centre, Brandon. The family wishes to thank the staff of Fairview Home for their care and support over the years and especially those who were working on the night, day and evening shifts of October 20, 2009, Pastor Ted Jannuska of Redeemer Lutheran Church for attending that evening and to all who have shared in our grief with friendship and love.Your life was a blessingyour memory a treasure...You are loved beyond wordsand missed beyond measure...

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 31, 2009