Nettie KOPEECHUK

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KOPEECHUK: Nettie Nastasia Kopeechuk (Babiuk) entered into her Heavenly home October 22, 2010 in Minnedosa Health Centre at the age of 93 years. Nettie was born May 3, 1917 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to parents Samuel and Pearl Babiuk. In the early years of 1920’s the small family moved to the vicinity of Miniota, Manitoba where Nettie attended school with her older sister Ann and two younger brothers Joe (Ernie) and Michael Babiuk. There she received her education, in the few years allotted to her. Due to the passing of her father in 1935 and being one of the older children, that meant finding a job to help her mother with support and keep the family together. This was during the depression years of the 1930’s. Wages per month were $5.00 to $7.00. At the time Nettie was employed at various places of work and through these positions, her knowledge increased. Her favorite career was cooking wherever she was employed, from Erickson, Winnipeg and then to Minnedosa. On June 17th 1937 she married Michael Ervin Kopeechuk, moving back to Scandinavia district for a short period of time until they rented and purchased the Fred Ostrom farm at Hilltop, Manitoba. They raised their family of five children and adopting Marci Anna, their first foster baby to make the family complete of six children. Nettie’s compassion for the less fortunate children brought three more foster children into her care. Her ambitions were that her children learn and accept the love of the Lord and to this end she worked. She taught Sunday School at Hilltop Baptist Church and took part in her community there, all the while being a help mate in the work on the farm. Gardening also was her love and asset as it provided an abundance of food for family and those in need. Her joy in beautifying her surroundings by planting and landscaping has left beautiful landmarks. Thirty-six years were spent on the farm in the Hilltop neighborhood. Her faith in Christian fellowship followed her wherever she went. Nettie also was a member of the New Testament Baptist Church in St. Catherines, Ontario. Due to her husband’s poor health, the farm was sold in 1971 and they moved to Minnedosa, but retirement was not yet. Nettie again took up cooking, retiring in 1982. She continued to be active in mission work and fellowship in the Baptist Church whenever she could and in Minnedosa. She kept in touch with her children down east - Toronto, Belton, New Market and Innisfield. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her much joy. It was only a short walk to attend the Covenant Church to fellowship with her Lord when she could; and meet with her many friends and neighbors in Minnedosa. Nettie was a devoted Wife and Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. Due to her husband Ervin’s passing on December 17, 2004, Nettie made her home in Brandon to be near and with all her children and grandchildren that she greatly loved and admired at home in Manitoba and in the Province of Ontario - in Newmarket, Belton, Toronto and St. Catherines - and lastly, with her loving daughter Marci (McPherson) in Riding Mountain, Manitoba. All her Babiuk family preceded her; except for Pauline Henderson of Miniota, Manitoba; and Mary Cunningham of London, Ontario. Left to mourn her passing are her sons and daughters: Lillian Joyce Roshka, Edward Kopeechuk, Eleanor Jensons, Ray Kopeechuk, Dean Kopeechuk, Marci (Kopeechuk) McPherson and foster son (Jimmy) Solomon McKay; by 19 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, one great- great-grandchild and many friends that she made in her life’s journey. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Minnedosa Funeral Service Chapel. Interment will take place at Minnedosa Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the MS Society. Minnedosa Funeral Service, Minnedosa, Manitoba in care of arrangements (204) 867-3868.

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 26, 2010