TEENIE MYKETA

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TEENIE MYKETA

It is with great sadness that we announce Teenie's sudden passing on Sunday, May 16, 2021.
Teenie was born in Meleb, Manitoba, living on the farm until age 17, when she relocated to Winnipeg to find work. She married her husband Nick in 1955 and enjoyed 52 years of marriage until his untimely passing in 2007.
Teenie is survived by daughters, Pat and Marlene (Alain), grandsons, Aaron and Mike (Kaely), and Alain's son Marc, as well as her her aunt Amelia Ciastko, sisters-in-law, Laraine Chic, Stella Swidinsky and Evelyn (Jim) Livingston. "Auntie Tillie" will also be missed by her many nieces and nephews and their families.
Teenie was predeceased by her husband Nick; parents, Mary and William; siblings, Tony, Adeline (Moe) and Michael; brother- and sister-in-law George and Joan Myketa, and brother-in-law Melfort Swidinsky.
Our Mom began her working career cleaning houses in Winnipeg at age 17. In her early years she worked for Nutty Club Candies, did piecework in various sewing factories and worked the evening shift at Perth's Drycleaners. In 1973 she started her first volunteer role teaching knitting to a group of interested elementary school kids at Wellington School. She was encouraged to pursue her talent with children by becoming a Teacher's Aide. In 1974 she completed her GED and was hired as a Teacher's Aide in the (then) River East School Division, with her first position at Springfield Heights School. After a few years she moved to Donwood School, retiring in 1998 after nearly 25 years of service. Once retired, she began volunteering at Seven Oaks Hospital (Geriatric Day Hospital) and Wellness Centre and was part of the Ladies Quilting group that gathered weekly at the Wellness. She was recognized by Seven Oaks Hospital for her many years of volunteering, and in 2011 was awarded the Premier's Volunteer Service Award.
In 1992, with the birth of her first grandson, our Mother took on the role of Baba - one that she cherished and lived up to every day. She loved her two grandsons more than anything and would do anything for them. From sewing their pyjamas, knitting sweaters and mittens, to learning to turn on the computer for Mikey and driving Aaron to see trains, she excelled in being the best Baba there could be. She was interested and engaged in all their activities and most recently would ask how they were doing and how their jobs were going.
Teenie was an accomplished seamstress, with her repertoire including wedding dresses, tailored clothing, gowns and Ukrainian Dance costumes. She excelled at many different forms of needlework - cross stitch, hardanger, petit point, needlepoint and embroidery. Her knitting and crochet work kept many hearts warm with afghans, mittens, toques and sweaters being produced by her capable hands. Home décor was always made by her, and was always of outstanding quality. She was also an expert quilter, with her last piece completed in time for her daughter's 60th birthday. Most notable were her cooking skills - family dinners, whether it be at Easter, Christmas or a bonfire night at the cottage (which had to include a hot meal!) were cherished times with a house full of family enjoying good food and good company. Annual New Years Day potlucks at Auntie Tillie and Uncle Nick's are remembered by many!
Over the past few years our mother's ability, skill and expertise were diminished by the effects of dementia. Most recently, she was left with only the ability to knit mittens, and she made copious amounts of pairs over the past few winters, which were shared with anyone who needed them! She thoroughly enjoyed attending Day Program at both Concordia and Middlechurch day programs, which she participated in over the past two years.
Our family would like to extend sincere thanks to Carla from Home Care; Chassity and Kim from River Ridge and the Pod 1 North staff who provided a caring and welcoming space for her during her short time there. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the W.F.P.S. first responders and Health Sciences Centre ER staff who assisted her in her time of need.
As per her wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family interment will take place at a later date as COVID protocols allow.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Winnipeg Humane Society would be welcomed.
Glen Eden Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 22, 2021