BERNICE OLESCHUK

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BERNICE OLESCHUK
November 6, 1923 - February 9, 2022

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma on Wednesday, February 9 at the age of 98. She left this troubled world just before noon at River East Personal Care Home and entered into God's loving care and into the arms of her beloved "Stosh" who had been waiting to hold her again since December 1, 2011. Mom had a long and wonderful life until she was taken from us first by Lewy Body Dementia and then by the after effects of Covid.
Left to cherish her precious memory are her daughter Sandra Smerek and husband Ken (Sonny), her grandson Tyler and wife Cassie all of Winnipeg, her son Wayne and wife Brenda, granddaughters, Katy and Jocelyn and grandson Cory and their families all of Thunder Bay, as well as family in Winnipeg, and other parts of Canada. She was predeceased by her devoted husband Stan (Stosh), her parents, brother Frank, sister Marie as well as all of Stan's siblings.
Mom was born in Harding, Manitoba and moved to Winnipeg as a young girl where she lived all her life. At a young age mom and her parents lived on Hoskin Avenue in Morse Place, and she became an East Kildonan girl through and through. She attended St. Saviour's church and sang in the choir. Mom had a beautiful voice and won numerous singing competitions at the Manitoba Music Festival.
While out bike riding one evening with friends, mom met a good-looking young man named Stan Oleschuk and their fate was sealed. They were best friends, lovers and devoted to each other every day until Dad's passing. They were engaged in 1943 before Stan went off to war and married upon his return in 1947. Sandra was born the next year, and Wayne followed seven years later.
While dad was away, mom worked at Eatons and The Bay. When Sandra was born she became a stay at home mom. She was a nurturing mom, always encouraging us and giving us unconditional love and support. She did not return to the work force until Wayne went to school. Mom went to work at Plaza Drugs in the Munroe Shopping Centre. Mom was a beautiful seamstress and to supplement the family's income mom sewed for many of the elite ladies of Winnipeg, as well as friends and family and at that time all the jockey silks for Assiniboia Downs. She was a wonderful mom and homemaker who made the best stew, cookies and apple and lemon pies! Unfortunately she never mastered fried rice!
Mom always loved babies and small children, and when Tyler was born in 1985 she retired from the drugstore and became a full time babysitter and Grandma. The best Grandma to "Her Boy" that any little boy could have. She always felt the "Grandma Job" was the most important job ever. She made everyday fun for Ty and loved him with all her heart.
Mom and Dad loved to travel! Lovely cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii and the Panama Canal as well as stays in Mexico, Jamaica and Portugal. When Dad retired, they became true snowbirds and spent wonderful winters in Phoenix, Arizona where they acquired many dear friends. They were in their element! They partied and danced, Dad golfed and mom shopped and crafted. They had the time of their lives. When those days ended they spent their winters in Victoria, BC.
From the time she was a young girl, until stricken with dementia, mom was a fun-loving feisty little gal. She always enjoyed a good joke and a laugh, and could always tease Sonny and Tyler as much as they teased her. She was always full of life and even drove her own car until she was 93! Mom loved to read and do crosswords and jumbles. You could always find her with a stack of books on one side and a bowl of cheezies, peanuts or chocolate on the other. I'm sure if we could see her now she'd have a good romance novel in one hand and a snack in the other, while she and dad snuggled together listening to their favourite tunes.
We are extremely grateful for the time we had with her and for the never ending gift of love for all of us. She will be forever loved and cherished. We wish to thank all the staff at Irene Baron Eden Centre and River East Personal Care Home for the wonderful care they gave mom these last few years, especially during these trying times.
At mom's request, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral but a gathering of family and friends in the summer. Her ashes will be placed in the columbarium with her beloved Stosh at the Elmwood Cemetery.

Mom, we love you to the moon and back and more than all the stars in the sky.
Rest in peace dear one.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 19, 2022