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VERA CHERNECKI (SHEWCHUK)
Date of Passing: Jul 15, 2022
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
VERA CHERNECKI
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, and baba, Vera Chernecki (nee Shewchuk), at home on July 15, 2022, at the age of 81.
She is survived by her adoring husband and soulmate of 59 years, Raymond, and four daughters, Denise (Ron), Donna (Jim), Lisa (Laura), and Leanne (Blair). She will be especially missed by her six grandchildren, Bailey, Kate, John, Lea, Brisa and Will, all of whom she adored. She always celebrated every milestone and achievement and made every occasion special.
Vera was born in Ethelbert and grew up on the family farm in Garland. She attended school in Ethelbert, and it was there that she met her high school sweetheart Ray and they married in 1963. After high school, she moved to Winnipeg and graduated from the St. Boniface Hospital School of Nursing in 1962. Then began a 36-year career working in healthcare, later serving as President of the Manitoba Nurses Union for 17 years where she worked tirelessly to improve nurses' working conditions and the quality of patient care provincially and nationally.
After retirement, Vera became certified as a Professional Parliamentarian and an expert in Robert's Rules of Order. She was still actively working with dozens of clients, presiding over annual general meetings, and teaching at Red River College. In recognition of her significant contributions to the community and Canada, she was awarded the Governor General's Commemorative Medal in 1992, and in 1995, she received the Bread and Roses Award from the Canadian Federation of Nurses Union for her outstanding contribution to nursing unionism on a provincial and national level. She was also listed in the Who's Who of Canadian Women in 1997.
Vera had a joy for life and her home was always full hosting family and friends. She cherished her Ukrainian heritage and relished passing on the traditions and recipes to her family. Her two trips to Ukraine with her daughters and grandchildren to visit her parents' birthplace and family were very special to her.
Vera led a very active lifestyle and loved gardening, biking, walking, golfing, curling, and cross-country skiing. In the summer, she enjoyed spending time at Jessica Lake and Clear Lake and taking family road trips across Canada and the United States. After retirement, she and Ray travelled extensively throughout Europe, South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand along with yearly trips to Mexico.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 27 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 2400 Portage Avenue in Winnipeg with a reception to follow in the church hall. A private family interment will be held at a later date.
Vera's family would like to thank the Grace General Hospital, especially the staff in the Emergency Department and 3North and 3South. Special thanks to the Palliative Care Program, which made it possible for us to care for Vera at home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable contributions be made to the Grace Hospital Foundation in memory of Vera Chernecki at gracehospitalfoundation.ca or to the Manitoba Nurses Union newly established Vera Chernecki Leadership Education Fund which will continue her legacy of supporting and empowering women in leadership. Donations can be sent to Manitoba Nurses Union, 301-275 Broadway, Winnipeg , MB R3C 4M6.
Vichna pam'yat, Eternal memory
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 23, 2022
Condolences & Memories (37 entries)
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On behalf of the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association, we would like to express our condolences to Vera's family. Vera was the longstanding parliamentarian for the MVMA and was always very helpful and kind. This past year we ran a virtual AGM that was met with many long technical glitches. Needless to say there was much chatter in the room. Along with many jokes, Vera shared that she was truly hoping to visit family in the states after COVID restrictions were lifted. - Posted by: Corey Wilson - Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (Client) on: Oct 07, 2022
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Miss Shewchuk was my Clinical Teacher on wards when she first graduated and my first year as a student nurse. I thought she was an angel sent to save me from a complete lack of knowledge and youthful ignorance. She was beautiful, gentle, compassionate, a wonderful mentor and teacher. Sixty-nine years later I still hold her in my heart even though upon graduation and marriage, I left the province and we never met again. Loving condolences to her family and dear friends. Your hearts must be broken and your souls will forever hold her close. - Posted by: Alma Turner-Stebbing (Student Nurse on Miss Shewchuk Team @ St. Boniface Hospital) on: Aug 22, 2022
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Condolences to the Chernecki family. Vera was an admired and inspiring leader in healthcare. A life dedicated to humanity and well lived. - Posted by: Catherine Cleveland (Fellow parishioner and school friend of Denise) on: Aug 21, 2022
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On behalf of the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba, our deepest condolences to Vera's family at this time of loss. Vera was indeed a leader throughout her career, epitomizing professionalism and a passion for quality care. We will miss her at our Annual General Meetings, which she supported for many years as a parliamentarian. Her unfailing graciousness, while adhering to protocols, spoke volumes about her character. Rest in peace, Vera; you will be missed. - Posted by: Katherine Stansfield (colleague) on: Aug 10, 2022
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I would like to express my condolences to the family and especially to Lisa. I knew and worked alongside the union for a period of time when the first union for nurses happened at HSC (General plus three other hospitals). I so admired Vera’s ability to take charge, remain cool, calm and collected when in negotiations - and supporting the nurses. I am so sorry for the loss of Vera and will remember her fondly. Rest In Peace Vera. - Posted by: Trish Rawsthorne (Nurse who worked at HSC and MNU back on the 1970-1992) on: Aug 08, 2022
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On behalf of the Manitoba Association of Parliamentarians we wish to express our great sorrow at the loss of a leader, educator, mentor and the friend we had in Vera. Over many years Vera was generous with her time helping many individuals study the value of the parliamentarian processes which supported orderly meetings that gave voice to even the quietest of members. She taught us that preparation can overcome the fears of presiding at the smallest, to even the largest of meetings. She supported many of us through our studies as we gained confidence in our skills by being ever so generous with her time, corrections and support. To say she will be missed is too small a word to express what we feel at her loss. We send condolences to her husband Ray, her children and their partners, as well as her beloved grandchildren. Deb Stewart, President of the Manitoba Association of Parliamentarians. - Posted by: Deb Stewart (Friend ) on: Aug 08, 2022
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My condolences to Vera’s family. She loved you all and no matter how brief a meeting was had Ray or one of the girls or a grand child was somehow discussed. She was generous in sharing her parliamentary knowledge and I am grateful for all she taught me. RIP Vera - Posted by: Trish Bergal (Colleague) on: Aug 02, 2022
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Ray and family, Colleen and I were deeply saddened to hear of Vera's passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. May many fond memories ease your pain and sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all during these sad and trying times. - Posted by: Nelson and Colleen Holowachuk (Cousin) on: Jul 29, 2022
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My sincere condolences to Ray and the Chernecki family for your deep loss. My relationship with era goes back to our days with MONA (pre MNU) and NFNU (pre CFNU). Our paths diverged yet every single memory of Vera is filled with her warmth, kindness and humour. Rest in blessed peace dear Vera. - Posted by: Sonny Arrojado (Union buddy and friend ) on: Jul 28, 2022
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Greatest condolences to ‘Uncle Ray’ and family. From the few times I was with the family, I remember her as ‘the cool aunt’, admiring her charisma, style, ambition, kindness, and how much she lovingly doted on her family. No doubt that love will stay with you all forever. - Posted by: Alison (Czarnecki) Drysdale (Relative (Rudy’s daughter)) on: Jul 27, 2022
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It was a joy being involved with Vera during MONA and then MNU. She truly fought for nurses - Posted by: Fern and Penny Beasse (Nurses and union activists ) on: Jul 26, 2022
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My sincere condolences to you, Ray, and family. I have known Vera for just the last two years as a fellow parliamentarian. She has always impressed me as experienced, thoughtful and helpful. She will be missed greatly in our community. - Posted by: Carl Nohr (Fellow Parliamentarian) on: Jul 26, 2022
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I had the pleasure of becoming a friend and being mentored in my different Union Roles by Vera. She was a amazing leader and role model. She served the Nursing Profession very well. She will be missed by many. Condolences to Ray, and the rest of her family. May the memories help you during this difficult time. Always know that she will never be any farther than within your heart! Thanks for your leadership and friendship! Rest Easy. - Posted by: Kim Fraser (Friend, Mentored by Vera) on: Jul 26, 2022
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I knew Vera professionally and it was always a pleasure to work with her. She will be so missed. Deepest condolences to the family. - Posted by: Janet K Beaudry (professional) on: Jul 26, 2022
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Ray, Denise, Donna, Lisa, Leanne, Rick and I send our heartfelt condolences to you and your families. We were so sorry to hear of Vera’s sudden passing. Her love and your memories of your times together will always be in your hearts. - Posted by: Patti & Rick Palahniuk (Old friends) on: Jul 26, 2022
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To Ray and family, may your days be filled with cherished memories of this wonderful lady. She certainly worked endlessly for humanity. Condolences to all. - Posted by: Matilda Gallant (Friend) on: Jul 25, 2022
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I had the privilege of working with Vera on several occasions when she served as MNU's parliamentarian, years after her incredible legacy of leadership and advocacy for nurses had already been cemented. Her talent as a leader came through continuously as she handled every issue, big or small, with calm precision, tact, and grace. Generous with her time, she always took genuine interest in the people around her as well. I often found myself in awe of her, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know her a little bit. My sincere condolences to her family and friends. - Posted by: Wes Payne (Colleague) on: Jul 25, 2022
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I was shocked and saddened to learn of Vera's passing. Please accept my sincere, heartfelt condolences for your loss. Let the treasured memories of Vera flood over you and give you strength, peace and comfort during these difficult days, and going forward. Rest in peace Vera. God will keep you safe and free of any more pain. - Posted by: Gloria Chizick (Friend) on: Jul 25, 2022
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Ray: Howard and I want to extend to you and your family our most sincere condolences at this very sad, and hard time. Vera was such a wonderful lady and she will be missed by her family in ways no one can imagine.. Our hearts and love go out to every family member Vera touched. Thinking of you at this most heartbreaking time. Howard and Irene - Posted by: Howard and Irene Kazuska (Friend) on: Jul 23, 2022
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I met Vera in 1991 shortly after the nursing strike in Manitoba. Her leadership inspired me to become more active in the union. She was a role model and a mentor and I valued her support greatly. Thank you Vera for everything you did for the nurses in this province! My sincerest condolences to the entire family. - Posted by: Sandi Mowat (Fellow Nurse and colleague) on: Jul 23, 2022
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I met Vera in 1991 shortly after the nursing strike in Manitoba. Her leadership inspired me to become more active in the union. She was a role model and a mentor and I valued her support greatly. Thank you Vera for everything you did for the nurses in this province! - Posted by: Sandi Mowat (Fellow nurse and Colleague ) on: Jul 23, 2022
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I remember Vera very well from grade Eleven in Ethelbert. To Ray and family my most sincere condolences of Vera's passing. - Posted by: Morris (Moe) Lesyk (High School friend) on: Jul 23, 2022
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Sincere condolances to Ray and family. Ray and I were friends from Brandon College . Vera was a powerful force in nursing and I admired her work as a physician. Per Ardua ad Astra Merv Letts MD FRCSC - Posted by: Merv Letts (Friend and Admirer) on: Jul 23, 2022
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To Ray and the entire Chernecki family: Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Vera. As the former CEO of Holy Family Home, I was blessed to work with Vera while she served on the Board. Vera served as Chairperson of the Board on two separate occasions, and played a significant leadership role in the overall governance of the Home. I always appreciated her wise counsel, her dedication to the Mission and Values of the Home, her unwavering support, as well as her kindness and compassion in all her interactions with people at all levels of the organization. Vera was highly respected, both within and outside the organization, and she will be sorely missed by all. Jean R. Piché Vichnaya Pam'yat - Posted by: Jean R. Piché (Work colleague) on: Jul 23, 2022
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My thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult days Ray and the entire family. I am proud to have known and worked with Vera during the infancy of first MNU provincial, and later the CFNU at the national level. Together we were on the front lines building organizations to advocate for nurses and our vision of Medicare. The strong presence of nurses today is true testament to the foundation that was built We were also proud graduates of the St. Boniface General Hospital School of Nursing. Vera was a true leader and champion of nurses and the public health care system in which we work. All this was accomplished while a loving wife, mother and grandmother. The memories of our times together are many and fill my heart with warmth. Ray and family I know that your memories will sustain you. - Posted by: Kathleen Connors (Friend and Union Sister) on: Jul 23, 2022
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Vera was an amazing union activist. She worked tirelessly for the nurses in Manitoba. My condolences to her family. Rest in Power Vera. - Posted by: Dawn Thompson (Union colleague ) on: Jul 23, 2022
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We were very much shocked to hear of her passing. Her loss can never be filled for her family. Our sincerest condolences to the entire family who loved and cared for her. May she rest well painlessly. - Posted by: Sonia and Ashish Sood (Known ) on: Jul 23, 2022
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I met Vera through our mutual union activism. She was the first President I became active under. She was a true leader, teacher, inspiration and someone I admired greatly. She carried herself with dignity and professionalism. Through the years as I progressed in my career, and she went on to become a registered parliamentarian, our paths would cross and we always had a good visit. We had a connection as I was from Portage. A real lady. I remember when she found out she was going to be a grandma. She was ecstatic! She announced it at the Board meeting! It was obvious family meant everything to her. Condolences to those who loved her. - Posted by: Donna McKenzie (Nurse colleague ) on: Jul 23, 2022
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Uncle Ray, Denise, Donna, Lisa and Leeanne, I was very sorry to hear of Aunt Vera's passing. She was always so welcoming and warm when we visited you as kids. May you find comfort in your memories of her, knowing the love and compassion she held for others, and received in return from the lives she touched. - Posted by: Lori Morrice (Niece) on: Jul 23, 2022
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Vera and I grew up in Ethelbert and lived just a block away from each other. I was shocked to hear of her passing and want to send my sincerest condolences to her family and friends. Rest easy, Vera. - Posted by: NettyJohnson (Friend) on: Jul 23, 2022
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My sincere condolences to Ray & Family. Vera's legacy will not only be her family but also her dedication to the nurses in Manitoba. She fought valiantly for our rights as nurses. Her leadership skills were impeccable. I will always value her as a mentor. She was always calm, cool & collected during negotiations. Her motto was "Keep cool and carry on". Vera will be sorely missed by the labour community. "Ruhe dich, Vera; du hast es wohl verdient" (Rest yourself...you have earned it" - Posted by: Liz Cronk (fellow nurse) on: Jul 23, 2022
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Vera Chernecki was one of a kind. She was smart, collaborative, empathetic and classy. I worked with Vera during a difficult time in the labour movement and in health care. She worked with many other unions in the health care sector and as the MONA became closer to other unions they changed how they functioned and became the MNU. They began to work in coalitions on all matters that impacted on nurses outside the realm of health care. Her leadership was vital in moving the MNU to be a true representative of nurses and all of the issues that impact them. She was a wonderful mentor for women in leadership positions. Vera was well respected in circles outside of the labour movement too and her passing is a loss for her family, friends and community. My condolences to all who are and will be missing her. - Posted by: Susan Hart-Kulbaba (friend and colleague) on: Jul 23, 2022
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A leader of nurses standing up for their rights and well-being. Thank you Vera for all your hard work. RIP-you will not soon be forgotten. - Posted by: Brenda Lesyk (colleague) on: Jul 23, 2022
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I have only met Vera once in the company of her husband Raymond but her life accomplishments are legendary. Raymond Chernecki was my grade seven and eight teacher at Tuxedo School, a lifetime ago. Still, I remember him as one of the best teachers I ever had, and I spent eight years at university after grade twelve so that is high praise. Nobody wins alone, so I am sure that Raymond's steadfast support and intelligence contributed to Vera's very productive life. Rest in peace Vera, and may flights of angels take you to your rest. Shelley G.Mitchell - Posted by: Shelley Gay Mitchell (Friend ) on: Jul 23, 2022
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I was very saddened by this news. Life has a way of making your days even more important sometimes. Vera was an extraordinary lady who provided wisdom and support for our association for more than a few years. It was not only her experience and support but she was genuinely a helpful and thoughtful person! She will be missed! On behalf of the Manitoba Dental Assistants Association, we wish condolences to the family. - Posted by: Trina Bourgeois (Business relationship ) on: Jul 23, 2022
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Vera was a widely respected union leader, she provided tremendous leadership to Manitoba nurses at a critical time in their history. All of us in Cupe knew we had a friend in Vera, she brought the MNU closer to the Manitoba labour movement. My sincere condolences to the entire family. Paul Moist, CUPE - Posted by: Paul Moist (Work friend) on: Jul 23, 2022
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My condolences to the family. Empowering nurses to standup for patient care and recognition for the profession of nursing. - Posted by: Valerie Alderson (Friend ) on: Jul 23, 2022