WINONA SHUPENIA (SRUTWA)

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WINONA SHUPENIA (SRUTWA)

Winona Shupenia (Srutwa), of Komarno, Manitoba, passed away peacefully at Gimli Hospital on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the age of 88, with family by her side.

She is lovingly remembered by daughters Marlene (Dennis Boblinski), Donna (Steve Klym), Louise Shupenia (Lavallee), and Wendy (Craig Swanston); her grandchildren Jared and Jodi Lavallee, and Jennifer Swanston; brothers-in-law Mike (Rosalie) and Edward Shupenia; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was predeceased by husband, Bill (William) Shupenia (2015); parents Tom and Margaret Srutwa, brothers’ Victor (Anne) and Tommy; and her son-in-law Lorne Lavallee (2024).

Winona was born on March 8, 1938, in Selkirk, Manitoba and was raised on the family farm near Winnipeg Beach. In 1956, she met the love of her life, Bill, at Crabby Steve’s Dance Hall near Komarno. They were married on June 21, 1958, and built a life together farming and raising their family in Komarno.

Winona was a dedicated member of her community. She served as Vice President of the Komarno Sports Centre, Secretary-Treasurer of the Zbruch Community Centre, and was an active member of the Komarno Community Hall. In 1980, she made history as the first female school bus driver in the Interlake School Division after obtaining her Class 2 license. She drove for 27 years and was a strong advocate for bus drivers, working to improve benefits and contractual agreements. She also served as a municipal councilor for the LGD of Armstrong from 1992 to 2003.

Winona enjoyed travelling, including trips to Ukraine, California, Mexico, and Paris, France. She cherished visits to the Calgary Stampede, Banff National Park, and Lake Louise, Alberta. She also enjoyed visiting family in Innisfail, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; and Sudbury, Ontario. Closer to home, Winona and Bill attended many local festivals and community events throughout Manitoba, often sneaking in a dance or two.

Winona’s greatest pride were her children and grandchildren. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who created a warm and welcoming home, always ensuring there was plenty of food and refreshments for family and friends.

Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving were especially important to Mom, she enriched and instilled her traditions in us.

The family would like to thank mom’s friends for the daily phone calls, always checking up on her, the visits and immeasurable friendship over the years.

We extend our gratitude to the team at Gimli Hospital for their compassionate care during mom’s brief stay.

Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. in the Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 380 Sophia Street in Selkirk, Manitoba, with Father Stefan Tyrawski officiating.

Interment to follow at All Saints Cemetery 4535 Main Street, West St. Paul, MB

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or a charity of your choice.

www.klfuneralservices.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 21, 2026