WINNIE ELIUK

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WINNIE ELIUK "The angels sang Amazing Grace As God reached down and touched her face He whispered to her soft and low Come with me, its time to go. Shes no longer in our lives to share But in our hearts and minds shes always there." Peacefully and surrounded by family, Winnie Eliuk passed away due to complications of influenza on Monday, January 18, 2000 at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach. She was born on October 24, 1912 at the family homestead in Caliento, Manitoba to John and Lillian Asmundson. She received her early education in that area. From the age of ten years and with her mothers untimely death, many more hardships were endured by her large family. Thanks to the compassion, perseverance, unconditional love and support of her father and siblings, the family was able to stay together. She always regretted the ending of her formal education after Grade 10 when she developed pleurisy. After her recovery she had the opportunity to travel and to work to help support the family. She married George Eliuk on October 25, 1936. They lived in Arbakka where they farmed, owned a grocery store and had the Post Office. Five children were born and raised there. Her husband George predeceased her on October 10, 1976. Her parents, John and Lillian Asmundson; her siblings, Margaret Bjornson, Anne Stasiuk, Aldis Barry, Carl Asmundson, Villa Olson, Steine Asmundson, and a brother in infancy, and her daughter-in-law Jo Helen Eliuk also predeceased her. She is survived by her children, Joyce (Nick) Kutzak, Sundown, Man., George Eliuk Jr., Panama City, Florida, Carole (John) Chobotar, Teulon, Man., Marilyn (George) Mateychuk, Zhoda, Man., Jeanette (Gibson) Risk, Nipigon, Ont. Also surviving are 18 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and sisters, Emma Thorvaldson and Jonina Desjardins; brother Freeman (Clara) Asmundson, in-laws and many nieces and nephews. Winnie resided at the farm in Arbakka until her retirement from Canada Post in October, 1977. Then she chose to move to Piney to be closer to her siblings. She remained there until failing health due to mini strokes and Parkinsons disease made it necessary for her to move to Shady Oaks in Vita. In January, 1997 she was admitted to Bethesda Personal Care Home in Steinbach where the necessary care was received to deal with the progression of the Parkinsons. Moms life had many hardships and challenges, which she met with great strength and determination. She always had a helping hand for family, friends and neighbours. She was a Carillon News correspondent for many years, which she valued as a means of keeping old friends in touch with each other. She was a member of the St. Nickolas Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Arbakka. She enjoyed singing, music, reading, card playing, cooking, baseball games, visiting and gardening. Mom was always there for each of us and took great pride in the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She recognized the importance of life long learning and encouraged all of us to set goals and achieve them. Our successes and visits brought the sparkle out in her eyes. Family occasions and holidays were special to her as people gathered from near and far. She will always be loved and remembered for her strong faith, her gentle caring ways, wit and unconditional love. Prayers will be held at Loewen Funeral Home on January 21 at 7:30 p.m. Funeral service will be held at Loewen Funeral Home Chapel on January 22 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Nickolas Parish Cemetery in Arbakka. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made in her memory to "St. Nickolas Ukrainian Orthodox Church", P.O. Box 225, Vita, Manitoba, R0A 2K0 or to "Chapel Fund" Bethesda Health and Social Services District, Box 939, Steinbach, Manitoba, R0A 2K0. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Allan, Ken and Kevin Chobotar, Ross and Jason Mateychuk, Ken and Russell Kutzak, and Robert Eliuk. Honorary pallbearers will be her granddaughters, Debbie Sobering, Susan Patrick, Brenda Kiansky, Kim and Anna Eliuk, Stacey and Lora Risk, Raymond and Jody Eliuk. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Bethesda Personal Care Home and Hospital for their professionalism and the dedicated care they provided for our mother. Arrangements entrusted to Loewen Funeral Chapel of Steinbach. 204-326-1351.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 20, 2000