SISTER VICTORIA ILCHENA

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SISTER VICTORIA (CAROLINE) ILCHENA On Sunday, June 15, 2000 Sister Victoria Ilchena went to her eternal rest at 11:25 p.m. at St. Benedicts Monastery. She was in her 70th year of monastic profession. Sister Victoria was born on October 8, 1909 in Cromwell, MB to Victoria (Mucha) and Andrew Ilchena who had emigrated from Belzec, Galicia and settled in Cromwell. She was the second youngest of thirteen children, four of whom died in infancy. Sister Victoria was a prayer filled, creative and vibrant person. She was devoted to God, to her community, and to her family. She ministered as community photographer, cook and laundress for many years, but always found time for teaching summer school Religion classes, for creating pottery and for mushroom and strawberry picking. Her jovial, light-hearted spirit warmed the hearts of all who met her. She never grew too old to tease and to do pranks. Her concern for others was evident in the many rosaries prayed daily, the assistance she provided for walks outdoors, the daily visits to the infirm, and her volunteer service for many years at St. Josephs Residence. Throughout her 70 years of dedicated monastic life she ministered in the hospital of Oakes, N.D., Birtle, Winnipegosis and Arborg Manor in MB as well as in the convent of Arborg and the parishes of St. John Cantius and Holy Ghost. Sister Victoria was predeceased by her parents, Victoria and Andrew; five sisters, Mary and Caroline (infants), Katie (Urbanski), Mary (Kubish) and Bertha (Szajewski) seven brothers, John and Luke (infants), Mike, Joe, Julian, Frank and John. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. The Vigil Service will be held on Wednesday, June 28 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Benedicts Monastery Chapel, presided by Sister Virginia Evard, Prioress. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 29 at 10:30 a.m. presided by Msgr. Louis McCloskey, at St. Benedicts Monastery Chapel, with interment following in the Monastery Cemetery. Pallbearers will be devoted members of her family: Maryann Dolenuk, Kris Dolenuk, Jerry Ilchyna, Maryann Poirier, Mel Belluk, Paul Ilchena, Barbara Nolan and Vicky Queen. Flowers are gratefully declined. Should family and friends so desire, donations may be made in Sister Victorias memory, to St. Benedicts Foundation, 225 Masters Avenue, Winnipeg MB R4A 2A1. The Sisters wish to express their gratitude to Dr. Alycia Kuffel and the staff of the Monastery Health Centre, the many family members, volunteers, and friends for their generous support and care of sister Victoria. May she rest in peace. Cropo Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements, 586-8044.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 28, 2000