KATHRYN (KATERYNA) ELIUK

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KATHRYN (KATERYNA) ELIUK It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Kathryn (Kateryna) peacefully in her sleep at her home in Victoria on March 7, 2001. Kathryn was born in Arbakka, Manitoba to pioneers Wasyl and Wasylina Boychuk on January 26, 1925. She married Matt Eliuk and together they shared both a family life raising two children and a business life, for almost 50 years. Kathryn was loved and will be very sadly missed by her daughter Arlene and husband Frank; her son Wayne and wife Marjorie; her sister Marie, her sister Joyce and husband John, her sister Linda and partner Ziggy, her sister Rose and husband Peter; numerous nieces and nephews, friends, neighbours and her former business customers. Kathryn was predeceased by both of her parents; her sister Doreen, her sister Sophie; her brother George in his youth and her twin brothers, John and Peter in their infancy. Kathryn was a wonderful person with a kind spirit , quick wit, a keen intelligence, a probing mind and a deep inner strength. She was always fascinated by what was happening in the world, and she enjoyed discussing everything. She was eager to learn and she read whenever she could find time. Kathryn was well-known to hundreds in the East Kildonan area of Winnipeg who frequented the store, Matts Snack Bar, owned and operated for 39 years by Kathryn and her husband Matt. It was an old style grocery store with a lunch counter and a section with booths and a jukebox. Many people, including local celebrities and key business people, came from miles away to enjoy her excellent cooking and spirited conversations. Her two children were her proudest achievement and they deeply appreciate that they were blessed that she was an extraordinary mother and friend. She always encouraged them to learn and one result of that was that they both obtained graduate degrees at university. Like many people of her generation, she worked extremely hard for decades so that her children could have a better life. Her family, relatives and friends in Manitoba were so important to her that the decision to move to Victoria three years ago to live close by her daughter and son-in-law was a very difficult one. Despite the death of her husband and other family members and various medical problems, her retirement years were in many ways the best years of her life. She especially enjoyed the beauty and flowers of Victoria. She and her family are grateful for the excellent care she received from doctors and other medical professionals in Victoria and Winnipeg. Especially during the last part of her life, her faith and her membership in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was an important part of her philosophy and approach to life. As well, throughout her life she deeply loved her many cats, and those of her daughter. She lives on in the hearts of her family. Prayers will be held at Klassen Funeral Chapel, 1897 Henderson Highway at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 11. The funeral service will held at Klassen Funeral Chapel at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 12 with Father W. Wasyliw officiating. Internment will follow at the Glen Eden Memorial Gardens on Main Street. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC, #1-947 Fort, Victoria, BC, V8V 3K3 or to St. Michaels Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 110 Disraeli Street, Winnipeg, R2W 3J5.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 11, 2001