LENA KORTON (SHPAK)

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LENA KORTON (nee SHPAK) It is with great sadness that we are announcing the passing of our dear beloved Baba and mentor on Thursday, March 29, 2001 at St. Pierre Hospital. She is now at peace after her lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. Baba was born on April 25, 1911 on her fathers homestead at Senkiw, MB. She attended school here and it was here that she met a dashing young immigrant Alfred Korton, our Gido. They were married on November 19, 1930. In 1931 they were blessed with a daughter Adeline. They lived in Winnipeg for a short time. In 1933 Baba and Gido purchased a 160-acre farm at Senkiw along the scenic Roseau River. It became "their" little homestead. In 1972 Baba was predeceased by her husband Fred and her son-in-law Ben Colley. Because our mother was afflicted with multiple sclerosis, she moved in with Baba in 1975. It was Baba who gave her the loving care till 1982 when mom passed away. Baba was also predeceased by her parents, Jacob Shpak (1938), Hafia Tofan-Bzovey (1943), siblings, Wasyl, Hawrylo, Paul and Anne Shpak, Anne Pupeza, Mary Maximchuk and Wasyl Bzovey. During her lifetime Baba took great pleasure in helping her family, her neighbours and her church. For many years she was a member of the Sisterhood and served her congregation with pride. She also enjoyed "coffee time" with everyone who dropped by, as well as gardening, playing cards and watching television. She had strong work ethics, which she handed down to her grandchildren and will be remembered for all the wonderful ethnic foods she prepared for them. Because of her health, Baba sold her little homestead and moved to her apartment at St. Pierre Manor in 1990. She lived here until she became too ill to look after herself. Baba is survived by three grandsons, Andrew (Delaine), Frederick (Brenda) and George Colley; eight great-grandchildren, Pamela, Jennifer, Kimberley, Michael, Shawn, Alessia, Tanya, George and the apple of her eye, her great-great-grandson Dylan. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, friends, neighbours and godchildren. Prayers will be held at Loewen Funeral Chapel at Steinbach on Sunday, April 1 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 2 at Babas church, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Nativity of St. Mary at Senkiw, MB with Rev. Fr. Miron Pozniak officiating, assisted by Cantor Mat Drewniak. Interment will follow the service at the church cemetery. The family would like to thank Dr. B. Abbott and all the staff at St. Pierre Hospital for the wonderful considerate care that was given to our Baba, as well as all the family and friends that went to visit her. It was Babas wish that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Pierre Hospital or to Babas church. We will all miss you Baba. May you rest in peace. Vichnaya Pamyat Arrangements entrusted to Loewen Funeral Chapel of Steinbach, 204-326-1351.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 31, 2001