STELLA DUTKA

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STELLA DUTKA After a short hospital stay, Stella (Stefania) Dutka died on January 24, 2002 with her family by her side. Stefania was born on February 8, 1922 to Ukrainian immigrants Wasyl and Annie Andreychuk near Kreuzberg (which became Fraserwood), MB. She grew up on the farm and went to the local school where she excelled in art, especially drawing. Stefania encountered several serious illnesses as a child, but she always overcame them. In the summer of 1938, Stella met her future husband William (Bill) Dutka at the Fraserwood Creamery. They courted for a year and were married on October 1, 1939. After the wedding feast at her parents home, they danced until dawn on the wooden platform her father had built. Bill and Stella moved to Winnipeg and eventually settled on Alfred Avenue to raise their three children - Arthur, Barbara and Leonard. Stella was a great cook and was an expert with knitting and crocheting needles. She created many colourful mitts, afghans and sweaters for her family and friends, as well as fine tablecloths. Another of Stellas creative accomplishments was the writing of her memoirs. The book details the trials and tribulations of growing up in rural Manitoba and chronicles her life with Bill and her children. Stella loved to travel and she completed many road trips throughout Canada and the United States. One highlight for her was a trip to Europe. Stella was also very active in a number of organizations including the Ukrainian Catholic Womens league, the Selkirk Avenue Seniors Centre, the North Centennial Seniors, Arlington Haus tenants Association, and St. Josaphats Church. Stella was predeceased by her husband Bill in 1976. She leaves many to cherish her memory, but she will be missed most by her son Arthur and wife Maureen, daughter Barbara and husband John, and son Leonard and wife Jill; her grandchildren, Aaron (Kelly), Roberta (Merv), John "JJ", Stacey, Allison (Mark), Scott (Lindsay), Wendy and Heather (Mario) and her great-grandchildren, Ashliegh and Dustin, Destiny Rae-Leigh, Jonah, Aleesha and Alex, and William. Prayers will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 28 in the chapel of Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main St. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 29 at 11:00 a.m. also in the chapel, with Father Royik officiating. Interment in Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. A gathering of family and friends will follow in the Glen Eden Reception Centre. Arrangements entrusted to: GLEN EDEN FUNERAL HOME 4477 MAIN STREET 338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 28, 2002