WENDY ARLENE YEWCHYN (BIRRELL) -

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WENDY ARLENE YEWCHYN (nee BIRRELL) 1946 - 2003 After a short and courageous battle with cancer, Wendy passed away on June 1, 2003 at Riverview Care Centre surrounded by her loving family at the age of 57. Wendy will be sadly missed by her best friend, love and husband of 36 years Brian; her daughter Tracy (Doug) Warkentin; her daughter Sandy (Chris) Miller; her parents, Olive and Wally Birrell; her only grandson - her "special boy" - Bradley Warkentin; her brother Rick Birrell; and so many other family members and dear friends. Wendy was born in Winnipeg and grew up in Fort Garry. She married her high school sweetheart, Brian, on April 1, 1967. After a short stint in Saskatoon, Brian and Wendy returned to Winnipeg and their families and went on to have two daughters of their own. Wendy stayed home to raise their two girls for many years. During this time, Wendy volunteered a lot of her time on the Palliative Care Ward at the St. Boniface Hospital. Later, with both girls in school and in their teens, Wendy returned to work in the banking industry. She was employed at the Assiniboine Credit Union, where she had made many good friends, until 2002 when she retired. After retirement, Wendy was very busy with family, friends and her many interests - including her involvement with the Fort Richmond Y-Neighbours group which she enjoyed so very much. Wendys life was one of utter devotion to her family and friends. She loved walking, planning social events for all occasions, reading, travelling to Las Vegas with the love of her life, Brian, working on her computer and spending time with family and friends. Wendy was the ultimate "Nana" who doted on her grandson and created so many special memories for everyone around her. Those whose lives Wendy touched will never forget her smile, her energy and zest for life, her laugh and her generous nature. The generosity and support of family and friends throughout Wendys illness is beyond measure and a true reflection of the impact she made on so many lives. A celebration of Wendys life will be held on Friday, June 6 at 12:30 p.m. at Chapel Lawn, 4000 Portage Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Childrens Burn Fund or the Salvation Army.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 03, 2003