ELSIE LYSY (STECH)

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ELSIE LYSY (nee STECH) Peacefully, on Thursday, July 1, 2004, Elsie Lysy passed away at Holy Family Nursing Home into the loving arms of the Lord after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Peter in 1984; her mother Catherine Stech (nee Zajac) 1956; her father John Stech 1978; her sisters and brothers, Rosie Stadnyk 1946, Mike Stech 1975, Sam Stech 1989 and Helen Ewanyshyn 2001. Elsie leaves to celebrate her memory her only son, Joseph (Helen) with stepsons, Peter, Kelly and Matthew; her niece Sylvia Todaschuk (Ernest) grand nieces, Rosemarie and Charlene Todaschuk (Andrij Czerny) great grand nephew Peter Czerny and great grand niece Tatiana Czerny of Montreal; her sisters and brothers, Annie Shwaluke, Stella Yaskiw, Joe Stech, all of Shoal Lake, MB and Bill (Stella) Stech of Windsor, ON; sister-in-law Rosie Stech of Shoal Lake, MB, many nieces, nephews and numerous friends. Elsie was born in Rossburn Municipality, Vista District, MB on October 24, 1919 where her parents farmed and were parishioners of the Ukrainian Catholic Rossburn Farms Church. Then, in 1928, her parents and siblings moved to Birtle Municipality, Kelloe District, farming there until moving to Shoal Lake in 1944. Around 1950, Elsie moved to Winnipeg, MB where she met Peter who immigrated to Canada from Darachiw, Ukraine. They married July 12, 1952 in Shoal Lake at St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church. They were blessed with one son, Joseph. Elsie was very devoted to her Catholic faith, the Church and community. They were members of Christ The King Ukrainian Catholic Church and then Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church. They were also members of Ukrainian Canadian Institute Prosvita. Elsie was a very active member of the Church Senior Club. She was actively involved in the Ladies Auxiliary and well known for her work in the kitchen for numerous functions at the church. If you couldnt find her at home, she was probably making pyrohy and holubtsi in the church auditorium. Elsie also enjoyed making pyrohy at home for her family and friends. Her holubtsi and perizhky were very tasty, and she made the best tisto for noodle soup. Some family members are fortunate enough to have learned her magical ingredients for her delicious dill pickles as well. For over 20 years, Elsie was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at Holy Family Nursing Home, her final resting place, and was a devoted volunteer with the patients, with pyrohy making, teas, fundraisers and various other activities. Elsie was very proud and honoured to volunteer for Winnipegs Folklorama, Ukrainian New Years Levees at the Manitoba Legislature and to attend and support many fundraisers throughout the city. During the International Year of Volunteers (2001), Elsie was recognized by the Honourable Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, P.C., M.P. for her outstanding service and contribution as a volunteer in the community. On June 2, 1999, the Ukrainian Catholic Womens League of Canada awarded a Certificate of Merit to Elsie for her long service and dedication to the organization. On June 15, 1994, His Grace Most Reverend Michael Bzdel, C.Cs.R., Metropolitan for Ukrainian Catholics graciously bestowed the implored Apostolic Blessings on Elsie Lysy in acknowledgement of her services to the Ukrainian Catholic Womens League of Canada on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary. Elsie enjoyed the company of her dog Rebel for many years and was fond of gardening. She delighted in sharing the fruits of her harvest with family and friends. Elsie also enjoyed spending time at the beach. Whether it was with her husband in Hawaii and Barbados or with family and friends at Ukrainian Park, Balsam Bay and Grand Beach, she loved the sun, sand and water! Elsie will be remembered as a devoted, caring, loving and hard-working person who put family and friends first. She will be deeply missed by those who knew her and loved her. The family is grateful to the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate and clergy and all the nurses and staff at Holy Family Nursing Home, especially in St. Pauls ward, for their compassionate care as well as the nursing staff at Oakview Place and St. Boniface Hospital. A special thank you is extended to Sister Zoe and Dr. Gorski. Prayers of the Parastas will be sung on Monday, July 5 at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1001 Grant Ave. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 6 at 10:00 a.m. also at Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Mark Gnutel officiating. Interment will take place at All Saints Cemetery. Cross Bearer will be Peter Czerny. Pallbearers will be Andrij Czerny, Earl Shwaluk, Sidney Shwaluke, Walter Yaskiw, Ernest Todaschuk, Stephen Walter Mical. Donations in Elsies memory may be made to Holy Family Nursing Home, 165 Aberdeen Ave., Winnipeg. KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 04, 2004