DORA MAYDANIUK (KOHUCH)

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DORA MAYDANIUK (nee KOHUCH) September 7, 1918 - January 30, 2005 Peacefully, with her family by her side, Dora went to be with her Saviour, on January 30, 2005. Dora was born on September 7, 1918, to Alex and Anastasia (Sawerchuk) Kohuch in the R.M. of Rossburn. As the second of 13 children, growing up was not easy. As was typical in those days, she worked hard at home, helping out with daily chores and caring for younger siblings. She attended Chmelnycki and later Glen Elmo School, where she completed grade eight. In the following summers, she worked for farmers in various areas around Birtle and Solsgirth, earning five dollars a month, most of which she gave to her mother and father. On October 26, 1938, Dora married Stanley Maydaniuk and began her new life as his very close companion. Together they worked hard at farming and raising their three children. Sometimes, she spent days alone, milking cows and caring for the children, while Stanley was away cutting hay or wood in the park. She often sang while turning the cream separator by hand. In the evenings, she enjoyed embroidery, tatting, sewing, crocheting and knitting mitts and socks for her family. She loved to read her Bible. Dora always had time for her children and family. She was always eager to go for a drive - to a nearby park or a day trip to Lake Audy with her son and his family, or with other relatives. She even took time to fly to Ottawa to see her new grandson. On another occasion, she enjoyed a camper trailer trip to Vancouver with her daughter and family. In 1970, Dora and Stanley retired but continued to live on the farm. Days that were once busy with various tasks turned to those that were filled with enjoyment of nature - feeding birds, caring for their horses, and going for walks with their dog Chinook. Many days she accompanied Stanley on his beaver hunts. She had an avid interest in books and poetry and always included a thoughtfully selected poem in her greeting cards, appropriate for the person and occasion. June 2004 brought many changes. Due to failing health, Dora was admitted to the Rossburn Health Centre. Though she longed to go home, she was content and pleasant until the end. She will be remembered as a gentle, peace loving, generous, loving person whose daily life was a reflection of her faith in God. There was always room at her table for an unexpected visitor who got to enjoy her delicious homemade bread. Left to cherish her memory are her husband Stanley of 66 years; son Taras (Sheila); daughters, Alice (Ray) Lussier and Janet (Barry) Finlayson, all of Winnipeg; grandchildren, Terry (Gail) Maydaniuk, Darren Maydaniuk, all of Winnipeg, Mark (Tonya) Lussier, Brantford, ON, Leanne (John) Yule, Winnipeg, Nolan (Kristy) Finlayson, Ryan Finlayson and Nathan Finlayson, all of Winnipeg; great-grandchildren, Taryn and Tanya Maydaniuk and Storm Lussier; sisters, Anne Ariss, Brandon, Mary Maydaniuk, Sandy Lake, Stella Andrusiak, Winnipeg, Mildred (Joseph) Sakundiak, Calgary; brothers, Alex (Mary), Nanaimo, Roy, Hardisty, Alberta, Nick (Mary), Winnipeg, Peter, Winnipeg, Don (Irene), Calgary, Terry (Joanne), Dryden, ON, Walter (Eleanor), Winnipeg; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her father Alex on March 7, 1951; mother Anastasia, March 22, 1993; brother Fred, May 10, 1997; grandfather Sam Sawerchuk, January 1, 1954; grandmother Nellie Kohuch, July 7, 1931; grandson Robert Lussier, July 15, 2003; sisters-in-law, Lonnie (Alex) Kohuch, July 24, 1956, Olive (Roy) Kohuch, July 26, 1963, Nellie (Fred) Kohuch, February 25, 1998; brothers-in-law, George (Anne) Ariss, October 14, 1996, and Frank (Mary) Maydaniuk, August 9, 2001. The family deeply appreciates the wonderful and compassionate care Dora received while at the Rossburn Health Centre. A thank you to all those who visited and those who showed their love in other ways, and to Nellie (Baba) Gensiorek for her faithful, daily care and concern. The funeral service will be held at the Knox United Church, Rossburn, on Friday, February 4 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the Rossburn Municipal Cemetery. Rev. Dwight Rutherford will officiate. Flowers gratefully declined. If friends so desire donations may be made to the Rossburn Personal Care Home or to a charity of choice. Rae's Funeral Service of Shoal Lake and Erickson are in care of the arrangements. (204) 759-2160.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 02, 2005