NADEZDA (NETTIE) BONDAR

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NADEZDA (NETTIE) BONDAR Peacefully, at the age of 100, in the early hours of August 7, 2005, at Seven Oaks Hospital, after a long and eventful life, and almost within sight of her beloved home of well over 60 years. Born Nadezda Hermanovna Razumna to parents Herman and Maria on July 5, 1905, in the small village of Kopitov in the Volhynian region of Ukraine, Nettie, after witnessing and surviving as a young girl a typhoid epidemic, the First World War, and the Russian Revolution, was introduced by her elder brother to her beloved husband, Samuel Nikolaievich Bondar, with whom she emigrated to Canada in 1926. Upon their arrival in the New World, the couple, originally bound for Saskatchewan, changed their destination to Winnipeg, shortly thereafter settling in Old Kildonan, where they would make their home for the rest of their lives. Starting with a small rented plot of land, and a great deal of enterprise and determination, Nettie and her husband built a farming operation which at its peak encompassed over 2000 acres, the success of which allowed Samuel to expand the couple's interests through the purchase of several rental properties. As a dedicated wife and mother, Nettie was throughout a cornerstone of both the couple's and their children's successes. Indeed, as with many of their fellow immigrants, the principal driving force behind Nettie and Samuel's labours was a desire to give their children every possible advantage, particularly in terms of education. Their efforts were repaid; they took great pride in their son George, who went on to become a highly respected surgeon, and in their daughter Mary, who was awarded a Ph.D. in cytology for her work in cancer research. Unfortunately the couple had just retired, planning to finally enjoy the fruits of their labours by dividing their time between wintering in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and spending summers at the cottage that they had fallen in love with in Gimli, when Samuel was taken from Nettie on Christmas Eve, 1973. She mourned her Sam virtually every day for the rest of her life, but took comfort in her firm belief that their parting was only temporary, and that she would one day be reunited with him in the next world. Nettie selflessly dedicated her remaining years to her beloved home and family. A deeply religious lady, Nettie was actively involved with her church throughout her life, and she and her husband also enjoyed considerable social involvement outside of the church, particularly during the periods when Samuel was Reeve of Old Kildonan. Nettie loved gardening (often on a large scale), as well as cooking, baking, and several types of needlework. For many years, she especially enjoyed corresponding with relatives in both Ukraine and the United States, spending many an hour writing long letters, and reading and rereading the replies she received, the authors of which, one by one, have all predeceased her. Above all, Nettie loved her family, and even when age and frailty no longer allowed her to attend church, cook, or garden, and when there was no one left to write to, she always had a smile, a (remarkably strong) hug, and a mischievous little twinkle in her eye for those around her. We will miss your smiles, Baba. Nettie will be mourned by four generations of descendants. Through her son George of Edmonton, she is survived by grandsons, David (Erin), Bruce (Judy), Gregory (Leslie) and Chris (Rochelle); great-grandchildren, Amy, Jill, Emerson, Drew, Gareth and Elise; and great-great grandchildren, Braeden, Mercedes and Mariah. Through her daughter Mary of Winnipeg, she is survived by grandson Stephen (Barbara) and great-grandchildren, Jessica and Nicholas. We would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all of the home care staff who helped make the last few years comfortable and happy for Nettie, and also the nursing staff of Seven Oaks Hospital who attended upon her over the past two months, as well as her family physician, Dr. Louis Chung, and the health care aides from Bayshore Home Health. A prayer service will be held on Wednesday, August 17 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 18 at 11:30 a.m. at Russian Greek Orthodox Holy Trinity Sobor, 643 Manitoba Ave., with Fr. Eugeniusz Zdrojewski officiating and Fr. Robert S. Kennaugh assisting. Interment to follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, those who so desire make donations in Nettie's memory to CancerCare Manitoba, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or the Seven Oaks Hospital Emergency Renovation Campaign. Tsarstvo Nebesno i Vechnaya Pamyat! Dearest Baba, we pray that the Lord bless you and keep you, now and forever, and unto ages of ages. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 13, 2005