IRENE SAMSIN

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IRENE SAMSIN July 27, 1929 - May 28, 2017 Peacefully, at Seven Oaks General Hospital, Irene passed away on May 28, 2017 at the age of 87. She is survived by son Myron (Kim), sisters, Stefania, Marion (Ken), and Natalia (Albert), and brother Don. Predeceased by husband the Rev. Fr. Michael, sister Olga, brothers, Roman, John, Melfort, and Robert, and parents, Joseph and Helen Swidinsky. Irene was born near Olha, Manitoba into a large family that survived much hardship on their small, remote farm. She came into the world just as the Great Depression did. Wanting to escape the poverty and privation, she decided early on to see the world. A waitressing career took young Irene to Banff, Toronto, Quebec City, New York, and most memorably, a year in Bermuda, where in her free time, she sped across the island on a blue and white Excelsior motorcycle. Later on she settled in Winnipeg to begin a family, but continued to see and be interested in the world, visiting Alaska, Australia, the American Southwest, and Ukraine. But far more than she took from the world, she gave to it. Irene's heart was filled with love, and nothing else. For 25 years, well into her eighties, she volunteered weekly at the Holy Family Nursing home, comforting residents in their various states of need. Her love for her own family was selfless and limitless, to the very end. Prayers will be led on Friday, June 2 at 7:00 p.m at Korban Funeral Chapel, 907 Main Street, by Fr. Alexander Harkavyi. Funeral service will be officiated by Fr. Alexander Harkavyi at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 3 at St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 820 Burrows Ave., followed by interment at Glen Eden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice. VICHNAYA PAMYAT KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-956-2193 www.korbanchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 01, 2017