STELLA HILDEBRAND (WOWRYK)

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STELLA HILDEBRAND (nee WOWRYK) October 25, 1934 May 9, 2018 It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Stella at the Grace Hospital surrounded by her family. Stella is survived by her husband Peter, her daughters Sheryl and Sandra and her grandchildren Ben and Peter. She is also survived by her brothers Frank (Martha), Peter (Hillaria), Eddie (Helen), Nestor (Marie); her sisters Jean (Mickey) and Sophie (Ron). She is also survived by her sister in law Sonia Wawryk and many other extended family. She was predeceased by her parents and 14 brothers and sisters. Stella grew up on a farm in Kelloe, MB and later in Shoal Lake, MB. She came from a large family and always talked about how happy they were even though they didn't have much money. She had many friends from school and remained in touch with several of them. She worked in Clear Lake at the movie theatre and ice cream shop with her friend Kathy Ritchie (O'Grady) and they ended up raising their families in the same neighbourhood. Stella moved to Winnipeg in her early 20s and worked at the Manitoba Club. She made lifelong friends there. She worked other jobs as well including the mail order at T and T Seeds. Stella met Peter through mutual friends and they were married in 1961. They lived in a few places in Winnipeg before buying a house in Crestview. It was a great place to raise a family. Stella was a homemaker while the kids were small and made extra money looking after kids from the neighbourhood at lunch time and after school at a time when day cares were non-existent and moms were heading out to work. She returned to work herself when Sandy and Sheryl were teenagers. She worked at Caesar's Palace, Frontier Fruit and Nut Company, the Hudson's Bay/Northwest Company and K-Mart. After retirement, she worked at Ness Junior High as a Lunch Monitor. During those years and for several after, she would be greeted in the mall or on the street by kids shouting "Stella!" After retirement she also helped her brother Peter and sister-in-law Hillaria look after their daycare whenever they travelled to visit their daughter in Texas. She really enjoyed the opportunity to go back to Shoal Lake and visit with family and friends, taking care of the children and meeting their parents. She had a special bond with Noah. Stella had the opportunity to travel over the years. Disneyland, Puerto Plata, Corpus Christi, Las Vegas and a final trip to Hawaii with Sheryl, Sandy, Ben and Peter were highlights. Stella had lots of energy and didn't like to stay at home. She was out shopping every day, made sure her housework was done and often met friends for lunch or dinner. She made friends wherever she went. Almost every time she went out she would run into someone she knew. One of Mom's favourite pastimes was Bingo. She went often for many years and made many friends. She was very lucky and often won. Stells loved her family fiercely and ensuring their safety was her top priority. She was known to warn her children and grandchildren of all the dangers involved in any activity they chose to pursue. It hurt her deeply when anyone was injured or ill. Feeding us all was a close second. Visits to Calgary included cooking and baking. Perogies were a must have and just about every dinner had a pie for dessert. She tried to get everyone's favourites included. At home, she often cooked dinner for Peter even if she was going out that evening. Sheryl often got a call at work inviting her to dinner with the message "I'm going to bingo but come over for dinner with Dad, I made pork chops". There were many trips to Calgary over the years. Once the twins were born, Grandma and Grandpa were there often to help out and spend time with them including attending their many sports, especially hockey and baseball. She was very proud of Peter and Ben. At mom's request, no funeral will be held. A family interment will take place at a later date. To remember Stella, spend time with your family, share a memory of her or play Bingo. She would like that. Thank you to all the Doctors, Nurses and Health Care Aides who took such good care of Mom during treatment and while she was in the hospital. We really appreciated your kindness. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba or a charity of your choice. www.voyagefuneralhomes.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 12, 2018