VERNA JEAN SZESTERNIAK (GREGORY)

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VERNA JEAN SZESTERNIAK (nee GREGORY) May 21, 1938 - October 13, 2005 It is with profound sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Verna, wife, mother, Baba, after a courageous battle with cancer. Although she was sick for some time, her passing was sudden. She remained strong throughout and never gave up hope. She has now found peace and has gone to be with our Lord. She was predeceased by her father Mike; brother Derek and sister Teresa. She is lovingly remembered and will be mourned by her husband Jack; daughters, Stephie (Vic) Tomiuk, Sylvia (Paul) Klymkiw, Jacquie (Frank) Carnevale, Angie (Brian) Borysowich, Natalie (George) Ehr; grandchildren, Curtis, Tatiana, Romanna, Cassandra, Katrina, Leigha, Adam, Amanda; her mother Martha Dutchek, as well as her brothers, Bert, Walter, Peter and Stanley; sisters-in-law, numerous nieces, nephews and good friends. Verna was born in Minnedosa, where she grew up. She married Jack on February 27, 1954. They spent many wonderful years together and celebrated their 50th anniversary last year, with family and friends. Much of their married life was spent raising their family in St. Andrews, where they built a home together. Verna's greatest love was her family. She dearly loved her husband, daughters and fine sons-in-law Mostly, she loved being a Baba. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She always had treats for them. She was proud of all their accomplishments and was their #1 fan. She wanted nothing less for them than a lifetime of fulfilled dreams, happiness and success. They always lit up her life. She loved us all, no matter what. Verna liked to knit and embroider. She loved to read and was always on a bus to somewhere, since she preferred not to fly. She enjoyed her flower garden. She also loved to spend time in her kitchen and was always cooking or baking something good to eat, like her homemade chicken soup or Baba's famous (and best ever) perogies. She opened her heart and home and will be missed by us all, but we are better for having known her. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and health care workers at both the Selkirk General Hospital and CancerCare Manitoba who provided her with support and kindness. Prayers will be held 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 16 at Korban Funeral Chapel, 907 Main St. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 17 at Sts. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral, 115 McGregor St. with Rt. Rev. Msgr. M. Buyachok officiating. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers and if so desired, donations may be made in Verna's memory to the Children of Chernobyl, Canadian Fund, Suite 200 - 2118A Bloor St. West, Toronto, ON, M6S 1M8 or to a charity of your choice. VICHNAYA PAMYAT We love you and will miss you dearly - watch over us Korban Funeral Chapel 956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 15, 2005