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ALLISON MAY VOKEY (STEWART)
Born: Aug 31, 1963
Date of Passing: Dec 20, 2015
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ALLISON MAY VOKEY (STEWART) August 31, 1963 - December 20, 2015 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Allison May Vokey at the age of 52. Allison spent all her years living in Winnipeg, devoting her time unselfishly to family, friends, and the community. Predeceased by her father Jack and her mother Alice, she will be lovingly remembered by her husband Barry Vokey, her sister Jan (Ross), nephew Jack and niece Hana; step-children Tamara (Frank), Chas (Brandi), Justin (Jessica), Josh (Amanda); and step-grandchildren Jessica (Ivan), Cody, Rylan, Andrew, Danika, Kennedy, and Hendrix. She will be missed dearly by her life-long friends Marilyn, Gail, Karen, Lynn, Ginnie and Gil. Allison grew up in North Kildonan where she enjoyed travelling, swimming, camping, playing the piano and singing in various choirs. Allison volunteered and worked at the Elmwood Kildonan YM-YWCA for more than 25 years, teaching swimming lessons, coaching special olympics, and managing the office. She graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Arts and from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Education and later a Certificate in Non-Profit Management. After teaching in Split Lake for two years, Allison moved back to Winnipeg and taught various grades in Lord Selkirk School Division and Seven Oaks School Division. Later, Allison found her calling and became a teacher at Springfield Adult Learning Centre in Oakbank where she worked tirelessly to help adult learners return to school and complete their high school education. Allison's kind, accepting and patient manner helped her students find success with learning and a new start. Allison was the kind of teacher who took on extra jobs well beyond her role so that students had the support and supplies they needed to go to school. Every year, Allison headed off to office stores to purchase pens, books and binders for students who came to school without supplies. Even up to her last days, she was ensuring that annual fundraiser items were delivered in time so that her students would have the funds to put on a year-end graduation ceremony. Allison met the love of her life, Barry and very quickly it was obvious that these two were best friends and life partners. Together, Allison and Barry loved spending days golfing, going on outings with children and grandchildren and just spending time with each other. A favourite activity was sitting around a campfire enjoying being outside sharing each other's company. One of Allison's continuing hobbies was making beautiful scrapbooks for all the children and adults in her family. With hours of effort, she compiled pages of creative memories for all the people in her life so they would have albums of pictures to remember the most important days and events. Her organizational skills were impeccable and her attention to planning and coordinating family events and celebrations were remarkable. Weeks of arranging and preparing went into annual dinners and celebrations so that she could ensure all her family could be together in one place. Everyone was always welcome in Allison's home and she made sure the most important thing was getting everyone together. Allison had a love for all animals and she was always happy to dog sit when family had to be away. All dogs would reluctantly leave her house after breaking all of the owner's rules and getting spoiled with cookies, toys and unconditional love. The last few years were fought with perseverance, tenacity and strength. Allison's positive attitude and humility were nothing short of admirable. As we turn the pages of our scrapbooks and reflect on all that she has shared with us and the memories we have created together, we will thank her for being such an important person in our life and for helping us remember what matters the most. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, January 3 at 1:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue in Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba, the Winnipeg Humane Society, or a charity of your choice. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 204-885-9715
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 26, 2015
Condolences & Memories (16 entries)
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I am so sorry to hear of Alison's passing. She was such a lovely, kind and gentle person. She shared a few of her scrapbooks with me, and as a wanna be scrapbooker, I was amazed by her work. You could tell she was really passionate about her family and documenting family memories. I think of her and Barry often when I look back on my days at River East Physio Clinic. I am so sad to hear she is gone. My thoughts and well wishes are with you Barry. Crystal Profit - Posted by: Crystal Profit () on: Feb 12, 2016
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We met Allison by attending the Springfield Adult Learning Centre. She was a very kind hearted person, always helping and supporting our journey to completing our diplomas. Even after we had moved, she continue to be supportive and helpful whenever we needed her. Even though we didn't know a lot about her, her positive persona shined brightly to all. She never was judgmental or made you feel less then, you just knew without her having to say it, she was there to help you! We'lll never forget the kindness, support and strength she showed us! Sending love to her family, we're thinking of you all! - Posted by: Serenity and Gareth Jones (Students) on: Jan 11, 2016
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Deeply saddened to hear of Allison's passing. I hadn't seen Allison for years - since our high school reunion - but have many happy memories of her and our time together at Miles Mac. We were in the musicals and choir together so shared some very special times. Sending all of you my deepest condolences. - Posted by: Viviana Zarrillo ((old friend)) on: Jan 04, 2016
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Alison was one of the kindest and most warm hearted persons we have had the good fortune to know. Please accept our sincerest sympathies and prayers in your time of need. - Posted by: Chuck an Vickie Crawley (Friend) on: Jan 03, 2016
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Allison was a wonderful lady and a real fighter. Barry and family and the Stewart family will miss her dearly. My deepest sympathies and condolences to all of you. Darlene Savage - Posted by: Darlene Savage (Friend) on: Jan 02, 2016
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Jan, Ross, Jack, Hana, Barry, and family, We send you our sincerest condolences on the passing of Allison. She was an amazing woman who gave her time, her talents, and her love, unconditionally. Her laugh was infectious as was her love of life. I will treasure the memories of many family occasions spent at Aunt Alice and Uncle Jack's place. The family home was always a welcome spot for all of our gatherings and many Christmases and family celebrations were spent there among those we love, including all of you. May you find comfort in the coming days as you reflect on this beautiful woman who welcomed all and took time out of her own life to touch the lives of others. We are all blessed to have been a part of her life. May she now rest in peace embraced in the love of her parents who left this world before her. Know that we are thinking of you during this very difficult time. God Bless. Cindy, Kevin and the girls. - Posted by: Cindy, Kevin, Aliah, And Joelle Nelson (Cousin) on: Dec 31, 2015
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i won't ever forget the day i walked in to the springfield adult centre, i was so nervous to take a step like this so late in life.. You had this smile on your face with such a welcoming look that made me feel like i was totally doing the right thing. You gave me such courage, and i thank you for that. I even landed up with a job at the school thanks to you, well it's a cleaning job but at least it's a job and it kept me in touch with you. I will think of you every time i clean your office, and it will be nothing but good memories Allison You were one special lady. - Posted by: pam joseph (student) on: Dec 30, 2015
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Allison was amazing, as a friend, she would always be there for you. A sense of humor was the only way to handle some of life's more trying times and we shared many laughs. Allison always took the time to touch base and keep in touch, no matter how hectic the day was. Her strength, compassion, and loving ways will be missed. To know Allison was truly a blessing. You were loved more than you knew and will forever fill a special place in my heart. Until we meet again.... - Posted by: Ginnie Szalai (Friend) on: Dec 29, 2015
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Our deepest sympathy to Barry and the entire Vokey and Stewart family. Allison will always be our pillar of strength, compassion, and our example of a fulfilling way to live right and live well. Allison gave this gift to all who were fortunate to know her. God bless you and keep you at peace, Allison. love Christa and Ken - Posted by: Christa Gorrell (friend of the Vokey family) on: Dec 28, 2015
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Allison was stronger than you can imagine, braver than you know and cared about so much more than words could ever tell. Her legacy is one of warmth, accessibility, enthusiasm and caring. Her passion for others, organizational skills and resourcefulness are known to all who knew her. She will be sorely missed. “How does one become a butterfly? You have to want to learn to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.” ― Trina Paulus - Posted by: Fran Vanstone (colleague) on: Dec 28, 2015
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Ken and Carol send our deepest sympathy to Barry and to all your family. Allison was a beautiful person and although we moved to Alberta in l983 we always enjoyed Allison's Christmas letter and kept us up to date with your lives. Allison came and spent an afternoon with us when we were in Winnipeg and we talked and talked about the Vokey history. She was a very remarkable lady. Love to you all at this very sad time. - Posted by: Ken and Carol Vokey (Ken was Barry's cousin) on: Dec 28, 2015
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Where do I start. Only you would know how many times I have picked up the phone to call you in the last week. I have never met a more positive and kind person. If you had a flaw, it was that you never said "no". You always put family, friends, students and colleagues before yourself. I greatly admired you. Having known you and your family for over 30 years has been a blessing to me. Rest in peace my friend, I miss you. - Posted by: Marilyn (Friend) on: Dec 27, 2015
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I witnessed Allison's dedication to her students at the Springfield Learning Centre. Prairie Voices Toastmasters would come in each winter to do a speaking skills program and Allison would convince her students to participate, offer to be their sounding board, attend every one of their speeches and be the first to applaud their efforts. It was obvious how much she cared for each and every one of her students. She will be missed - especially her wonderful laugh. - Posted by: Bev Doern (Adult Learning Centre) on: Dec 27, 2015
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I first met Allison when I was in high school at Miles Macdonell Collegiate. It was there that she introduced me to Mrs. Ma (Marvee) Stevens and a group of crazy young people of whom many remained friends for decades to come. We also attended the University of Winnipeg together where I really got to know her and her dry and devilishly witty sense of humour. Many afternoons were spent with Shirley, Roxanne, Connie and myself talking, laughing, and having a drink when we should have been studying! We were in and out of each others' lives over the years and the amazing thing was we could pick up right where we left off as if no time had passed at all. Although I met Barry only a few times, I could tell they were a perfect match and genuinely happy together. Thank you Allison for bringing light into my life through our friendship. By the way, try to give Heaven a couple of days after you arrive before you start reorganizing everything and making it operate more efficiently, and God's Speed my friend. - Posted by: Mendy Wolchock (Friend) on: Dec 27, 2015
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I have always admired Allison's ability to make each person she knew, feel like they were special to her, no matter how long between visits. The Stewart family are shining examples of selflessness and caring and it was natural for Barry and family to be a perfect match. Barry & Allison, are soulmates in the truest sense and two of the strongest people I have ever known. Thank God you are now at peace after always putting others before yourself. Polite to the end, Allison, we should all strive to be more like you and Barry. - Posted by: Karen (Friend) on: Dec 26, 2015
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Allison, you were my first childhood friend. We lived next door to each other from grade 2 till we both were finally on our own. We never lost touch and I loved our get together. My memories are from us at a very young age and I will treasure them with love. You will always be my friend even though you're gone in body..your spirit will forever live. - Posted by: Janice Streilein (Best childhood friend ) on: Dec 26, 2015
