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ANNE POPOWICH  Obituary pic

ANNE POPOWICH

Date of Passing: Feb 01, 2016

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ANNE POPOWICH Sadly, we announce the passing of our mom and baba, Anne, on February 1, 2016, at the age of 95. Mom was predeceased by her parents, her siblings, first husband John Cheslock, second husband Alec Popowich and her daughter-in-law, Lynne. She is survived by her sons, Don and Walter Cheslock and her daughter, Bev Lesiuk (Mike). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jennifer Cheslock (George), Alex and Katy Lesiuk; sisters-in-law, Rose Popowich and Eva Beach (Dave); and brother-in-law Stan Popowich, many nieces and nephews, and her godchildren. Mom grew up in the Rossdale area and moved to Cloverdale soon after her first marriage. Her life was difficult, having been widowed twice and raising three children on her own. She worked hard on the farm, milking up to 11 cows by hand, growing tons of potatoes and other produce to sell and overseeing the farm work. Mom was determined to provide a better life for us, and that she did. She was happiest when the sun was shining and she could be outside with her farm animals and in her garden. Her gardens were legendary! What she didn't use herself and keep for winter, she gave away to family, friends or donated to the church. It was usual for visitors to leave her house with jars of jam or pickles or bags of produce from her garden. Mom loved cooking for her family and once she found their favourite food, it became a frequent menu item on our visits. Her borscht, chicken soup with homemade noodles, buckwheat holupchi, creamed mushrooms and pidpanki were some of the best. When visiting Mom it was always amazing how, within minutes, she could produce a meal with whatever she had on hand, with dessert, too! One of Mom's favourite pastimes was picking berries or mushrooms in local forests. It's too bad she was directionally challenged though, as she spent many hours lost in these bushes lugging full pails for miles until she found her car! There were always additional stories whenever she went picking. She either got lost (most common), or encountered wildlife (bears, hornets) or found the most amazing area for picking, which she could never find again. Community involvement was important to Mom and she was a volunteer at the Selkirk Hospital for many years, active in the parish activities at her own church and attended fundraising events for the local churches. She especially enjoyed the perogy making days with her fellow parishioners from Blessed Virgin Mary Parish. She made good friends with this group and always looked forward to the good natured banter and the productive work they accomplished. In later years, she slowed down but certainly didn't stop. She continued to be independent; cooking and cleaning, gardening on a smaller scale and caring for her chickens and cats. She appreciated visits from family, friends, neighbours, nieces, nephews and her godchildren. Thank you to everyone who thought to call, write or visit. She treasured these relationships and spoke often of all of you. Thank you to the Emergency and Surgical ward staff of Selkirk General Hospital for their compassionate care during her recent hospital stay. Rest in peace, Mom and Baba. We love you. In keeping with Mom's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 5, 2016 at Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Rossdale, MB, with luncheon to follow at the parish hall. Flowers are gratefully declined. If desired, donations can be made to the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Selkirk and District General Hospital or a charity of choice. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk are in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 03, 2016

Condolences & Memories (4 entries)

  • We are just learning about your dear Mom now, and are inspired by her strength, her love and her generous hospitality. May we all learn from her life and follow in her footsteps. So sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Hedy and John Heppenstall (friends of Bev and Mike) on: May 01, 2016

  • I was one of the firemen who help get Anne out of her car after her car accident. She was one of the people that I was not sure if she would survive but I remember the EMR and myself thought there was something special with her. The next day I did something I have never done before I went to the hospital to she how she was. I was told it I could go in and say hi that is when I'll never forget the next moment I went in told her who I was and was just checking to make sure she was ok. Well she then told me that the meal In front of her was the first meal she had since the day before and that she could walk she did not need their help walking to the washroom. I had to laugh what a amazing woman she must have been a firecracker in life I'm sure. So sorry for your loss celebrate her life as I'm sure she would want. - Posted by: Robert Perry (A person who helped one in need) on: Feb 07, 2016

  • I first met Anne about 25 years ago. A friend had told me about the wonderful raspberries I could buy from a lady on Cloverdale Road. So, for many years I would stop by to pick up whatever raspberries Anne would have to sell. At times I would take my 3 daughters, my Mom or my husband Dave to visit and buy some of the "raspberry ladies" raspberries. We would at times leave with eggs or other garden vegetables that Anne had to sell. For many years it was a once a year trip that we always looked forward to. On one occasion Anne invited Mom and I in for a tea and a slice of her jell-o raspberry pie. It was delicious. We left with recipe in hand, a warm feeling in our hearts and a smile on our faces. To this day, my daughters now ranging in age from 30-35 still refer to Anne fondly as the "raspberry lady". Such experiences are few and far between these days. Thank-you, Anne for the wonderful memories, we are blessed to have met. Sincerely, Jackie and Dave Pearse (Jessica, Deanne and Victoria)and Marieola - Posted by: Jackie and Dave Pearse (Raspberry Customers) on: Feb 04, 2016

  • I just recently had the opportunity to meet Mrs.Popowich. I first met her at the Skromeda 50th Wedding Anniversary this past fall. As I pulled up in the parking lot of Larters golf course her son Don pulled up to park beside me. As we approached the ramp up to the front door I asked her if I could call over one of the golf carts to give her a ride up. She looked at me with a stern face and said "I DON'T NEED A RIDE WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU". I understood and found my manners and deepest respect for this lady very quickly. As we walked up the ramp together she asked me what my last name was and I told her Kalupar at which point she said I knew your Great Grandfather. I was shocked to say the least. As it was later discussed I had the opportunity to visit with her and her son Don at their farm home and she recalled stories detail for detail from many years ago that I found both fascinating and interesting and will hold them deep in my heart. I have been truly blessed to have met and spent some time with Mrs. Popowich. Sincerely, Dale S. Kalupar - Posted by: Dale kalupar (Friend) on: Feb 04, 2016

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