VICTORIA (VICKI) EVELYN OMICHINSKI (UHUTCH)

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VICTORIA (VICKI) EVELYN OMICHINSKI (nee UHUTCH) It is with sadness that our family announces the passing of Victoria (Vicki) Evelyn Omichinski, of Oakville, Manitoba, on Thursday, April 19, 2018 in Portage la Prairie, at the age of 95. Left to mourn her passing are her son Mitchell (Linda), daughter Maureen, niece Patsy (Walter Saarela), nephew Richard (Ginny) Martin, brother-in-law Reg Omichinski, and many nieces and nephews on the Omichinski family side. She was predeceased by her husband Joseph Gerald Omichinski (2002), parents, Michael and Cassie (nee Kohar) Uhutch, cousins, Ambrose (Marjorie Kulchiski) Modrzejewski and Leonard (Peggy) Martin Jr., brothers-in-law, Bill (Estelle), Martin (Olive), Anton (Jean), Larry (Marion), Bernie (Mary) and Amie (Isabelle), sisters-in-law, Francais (Tim Paranuick), Mary (Norm Chase), Lee (John Lenoski), Kate (Leo Stadnyk) and Sophie (Andrew Swedick), and Lawrence Chester. Vicki was a city girl, born and raised in Winnipeg. As an only child she was blessed with loving aunts and uncles who gave her opportunities to develop a personality that dared to be different. As a youngster, Vicki had many farm experiences while visiting aunts, uncles and her grandparents in the Ladywood area of Manitoba. In Detroit, while working in a large department store, she met Joe. After moving to Vancouver with her family, as with many young women during the war, she was employed at Boeing. It was there that she and Joe were married. Within a year of their marriage they moved from Kitsilano Beach, British Columbia to the Oakville area, taking over the Omichinski family farm. Oakville in the 1940s had no electricity, and the horse and sleigh was still part of the all season road. Vicki got right to work, - using her chutzpah, intuitive organizational and creative skills, she brought new life to the homestead. Later when they built a beautiful house, it was Vicki who designed and determined every structural detail. Vicki was incredibly gifted at making what was un-ordinary or just ordinary into something extraordinary. This included her flower gardens, and her art. Vicki created art from the materials that she gathered from the garden, the field, the shed and even the ditch. Out of these materials she added colour, texture, and depth of richness and unique designs that were well ahead of their time. She covered lamp shades, made picture frames, created art work - many items that were displayed everywhere in the home. Vicki was a gracious friend and hostess - welcoming all who dropped by, enjoying the conversation of the day. She and Joe had an active social life. They were a striking couple, and they knew how to cut the carpet on the dance floor. Both of them loved to dance. In amongst all of this activity Vicki and Joe raised two children. She was so proud of her kids. She loved visiting with them, and hearing the stories of their projects, adventures and accomplishments. Vicki was there to support Joe, as he built a viable mixed farm operation. She kept pace with her ambitious husband over 50 years who immersed himself in the community, Portage District and several local and provincial institutions. After Joe's passing, Vicki returned to the family property, renovated the house and continued to pursue her lifelong interest in gardening, art, and reading. In 2003, after years of creating, her family helped to consolidate her works of art, and Vicki was one of two featured female artists in a showing at the Portage and District Art Centre. Vicki's family extends heartfelt appreciation to the caregivers and special friends - Beth, Emily, Brenda and Myrna - who, with so much love, looked after her in her home. Also, thank you to the staff of the Medical ward and Palliative Care unit at the Portage General Hospital who provided great care and comfort. A funeral service will be held for Vicki at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the Omega Funeral Home, Portage la Prairie. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Victoria Omichinski may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Portage District General Hospital Foundation. Messages of condolences can be made online at www.omegafuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 27, 2018