STEFANIA (STELLA) JURKOVIC

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STEFANIA (STELLA) JURKOVIC June 9, 1925 - October 28, 2018 It is with deep sadness and broken hearts we announce the passing of our dearly loved mother Stefania at the age of 93 years, with her loving family by her side. She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Stefan in 2012. She died as she lived, with dignity, courage and always with love. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Kathy (Larry) Sutherland, Stefan (Doreen) Jurkovic and Darlene Susan (John) Jurkovic Bracken. Affectionately called "Nanny", left to mourn are her five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Stefania was born in Jaroslaw, Poland to Jurko and Ksenia Onyszko. Having grown up on a large farm, our mother acquired her lifelong love of all animals. She loved to ride horses, cared deeply for her multitude of pet cats, dogs, rabbits and even had her favourite cow "Krasula" follow her dotingly, although she did confess that she pretended not to know how to milk Krasula and left that for the farm help instead. Our mother's world was torn apart in 1941 when she was taken from her family home by the Nazis and by the grace of God was sent to a work farm rather than to a camp. Stefania married her beloved Stefan on December 27, 1945 in Munich, Germany. Together with their infant children, Kathy and Stefan, they immigrated to Canada in January, 1949. With the generous help of family they came to reside in Winnipeg and were sincerely appreciative to begin a new life in Canada. Our mother was a beautiful, proud, independent woman who loved her family deeply and unconditionally. She genuinely cared for the happiness and well-being of others and gave unselfishly her time and support whenever needed. She had a great sense of humour, a quick wit and loved to sing. Mom's cooking and baking were exceptional. There was never a time when visitors would come by or drop in unexpectedly that she did not have one of her delicious cakes or pastries readily available. Stefania was also known as Stella to her many friends. She operated the canteen at McNaught Motors for over 20 years and was always grateful to Gordon McNaught and his family for giving her the opportunity to have her business there. She always considered the McNaught family and those who worked there as her extended family. Every Christmas she treated all of them to a holiday luncheon of turkey, stuffing, cabbage rolls and all the trimmings. This was not an easy undertaking, however with the help of her daughter Kathy, combined with the love she had for all, everyone was quite happy and content. To honour Stefania's wishes, a private family service was held at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. Rev. Father Michael Wollbaum of St. Charles Catholic Parish officiated and interment followed in the Glen Eden Cemetery. The family would like to thank Jody Nicholson and Sheri MacDonald of Glen Eden for their compassion and guidance. The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the caring and compassionate nurses, doctors and staff of Riverview Health Centre-CD1. Stefania will fondly be remembered for her singing, her laughter and the love she extended to those who cared for her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. With her love within our hearts, she will live with us forever. If so desired, donations may to be made to the Riverview Health Centre Foundation in Stefania's memory. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.gleneden.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 02, 2019