VERNA BERNICE KRUCHAK (IRWIN)

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VERNA BERNICE KRUCHAK
(nee IRWIN)
1932 - 2019

Verna Bernice Kruchak (nee Irwin) came into the world on August 6, 1932, on a little Meadowvale homestead, to Flora and Delmar Irwin. She described her childhood on the farm with her siblings as happy and fun, and was proud that she remained friends with her siblings all her life. At 17 Verna married the love of her life, Roman Kruchak. Together they lived in Ostenfeld, Winnipeg and Dugald, before settling with their three children in the Monominto area.
As a young mother, Verna said she grew with her children, and was proud to have given them a wonderful father. She kept a journal, and throughout the journals are testaments to her love and gratitude for her family, "They are my life, my world, and I love every one of them."
Verna had a big, beautiful laugh, strong, generous hands adorned with a bright assortment of rings, and a surprising amount of superstitions. Many can attest to seeing spoons left on the floor of her kitchen, as once a spoon fell it would bring her bad luck to pick it up. She had an affection for celtic and gospel music, as they were tied to her heritage. She raised chickens on the farm, played bingo, danced and read romance novels. She knit afghans and sweaters for loved ones, and especially in her later years had let loose a fondness for shopping. She had a love of being silly with her friends and family and a dislike for any visitor to leave her house hungry. Whether it be mac and cheese, homemade perogies, buns or donuts, no one left unfed. Her heart was filled above all else with a deep love of family, and she cherished her role as Granny and the time she spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For many years, whether it be a casual breakfast on a summer morning or a more formal dinner during the cold Christmas holidays, Verna and Roman's home was the center fire where family gathered to keep warm.
In 1980 at the age of 47 she began an 18-year career as a home care worker in Springfield Municipality; a role well suited to her warm, servant heart. She described this as a wonderful, eye opening experience full of happy times, sad times, laughter and chatter. It was a special time that gave her a lot of joy and self-confidence.
Verna enjoyed her final years living in Transcona. She played cards with friends, shopped and took a few trips to Calgary to visit family. It was a time to relax and enjoy. She learned to use public transit and an iPad, treasured the experience of welcoming more great-grandchildren, and still left the occasional spoon on the floor. Of this time in her life, Verna wrote in her journal, "I am forever grateful to be here, hopefully for the rest of my life." She had the blessing of living there, on her own, until the final month of her life.
On May 17, 2019, Verna passed away peacefully with family by her side. We will miss her dearly. She was always there for our family, and we're grateful for every moment. The memories will live forever in our hearts.
Verna was predeceased by husband Roman in 2009, brothers, Charles and Jack (Margaret), sister Gladys (Mike, Don) and son-in-law Garry Cahill. She is survived by son Warren (Patricia), daughters, Sharon (Ray) and Marlene, grandchildren, Shaylene (Shaun), Calvin (Danusia), Cheryl (Charles), Colleen (Doug), Mary-Lou (Michael) and Jonathan (Veronica), great-grandchildren, Cailyn, Claire, Holden, Adalynn, Yanik, Liliana and Eliza. Verna is remembered by sisters-in-law, Olga Lapuk, Stella Harlow, Betty Johnstone and Marge Irwin, brother-in-law Joe Kruchak (Madeline) as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Thanks to niece Bonnie for her love and care, palliative nurse Richard, and doctors and staff at Jocelyn House for their kindness and care.
Funeral service to be held at 2:00 p.m., July 19, 2019 at Green Acres Funeral Home.
No flowers please. Donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba, Jocelyn House or a charity of your choice.

"Miss me a little, but not too long,
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love we once shared
Miss me, but let me go."

GREEN ACRES
Funeral Home and Cemetery
(204) 222-3241
Condolences may be sent to
www.greenacresfuneralhome.com

Publish Date: Jun 15, 2019

VERNA BERNICE KRUCHAK
(nee IRWIN)
1932 - 2019

Verna, daughter of Delmar and Flora Irwin passed away peacefully with family by her side.
A longer obituary will appear in the June 15, 2019 Free Press.
The service for Verna will be Friday, July 19, 2019, 2:00 p.m. at Green Acres Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jocelyn House Inc., 177 Egerton Rd., Winnipeg, MB R2M 2W7, or CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, or to a charity of your choice.

GREEN ACRES
Funeral Home and Cemetery
(204) 222-3241
Condolences may be sent to
www.greenacresfuneralhome.com

Publish Date: May 25, 2019

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 25, 2019, Jun 15, 2019