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SARA (SADIE) IWAN
Born: Feb 17, 1937
Date of Passing: Apr 14, 2020
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SARA (SADIE) IWAN
After a brief illness our beloved mother departed this mortal coil on April 14, 2020. Sadie (Mom) was the human embodiment of strength, love, commitment, compassion, empathy and understanding.
Mom's journey began in the southern Manitoba town of Altona. Her parents, Jacob and Agatha Kroeker welcomed her on Wednesday, February 17, 1937. Mom was the youngest of four children, Henry, Ann and Mary, all predeceased their baby sister.
In the 1950s Mom made the move to Winnipeg and began her adult life. She wore many hats in her early days, Eaton's elevator operator, MTS telephone operator, Red Cross blood collection aide and a dental assistant, to mention just a few.
Mom was married in 1959 and spent the next several years living in Winnipeg and Calgary building a family. First came Darren, then Dale and then Dwight. She cherished motherhood and put her children's wellbeing before everything always, including herself. Mom made a bold decision for those times and chose to raise her three sons on her own. At that time single parenting was certainly not common place and that decision was a true testament to her courage and strength.
Out on her own Mom faced systemic and community judgment along with economic disparity, she always held her head high and busted her ass, working hard and fighting to keep her head above water. Mom was determined to provide her three boys the love and home that all children deserve.
Re-entering the workforce was not easy, after a decade away things had changed and a single mom was not considered a "good hire" in the early 1970s. She was undeterred and began waitressing at the Hickory House to make ends meet, and then jumped over to Armstrong's Cake and Steak. She would always say, thank God for the tips or we wouldn't have any milk or bread until pay day! Mom's ability to stretch a dollar was a hallmark of her domestic success. Us boys never had a clue how poor we were in those days, our tummy's were full, we were loved and we had a warm bed every night.
In the late 1970s Mom began work as a unit assistant at the Grace Hospital. This new opportunity was a game changer for her after many years of economic struggle, now there was finally some financial stability and routine. She settled into her role at the hospital and soon became an integral component of the work being done in her department. She made lifelong friends at the Grace and had a huge impact on the lives of so many that were seeking help at 390 Booth Drive. It is fair though say that during these years Mom found her rhythm and place in the community. Mom had a knack for fixing up beat up houses and turning them into homes, she had the gift of turning nothing into something and turning bad to good. She always saw the positive in people and situations, often where most would not. Mom was the real deal, always honest with no "Brown Sugar" as she called it.
As her 3 Ds grew into good men moving out of the house and on with their lives Mom found happiness in many pursuits including travel, spending time with her sisters, her neighbours and colleagues from work. She made a point of helping people, be it preparing and serving food for the less fortunate, knitting mitts, slippers and hats for people that needed them to keep warm. She would do this on mass and deliver giant boxes to hospitals and shelters regularly. When she wasn't knitting or cooking Mom was working on a project at her church or helping someone who needed something that she could offer or give.
As Mom was nearing retirement age she was given the best gifts of her life, her grandchildren. Cooper, Adam, Claire and Max entered her life and Sadie became Oma! A few years later she was blessed again when Nicole, Daniel and Sarah joined the fold! We are so very grateful for the individual relationships she cultivated with our babies. Oma had a super capacity to love and she loved her grandkids equally and unconditionally, always making time for them and giving so much of herself to them.
In the last number of years Mom found community, companionship and love on Shelmerdine Drive. In what writes more like a TV movie than real life, Mom found a deep connection with her neighbour Al. The two became inseparable, hanging out, planting flowers, going for ice cream, relaxing at the trailer, watching their beloved Winnipeg Jets, border hopping for a weekend retreat and simply spending time adoring one another. We are so thankful that Mom and Al found each other and that she had that happiness with him.
Mom you will never be forgotten and forever cherished by so many, but especially by your children, Dale and Gail, Darren and Michelle, Dwight and Monique; and your grandchildren, Cooper, Adam, Claire, Maximilian, Nicole, Daniel and Sarah.
Mom, Sara, Sadie, Oma we thank you
for being you. We love you so much,
but we know…you love us more.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Children's Wish Foundation, Manitoba Chapter.
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Robert Frost
For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca
Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 18, 2020
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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Dale and Gail so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I use to love hearing Dale share stories of his mom on our drives to and from work. She was definitely loved by her family! May the light of love surround you and your beloveds as you journey into your new normal without her physical presence ❤️❤️❤️ - Posted by: Donna Tarko (Friend) on: May 10, 2020
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It was such a shock to hear from another of Sadie's dear friends about her passing. Sadie and I enjoyed so many conversations with visits and by telephone. We sat together at Kirkifield Park United Church and invariably got the giggles during many services, causing us both embarrassment. Our friendship was sincere, warm and enlightening. Sometimes our conversations were serious and sad sharing tears but we always ended them with some happy thoughts or advice to each other. I never met any of you boys. When Claire and Max were very young they both attended church with their Grandma and did she ever adore them. When K. P. U. C. was struggling we both felt the impact which drew Sadie and I even closer in friendship. It is without any doubt this very special lady's memory remains in my heart. - Posted by: Helen Engel (Friend) on: Apr 22, 2020
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Thinking of you all at this very sad time. Sadie was a great friend...she taught me a great deal about life and relationships. The Grace Hospital was lucky to have her for the many years she worked there...she was so well liked by all the staff and patients. She will be missed by many. “A life well lived leaves beautiful memories “...I have many of those as I know you all will as well. - Posted by: Valerie Douglas (Friend and Co worker) on: Apr 20, 2020
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I am so sorry for your loss. Sadie was a treasure to so many people, a great friend, amazing listener with the ability to share her perspective in a humane manner. We shared tears and much laughter and I will be forever great full for having her in my life. You had an amazing mom and she will live on in you as you are a part of her. - Posted by: Debra O’Neale (Coworker from Grace) on: Apr 19, 2020
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Sadie was a very dear friend I moved away from Winnipeg thirty years ago but our friendship lasted over the phone she was always upbeat with her infectious laugh We worked together at the Grace for seven years,she was always positive and we always managed to have some fun times no matter how streeeful things might beat I will miss her so much her family was her life you were lucky to have such a great mother and grandmother Rest In Peace my friend - Posted by: DOREEN Steeves (Co worker at the Grace hospital and longtime friend) on: Apr 19, 2020
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Darren, I am so sorry to hear of your moms passing. I know you adored her. When we both worked at Linwood and Lakewood you would tell me stories about your mom and you would always have me laughing. It was clear that you and your brothers were very close to her. This past week my sister Coral told me about a woman from the Co-op who had passed away and that she was deeply saddened. It wasn’t until I read your moms obit, and saw that she lived at Shermerdine, did I realize that it was your mom Coral was talking about. What a small world. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. - Posted by: Candace Bannister Conci (Friend of Darren) on: Apr 19, 2020
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Sad news was passed along to me today as I found out the passing of Ms Iwan. Ms Iwan was always so kind and inviting to us little boy brats who patrolled Greenwood Place. Thank You for providing a safe place all those years ago and sharing your home with us. Sincerely Vaughan Rody - Posted by: Vaughan Rody (Friend of Dwight) on: Apr 18, 2020
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Dale, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Our deepest sympathies for your loss. - Posted by: Mike Sech (Friend and co-worker) on: Apr 18, 2020
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Shall greatly miss Sadie at the Westboine Coo-op, especially her great sense of humour and wonderful laugh. Deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to her family and to her beloved Al. - Posted by: Coral Hetherington (neighbour) on: Apr 18, 2020
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That Sadie was a courageous, gutsy woman ahead of her time, there is no doubt. But she did have her Achilles heel -- her age. When I was 18 (she would have been 29 at the time), I found myself adrift in Calgary. Sadie and Larry sheltered me and even took me to the Stampede. Before we left their house, Sadie told that if we ran into any of her friends, she was going to introduce me as her cousin. Why cousin, I asked. Well, having an 18 year old nephew will make me seem so old. She was always youthful to me despite the 11 year difference in our ages. The boys were very lucky to have such a cool mom. - Posted by: Ken and Sandra (nephew) on: Apr 18, 2020
