BERNICE PAYONK

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BERNICE PAYONK

(nee SKRYPEC)

Bernice Payonk (nee Skrypec), 92, of Selkirk, Man. passed from this life into eternal life on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.

Bernice is predeceased by her husband Frank, parents Frank and Katherine Skrypetz, brother Carl, sister Minnie, Minnie’s husband John Komish, infant brother Patrick and infant nephew Teddy Skrypec.

She is lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law Nettie, brother-in-law Wally Payonk (Dell), sister-in-law Doreen Louise Vinzenz (Joe), nephews and nieces: Brian (Lisa), Karen (Marc), Russell (Stephanie), Kathy (Randy), Valerie (George), Greg (Gwen), Carol (Marcel), Loreen, Deneen (John), Christeen (Gord), Jodeen (Brian), Wendy (Paul) and Debbie (Mario). Bernice also loved spending time with numerous great nieces and nephews.

Bernice was born Jan. 12, 1931 on the homestead in Libau, Man. She attended Libau East School and Happy Thought School in East Selkirk.

She was the oldest child on her family’s farm, where she made many happy memories with her siblings and parents. After graduating from Happy Thought School, Bernice taught at Stony Point School for one year. She often shared stories about that one-room schoolhouse. Years later, some of her students even recognized her as a senior while living in Selkirk.

As a young adult, Bernice traveled to Alberta, Detroit, Toronto and New York to visit family. Then, she moved to Winnipeg in 1952 to work at Paulin’s Cookies, packaging delicious treats.

That June, she married Frank Payonk and together they farmed land for more than 40 years near Landseer, Man. (now Holland, Man). During the hard winters, Bernice stayed in Winnipeg and worked for a jeweller and in Eaton’s mail-order office during the busy Christmas rush. During spring, summer and fall Bernice worked side-by-side with Frank on the farm. In 1961, Bernice made the farm her permanent, year-round home with Frank.

Bernice was active at the farm and in the surrounding community of Holland where she met many lifelong friends. While living on the farm, Bernice volunteered for 18 years with 4H — helping young people find passion in baking and sewing. After retiring, she and Frank moved to the town of Holland and the volunteering ramped up. Bernice was a huge supporter of the Holland Lionesses for many years and enjoyed volunteering for the Hospital Guild in Treherne, Man. But her favorite volunteer role combined her culture and food — Bernice planned, cooked for and served at the annual Festival of Nations Ukrainian Slavic Pavilion for 10 years. She recruited as many family members as possible, all while building amazing friendships and beautiful memories to last a lifetime.

Bernice was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, church and community, but prioritized spending time with family and friends above all else. Over the years, she loved writing to pen pals, nieces and nephews. She’d call them on special occasions, or just to chat. Bernice often packed up the van with Frank and drove to see family in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario or anywhere in Manitoba. She really cherished those visits.

Bernice’s family sends a huge thank you to the wonderful Selkirk home-care team and Selkirk hospital staff (Emergency and 2nd floor Medicine). Your dedication and compassion is truly appreciated.

Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023, at Gilbart Funeral Home in Selkirk at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to a charity of your choice.

Till we meet again.
Wieczny odpoczynek racz jej daj Panie
God give her rest and eternal joy.

Condolences may be left on her tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 05, 2023