VALARIE HARASYM

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

VALARIE HARASYM

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, daughter, and sister, Valerie Harasym, on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the age of 79.

Mom will be dearly missed; she was always there for us, with advice, with love and her many years of experience to help guide us through our lives. She was predeceased by her mother and father (Joeseph and Katherine Burkowski), brother Stanely, husband (James Harasym) and sister (Rosemary Maskow). Mom was born in Teulon, MB and grew up on the family farm north of Komarno, MB. After graduating, Mom moved to Winnipeg, where she worked at MTS. She also obtained her hairdressing license and later returned to school to pursue a career in nursing. She then worked many years at Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital as a Registered nurse. She spoke fondly of her time there, remembering the patients she cared for and the dedicated staff and doctors she worked with. In 1975, she met James Harasym, and not long after, they were married. They had two sons, James and Andrew and soon after moved to the Harasym family farm in Okno, MB. Mom began driving school bus when her boys started school and continued doing so until both had graduated. We think that she did this to keep a close eye on us. After dad passed away, mom moved to Alberta and spent the rest of her life close to her eldest son and family. In retirement, Mom kept busy with crocheting, a skill she learned from her mother, creating many beautiful afghans, slippers, and scarves that she lovingly shared with everyone she cared for.

As per Mom's wishes, a private ceremony and internment of her ashes will take place later next summer. We will always remember Mom for her love of reading, spending time with family and close friends, and taking her boys on summer vacations.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 10, 2026