Obituary of VICTORIA DEMKIW

VICTORIA DEMKIW (nee Swiatkiewicz) December 24, 1915 – September 29, 2013 It is with deep sorrow we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Victoria Demkiw, on September 29, 2013 at Concordia Hospital at the age of 97 years. Predeceased by her loving husband Nicholas (1982), son Eugene (2000), and siblings Anthony, Anne, Michael, Peter, Sophia and Albert, she leaves to mourn her cherished family: daughter Rosemarie (Russell) Fay of Arnes, MB and daughter-in-law Marlene Demkiw of Winnipeg; five grandchildren Ronald (Barbara) Fay of Brandon, MB, Kathryn (William) Nagy of Hazelridge, MB, Shannon (Sandra) Demkiw of Winnipeg, Anne Marie (Kevin) Bailey of Winnipeg and Jason Demkiw of Winnipeg; four great-grandchildren Lisa Nagy, Nicholas Fay, Laura Fay and Jessica Nagy. Victoria was born on December 24, 1915, the youngest child of John and Mary Swiatkiewicz and lived on the family farm on what is now Inkster and Keewatin. Victoria was a farm girl and remained one for her lifetime. She loved the outdoors, gardening and animals of all kinds. Victoria had many pets throughout her life: from ducks, geese, chickens and cows on the farm to dogs, cats and guinea pigs for house pets. Her love of animals never wavered. Family and her church were the two most important things in her life. She was fiercely proud of her family and their accomplishments and always put them first in her life. Victoria was very independent and would rather figure out a way to complete something on her own instead of asking for help. She loved a challenge and was forever exploring new topics of interest. Reading, knitting, crocheting and puzzles took up much of her time in her later years. Every family member has an afghan that she lovingly created that will keep us warm in her love and sweet memories for years to come. Victoria was a very social person who was actively involved in her community. She loved meeting new people and learning about their life. She left a mark on everyone she met, whether it was a chance conversation or a friendship that spanned decades. Victoria had a sharp and inquisitive mind, never missing out on what was happening around her. She was always wanting to learn more…be it through books, self-explorations of her environment or by asking questions. Victoria will greatly missed by her family, friends, Park Manor staff and anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the wonderful staff at Park Manor Personal Care home for the love, friendships and new experiences they shared with her daily. Special thank you to Marilyn Krochak for her weekly pastoral visits and sharing of the Eucharist. These visits were an important part of Victoria’s week. Prayers will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2013 at 7:00 pm at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Funeral Liturgy will be held on Friday, October 4, 2013 at 10:00 am at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 400 Day Street. Interment will be in Brookside Cemetery, 3001 Notre Dame Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Park Manor Restoration Fund (301 Redonda Street), The Winnipeg Humane Society or to a dog rescue of your choice.