Obituary of Emily ARNASON

EMILY (AMY) ARNASON October 5, 1948 - June 13, 2008 Strongly secure in her faith, Emily (Amy) Arnason, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family. Amy was born in Grandview, Manitoba to Peter and Mary Lukie (Gryba). Remaining to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Les, stepson Jeff Arnason, her mother, Mary Lukie (Winnipeg) to whom she was especially devoted, sisters Anne Christiuk (Roman) of Winnipeg, Irene Syrnick (Stan) of Weyburn, SK, brothers Edward Lukie (Emily) of Sudbury, Walter Lukie (Isabel) of Winnipeg, sister-in-law, Adele Mayberry (Ian) of Winnipeg, brothers-in-law Dick Arnason (Kathy Marks) of Gimli, Dwayne Arnason of Gimli and Danny Luprypa of Gimli, sisters-in-law Carol (Hugh) MacDonald of California, Terry (Barry) Verbiwski of Selkirk, Sheila(Ron) Isfeld of Selkirk and Sandy (Wayne) Macvicar of Selkirk. She was a favourite and delightful aunt to all her nieces and nephews, who enjoyed her sense of humour and just being a "kid at heart." They will serve as honourary pallbearers. She was predeceased by her first husband, Don Hnatiw of Dauphin, father, Peter Lukie of Dauphin, brother, Paul Lukie of Winnipeg and nephew, Dennis Lukie of Sudbury, Les' parents, Joe and Clarice Arnason and sister- in-law Brenda Luprypa of Gimli. Amy received her education in Grandview, MB and Sacred Heart Academy in Yorkton, SK. She moved to Sudbury to look after her nephew, Dennis, then returned to Dauphin, MB where she enjoyed working with MTS. She met Don Hnatiw and they married in 1969. Over the next few years, they owned and operated various businesses. Don's health required them to move to Winnipeg in 1984. Don's health continued to deteriorate and he passed away in 1986. Amy worked at The Bay as a sales person, where she excelled in her artistic talent in interior decorating in creating room displays in the furniture department. Her home could have been showcased in any home decorating magazine. She continued to work at The Bay, where she met Leslie Arnason and they married in 1988. Amy and Les enjoyed their life together, taking many winter vacations, loved golfing, whether it was in Hawaii or a golf course anywhere in Manitoba. It was a special treat for Amy to go golfing with Les' dad in Gimli. Following their game, they enjoyed the rest of the day, sitting on the deck at the house, just sharing stories. They would enjoy a day trip to Grand Forks, just to go to Red Lobster for some seafood. They both had a wonderful sense of adventurous opportunities. Amy's gift was her love for all of us. She was very attentive to her mother's comforts and needs. She had a sense of humour and insight that helped create many enjoyable and amusing moments. She is remembered for her beautiful smile, infectious laughter and generous affection. Her caring and kind nature will remain in our hearts forever, especially her nieces and nephews. Amy was a collector of fine artwork, Lladro figurines, and she loved bunnies, of which she had a wonderful collection. We will miss her adventurous spirit, her generosity and her love of life! Amy faced many trials throughout her life, but always met them with determination and strong will. Special thanks to the Palliative Care staff and nurses, Jadwiga and Monique. Words cannot express how thankful and grateful Les is to the wonderful Palliative Care Program that provided the care, compassion and support that he needed to make Amy's last days and hours at home peaceful and comfortable. Thanks to the staff at St. Boniface and Health Sciences Hospitals for their loving care. Deepest gratitude to Dr. T. Ken Thorlakson for being a very special friend to Amy and Les. Special thanks to Dr. Lipshitz and Dr. A. Micflikier for their outstanding care and support. The family is most grateful and appreciative to Marcel Dorge for being a very supportive and caring friend. In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration to honour the life of Amy will be held at St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., with Fr. Raymond Lukie CSsR officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Family Cemetery. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.cropo.com. In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit, Bishop Vasyl Shrine at St. Joseph's or a charity of your choice. Vichnaya Pamyat Eternal Memory