Obituary of JOHANNA LINDA STASIUK

Johanna Linda Stasiuk (nee Eliuk)

After a strong and courageous standoff with cancer, Johanna, at the age of 69, left us on Sunday, May 13, 2018. Her passing on Mother’s Day was fitting, as she was everyone’s mom.

Johanna is survived by her children Sara (Adam), Nicole (Rod), Benjamin (Lindsey), her brother Murray Eliuk (Pat), her husband Jerry, and a giant circle of family and friends. She was predeceased by her parents John and Jennie.

Johanna was born Sept. 1, 1948 in Vita, MB and was raised in Sundown—a community she held dear throughout her life. She attended grade school in the small southeastern Manitoba town, and completed Grade 12 at Grant Park High School. A natural caregiver, Johanna pursued a post-secondary education at the University of Manitoba and graduated with a diploma in physical therapy. She lived in Vancouver, Kelowna, and Ottawa before landing back in Winnipeg where she raised her three children. As a full-time mom, Johanna was involved in the PTA at Luxton School and in various community organizations, to which she gave her time, intellect and her superior organization skills. Once her children left the nest, Johanna returned to physiotherapy at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, where she quickly resumed her professional stride and made many lifelong friends.

She had several passions in life, perhaps none as strong as her wanderlust. At last count, Johanna visited 26 countries. When she travelled, Johanna lived as the locals lived, stepping out of the popular tourist traps to explore the smaller, modest neighbourhoods and communities. She climbed all the steep hills and sampled all the weird delicacies. Johanna’s curiosity about the world was a gift she passed on to everyone.

Johanna was an incredible mother. She was generous and non-judgmental when it came to matters involving her children. Her tireless support and sage advice will be missed. She loved meeting new people and found the best in everyone. Johanna found tremendous joy in socializing and participating in various community endeavours. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Sundown was especially grounding for her—the church offered a link to her family and provided her with a strong sense of pride in her Ukrainian identity.

When illness struck, Johanna continued to live life on her own terms. She maintained her robust travel schedule and socialized frequently with friends and family through the final seven-plus years of her life—sharing photos of her journeys with visitors over delicious meals she prepared. Johanna’s strength, character and determination remain an inspiration for us all. She will be missed.

A tribute to Johanna will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB.

Should friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Johanna’s memory to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Sundown, Box 24 Sundown, MB R0A 2C0.