Obituary of LINA HENDERSON

Peacefully on Monday, November 14, 2011, our wonderful, sweet Lina passed away. Lina will be forever cherished by George, her husband of 52 years, daughter Helen Coughlin, son Yogi, grandchildren Matthew, Annie, Jane and John Coughlin, Kyle, Kelsey and Tory Cardinal. She is also survived by her brothers Adam (Mary) and John (Darlene), sisters-in-law Mary Keryluk, Joyce Brooks (Murray), Florance Anderson, brothers-in-law Don, Garry (Jeanette), David and Danny (Lynne)Henderson as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbours and colleagues--all of whom she loved dearly. Lina was predeceased by her adored oldest daughter Heather Cardinal in 2007, parents Jusko and Helen Keryluk, in-laws George and Winnie Henderson, brothers Mike, Stan, nephew Randy Kereluk and niece Corri Borkowsky. Lina was born on February 26, 1936 in Meleb, Manitoba. She was the youngest of 5 (and the only girl) born to Polish Immigrant Farmers in the Interlake District. Lina was so proud of her Polish heritage and it was in this loving yet harsh environment that she developed her incredible work ethic, her love of music, song, laughter, food and family. Over the years, Lina worked for Brooke Bonds Foods, Manitoba Dairy and Poultry (Manco) and Ross Electronic Supply. Her volunteer career included the Bord-Aire Ladies Club, the St. James Assiniboia 55+Centre and the St. Anne's Catholic Church. She was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and was 'Harmonica Princess' to the Dazzleberry Red Hat Chapter. A life-long learner, Lina never stopped taking courses and classes for anything and everything. Never was she too busy to help when something needed to get done and was always the hardest worker who was also having the most fun. Cutting hair, cake decorating, gardening, fashion modelling, paper tolling, line dancing, cribbage, singing, yodelling playing her guitar/piano or harmonica, curling, bowling, skating, golfing, going to the cottage or to Red Hat Hoots, Lina lived life to the fullest. Lina was George's loving Polish Princess, a nurturing, supportive mother and a doting Grandmother to her 7 grandchildren. Nothing provided her as much joy as the simple opportunity to be Grandma. She cheered at all her grandchildren's sporting or school events no matter how far away, freezing cold or rainy it was...she was always there. 'GL' was the bright , life-giving sun around which her children and grandchildren orbited. In all her roles as Wife, Mother, Grandma, Sister, Aunt, Daughter, Friend, Co-worker and neighbour, Lina was a shining example of how we should all try to live our lives. In love she was generous; in spirit she was caring, at work she was selfless; in adversity she was courageous, in suffering she was resolute. She never complained, felt very blessed to have lived this long and accepted her fate with courage and grace. She lived her life with joy, humour, passion, generosity, kindness, honesty and most of all with love. She has shone a path for all of us to follow. Lina will always shine on in her husband, children and grandchildren and we will all bask in the light of her goodness and love. Cremation has taken place. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2400 Portage Ave., Friday, November 18 at 1 p.m. with Reverend Father José Eduardo Medeiros presiding. Interment to follow at Brookside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, R3E 0V9 or to the charity of your choice. May God grant her eternal rest...we love you so much...you are our Sunshine.