Obituary of ELAINE (OLESIA ALICE) SALAMON

ELAINE (OLESIA ALICE) SALAMON Elaine Salamon (neé Wiwchar) passed away peacefully on July 1st, 2020, surrounded by her husband and children. Elaine will be deeply missed by her loving husband Boris and her children Dennis (Jennifer) and Daria (Robert Krause), grandchildren Carter, Jayden and Ashlyn Salamon, Oskar and Isla Blue Krause. Elaine was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Pauline Wiwchar, and brother Zynovie. Elaine was born in Gorlitz, Saskatchewan in 1942, but grew up in Canora; she often spoke fondly of her childhood with cousins and friends – many of whom she remained close to for her entire life. Elaine moved to Toronto with her family in her early twenties, where she went on to work at Canada Life. While performing with the Canada Life Choir at Expo ’67, she was swept off her feet by Boris, and the following year she would marry him and head back to the prairies. Elaine and Boris were married for 52 years and lived in Winnipeg. Elaine’s greatest joy and pride in her life was raising her children Dennis and Daria. Family was everything to Elaine, and she devoted her life to cultivating a loving and supportive home, the pillar upon which her family thrived. She welcomed her mother into her home to care for her in her final years. Elaine lived for the pure bliss of spending time with her grandchildren – whether it was excursions to the library, crafting epic treasure hunts, cheering at baseball games or delivering online baking classes during COVID. Elaine was an engaged member of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral. She was a leader within the CYMK youth organization for many years; she was particularly proud of the plays she brought to the stage that highlighted Ukrainian culture. Elaine cultivated her passion for singing within the Holy Trinity church choir and held executive positions. Most recently, she was the Chair of the Outreach Committee, ensuring the elderly and ill were always cared for. She was an active member of the Lesia Ukrainka Women’s Association. When Elaine’s children were off to university, she decided to pursue her interest in reflexology and aesthetics. She enrolled at Scientific Marvel Aesthetician School, completing the program among students who were half her age. She then went on to obtain her reflexology certification, becoming involved with the Reflexology Association of Manitoba. For over twenty years, Elaine was a sought-after and entrepreneurial reflexologist and aesthetician. She had an extensive list of clients who cherished her. She particularly revelled in helping the elderly. Elaine was a passionate gardener her whole life. She was President of the Fort Garry Horticultural Society; her roses garnered awards. Elaine’s colourful and stunning garden continues to thrive and is symbolic of her spirit. Elaine also embraced reading literature and regularly attended readings and events in support of the arts. Elaine’s passion for travel took her many places such as Thailand, Australia, Ecuador, Spain, France, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cuba, Mexico, Caribbean and Alaskan cruises. Elaine derived joy in bringing happiness to others. She was delightful, endearing, compassionate, and the epitome of humility. Her love was often communicated through a lemon pie. Donations in Elaine’s memory can be made to the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral at 1175 Main Street in Elaine’s memory. Graveside service and interment to be held Tuesday, July 7th at 1:00 p.m. at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. Social distancing practices in effect.