Obituary of OLGA CHROL

OLGA CHROL

With heavy hearts we share the sudden passing of our Mom and Baba Olga Chrol on June 17, 2021.

Predeceased by her parents Maria and Michael Konarski; husband Stepan, and siblings Sophia Hryciw and Walter Konarski.

 Left to remember are her children Zenon (Lori), Taras (Cindy) and Iris; grandchildren Robert, Samantha (Alyx), Sarah (Corey), Steven (Shannon) and TJ (Courtney); great-grandchildren Ben, Zoey and Tyson; brother Alex (Bev) Turcyzn; sister-in law Luba Konarski, Sofia Gotthard and brother- in-law John (Stella) Chrol.

Born November 1, 1936 Kizliw, Ternopil, Western Ukraine and during WWII was forcibly relocated with her family. After the war, they immigrated from Germany to Caracas, Venezuela where Mom’s love for the Spanish language and music was sparked.

In 1952 the family came to Canada where a young Olga with bright blue eyes met her charming Stepan in Winnipeg; they married soon after on May 21, 1955 and raised their family. Together they realized many accomplishments: their first business Airlies Grocery (which prompted Mom to learn how to drive) and then McGregor Grocery and Meats.

 In retirement the pair took pleasure in bargain hunting, gardening and home projects. Tato’s passing was extremely difficult for Mom and she missed him greatly. We take comfort in knowing they are reunited.

Mom’s hands were always busy… knitting and crocheting, embroidering and word puzzles. We will miss the taste of her ever so light paskas, plump perogies, heart warming borscht and little meatballs. Garlic was the magic elixir! Her vast collections of recipe books, patterns and yarns spoke to the future potential of an item. She enjoyed the adult day programs at Holy Family and Gwen Sector where she became a bingo champ and made new friends.

A deep and strong faith sustained Mom throughout her life. She expressed her great love for us through her hard work, sacrifices and generous nature. She wanted us to have the opportunities denied to her.  She was an enthusiastic audience member at various school performances and an eager recipient of our culinary creations. The trauma of early childhood experiences shaped her life and generous actions: sending parcels to Ukraine, knitting scarves for those in need and offering a welcoming smile to a new group member.

She was everyone’s Baba but to us she was our Mom.  While never long enough, we value the gift of the times we shared with her.

Thank you to the first responders, Winnipeg Fire and Winnipeg Police who demonstrated such kindness and compassion to us at a very difficult time.

Thank you to the homecare workers who provided dignified care.

As per Covid restrictions, a private family funeral will be held on Saturday, June 26 at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral at 10 a.m., Fr. Gene Maximiuk officiating, honourary officiant Fr. Jaroslaw Buciora. Service will be streamed. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Donations may be made to Pomich Ukraina, Heart & Stroke Foundation

Vichnaya Pamyat