Obituary of SONIA FLORENCE JEAN MELNYK

Sonia F. Melnyk

(nee Diachun)

February 4^th, 1934 – January 11^th, 2022

 

With broken hearts we announce the sudden but peaceful passing of our beloved mother, Baba and great-grandmother, on Tuesday, January 11^th, 2022.

Mom was predeceased by her parents, Dmytro and Annie Diachun, brother John Diachun and daughter-in-law, Debbie Melnyk.

Mom is remembered by her beloved family - husband John, son Johnny (Deanne), daughter Patti (Jeff), grandchildren, Daniel (Valerie), Kyle (Kayla), Casandra (Chris) and great-grandchild Liam Gough.

Mom was so very proud of her family.  And we will always be proud of you dearest mother.

Mom also is remembered by her sisters, Mary, Elsie, Anne (Pat), Grace, Diane (Brad), Roselyn (Gary) and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

Mom was raised on the family farm just north of Gimli, Manitoba.  Farm life instilled a strong work ethic, and our mom was very proud of her Ukrainian heritage.  Our mom first met our dad at a dance in Gimli in 1953 and initially she thought the young woman standing next to him was his wife.  A short time later, mom happily found out it was dad’s sister, Anne.  Mom and dad were married on June 12, 1954 and were devoted to each other for over 67 years.

Our mom cooked delicious meals (her pyrohy, holupchi and Easter Paska were truly the best).  

She enjoyed sewing, knitting, gardening and a love for Ukrainian embroidery were just a few of her passions.

Mom also enjoyed all types of puzzles.  Word puzzles, playing Scrabble, completing the “Jumble” from the Free Press daily helped maintain her sharp mind.  Lately, she enjoyed finishing jigsaw puzzles by the dozens and trading them with her friends and neighbors at Kildonan House where mom and dad resided until her passing.

 

It was very hard for mom and dad during the pandemic lockdowns and they missed attending church services and socializing with their close friends who they missed dearly. Olga and Werner Saxler, Verna Sokoliuk and Frances Prystupa to name a few.

Mom and dad were so happy to welcome John and Deanne’s new puppy, Nash to our family as Nash brought them endless hours of happiness.

Our family sends sincere thanks to Diane (Brad) Woloshen, Alexandra (Darryl) Pokrant, Harry (Gwen) Melnyk and Gordon (Donna) Mendres for staying in touch with our parents on a regular basis over the years. (Alex: Mom is sure going to miss your cherry tomato plants this spring.)

 

Mom loved all wildlife and feeding various birds brought her so much happiness (blue jays, nuthatches, woodpeckers and chickadees were her favorites).  We will miss our daily phone calls to discuss what birds we saw in our various feeders.

 

We had no time to say goodbye to you dear mother and our family chain is now broken. You will remain in our hearts forever, until we meet again.  We love you dearest mother and Baba.

A private family funeral has been held and a memorial service will be held in the Spring.

 

Flowers gratefully declined.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to the following charities

which were dear to our mother’s heart or to a charity of your choice.

Diabetes Canada, Canadian Wildlife Federation, Winnipeg Humane Society

 

My Mother’s Garden

My Mother kept a garden.
A garden of the heart;
She planted all the good things,
That gave my life it’s start.

She turned me to the sunshine,
And encouraged me to dream:
Fostering and nurturing
The seeds of self-esteem.

And when the winds and rains came,
She protected me enough;
But not too much, she knew I’d need
To stand up strong and tough.

Her constant good example,
Always taught me right from wrong;
Markers for my pathway
To last my whole life long.

I am my Mother’s garden,
I am her legacy.
And I hope today she feels the love,
Reflected back from me.