Obituary of LILLIAN SIANCHUK

It is with deep sorrow and gratitude for her life, that we announce the passing of Lillian Sianchuk (nee Macksymchuk) in Winnipeg on February 25, 2023 at the age of 96.

Lillian was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Steve Sianchuk and sons-in-law Gary Klemick and Blair Moshansky; by her parents Nicholas and Mary Macksymchuk; her siblings Elsie and Tom Zatylny; Nellie and Tony Wellis; Fred Macksymchuk; Ann (John Koversky) and Tony Demchuk; Bill and Elsie (Wilk); and brother-in-law Reg Dmytriw.

She is survived by her children: Phyllis, Fr. John, Marian Moshansky, Janice Klemick and Lesia. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren Shawna and Ryan Reid; Darcy and Sara; and Michelle and Chris Campbell; great-grandchildren, Max, Noah, Rhett, London and Sonny and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.  She is also survived by her sister Margaret Dmytriw and sister-in-law Anne Macksymchuk

Lillian was born in Ozerna, Manitoba August 8, 1926 where she was raised, attending Fraser School. In 1946 she married Steve Sianchuk and moved to live at his farm in Sandy Lake. There they raised their five children. Life on the farm was hard work but enjoyable filled with many memories of Sunday dinners with family and many visitors.  Because of her husband’s illness, in 1968 the family moved to Winnipeg where Lillian worked at the Winnipeg’s General Hospital (now HSC). In 1969 they moved to Dauphin where Lillian worked as a supervisor at St. Paul’s Nursing Home. In 1995. Lillian and Steve moved to Winnipeg.

Lillian’s life revolved around her faith and her faith community. Her faith in our God and the Blessed Mother was central in her life. Her commitment to daily prayers and attending all Church services continued until the day she passed away.  Her living faith was her rock and foundation helping her to carry all the burdens she had in her life. Church life was more than just attending, she got involved. In 1948 she became a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Ladies League of Canada.  Through the League she led the Altar Guild for years ensuring that the Church was cleaned, altar clothes washed and ironed, candles in place, and flowers adorning the space.  God’s house was to be respected and kept beautiful.  She was a member of the League until her passing.  For years she weekly led Sunday morning Rosary. Church life also was a place for her to be a part of a community and socialization especially with the Seniors Club and the Perogy Makers. While living in Dauphin, Lillian worked very closely with the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, eventually making a commitment as an SSMI Associate member.

She loved her family, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They filled her with joy. Lillian was a hard worker, and wonderful mentor.  Her commitment to doing the best job possible was very apparent in her home, her cooking and gardening, and her projects like cross stitching.   She loved flowers and always had a beautiful flower garden. In recent years, as things were slowing down, she still enjoyed going for walks through the neighborhood especially to see the flowers.  She had a joyful demeanor and loved meeting people, sharing with them and making them feel at home.

Thank you to Dr. Taras Babick and Dr. Andrea Babick for their care and compassion over the past few years.  Thank you to the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) and to the Emergency Staff at St. Boniface Hospital.

Funeral Parastas will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church at 7 pm Sunday March 5. This will be preceded by a rosary at 6:30 pm. The Funeral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Monday March 6 at 10 am. The interment will be at Holy Family Cemetery.

Those who wish to make memorial donations could do so to the Bishop Velychkovsky National Martyr’s Shrine, where she was a volunteer for many years.

May God grant her Eternal Rest! Вічная Пам’ять!