Obituary of LYDIA KALYNA HEDRICH

LYDIA KALYNA HEDRICH

January 1, 1958 – March 23, 2023

Lydia Kalyna Hedrich passed away March 23, 2023, with her family by her side at the Health Science Centre at the age of 65.

Lydia is lovingly remembered by her husband Rudiger, her boys, Mykola and Sasha, her mother Lucy, her daughter-in-law Artemis, her grandson Ilya, her brothers Vadim, Anatole and Sean and her Aunts Olga and Mary.

Lydia was born at St. Boniface Hospital, in the then City of Saint Boniface. She and husband Rudi met while attending high school in Sutton, Ontario. Lydia reflected many times over the years that she knew immediately upon meeting him that he was the one and that she would marry him. He followed her back to Manitoba after school and they would eventually marry in 1979 – welcoming their sons in 1988 and 1995 respectively.

Lydia was a loving mother and wife. Her life at home was occupied caring for and nurturing her family.

She was passionate about cooking; she enjoyed decorating; she loved the arts; she took great pleasure in hosting and entertaining guests – with great attention paid to detail when creating meals, settings, and arrangements pertaining to the celebration and each person. She was an ardent collector of children’s picture books with a collection spanning 40 years and numbering thousands of titles.

Another one of her joys was travelling with her family.  Often, she would reminisce about the wonderful memories made on those trips.

Her incredible memory allowed her to recall all moments in her life with family and friends. She demonstrated so much interest and care for those around her.

After finishing her studies at the Université de Saint-Boniface, Lydia started teaching at Assiniboine South School Division. Her work in education ultimately saw her stepping into the role of Assistant Superintendent with the Seven Oaks School Division from which she retired in 2019.

Fundamental to Lydia was a passion for social justice and education, a passion highlighted when the Seven Oaks School Division introduced the Sistema Music program. Lydia loved working in the Seven Oaks School Division where many colleagues became lifelong friends.

The family would like to express a special thanks to the Pulmonary Clinic at St. Boniface Hospital and the staff at the Health Science Centre, ICU.

A celebration of life will be held at the Maples Collegiate, 1330 Jefferson Avenue on Saturday, April 22, 2023 starting at 1p.m.

If friends so desire, a donation in Lydia’s memory can be made to the Sistema Program, Seven Oaks School Division. Cheques can be made payable to the Seven Oaks School Division and send to The Board Office, 830 Powers Street, Wpg. R2V 4E7.