Obituary of PEARL PODOLCHUK

PEARL PODOLCHUK Peacefully on Saturday, April 20, 2013, Pearl passed away at the Maplewood Manor in Steinbach at the age of 95. Pearl was born and raised in Elma, Manitoba, the youngest daughter of Pauline and Stephan Podolchuk. She was pre-deceased by her parents, brothers, Michael, Samuel and Peter; sisters Anne, Kay, Mary, brother-in-law Paul Papushka and niece, Fern Papushka. Pearl is lovingly remembered by her nephew Harry (Eileen) Papushka; niece Joan Papushka; great nieces Caren Wegman, Sharon (Jeff) Goy and great nephew David (Kathleen) Papushka and 6 great, great nieces and nephew. Pearl left to work in Winnipeg on different occasions, but her true passion was the family farm where she lived, worked and kept house till the age of 94. Although the work was hard, the hours long, she couldn’t wait to get outside come spring. All the farm seasons were "very special" to Pearl. She loved to get out to the fields to help where she could; no job was too big for Pearl. Of special interest were her gardens, berry picking with friends and family -- those great blueberry picking days and baking. We all fondly remember the aroma of freshly baked bread, those delicious berry pies and her flawless cakes. Pearl got so much pleasure from sharing her baking with family and friends who dropped by for a visit, none of whom could leave until they had a cup of Pearl’s "famous coffee" and a sampling of the goodies on hand – if you were lucky, just out of the oven. Pearl loved nature and the great outdoors. A simple car ride in the country and throughout the Whiteshell brought such joy. She often thanked God for the abundance of beauty she was enjoying along with the sounds of nature -- particularly the ‘croaking’ of the frogs in spring. Her fun-loving personality and strong will made an impression on everyone. Pearl's sense of humour will be missed by all. Our family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff at the Maplewood Manor for the friendly and compassionate care they extended to Pearl during her stay. "Special Thanks" to Gracie Wohlgemuth who was always there for Pearl and to 100-year old, Mrs. Penner, who sat with her dear friend and neighbor for hours, day and night, during her final days. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. with Service to follow on Saturday, April 27 at 11:00 a.m. at the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Ukrainian Catholic Church in Elma, MB. Interment to follow in the Church Cemetery.