Obituary for Florence Edith Melnyk
Florence was born to John and Edith McEachran on September 22, 1929. She grew up on a farm close to Treherne, Manitoba and left at 16 to become a telephone operator, later moving to Dominion City and finally settling in Winnipeg. Her world changed when she met her husband, Bill, and they spent the next 60 years happily together and raising their children, Darryl (Lois) and Tanis (Rick). She shared a special closeness, love, and guidance with her grandchildren Annalise and Carl Erkelens and was a wonderful mother in law to Lois. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings Ruth (Alan), Harvey (Dorothy), Neil, and Jean (Jack), and is survived by her sister in laws Nettie Solinski, Dorothy McEachran, and Gloria Melnyk.
Mum was a hard worker, a baker, and a walker. When we were young she grew, canned and froze the produce from two gardens, cared for her family, and then worked outside the home only when we were grown. Like her mother, she was an expert pie maker and all special dinners ended either with pie, dainties or both. Cookies were sent to grandchildren when they moved or were studying. She was a lifelong walker and had favourite walks in every place she visited. Last fall she pushed her walker up the hills of the Pembina Valley and, when confined in a hospital room this spring, walked in circles to stay active. She loved day trips to West Hawk Lake where we had spent family holidays, Gimli, where our parents celebrated their anniversary for many years, the family farm, Birds Hill, Winnipeg Beach, and Assiniboine Park.
We'll miss her always being at the other end of the phone, her smile, sharing a weekend drink, discussing sports and her vigorously cheering for the Jets and Bombers, people watching after a dinner out, and truck rides in the country. We'll miss her genuine concern for our well-being, her interest in the details of our lives, and her encouragement.
Florence was a kind woman of many talents, much love, and knowledge. We are grateful for her presence in our lives. She was strong beyond belief, and even in her final months, overcame many obstacles to remain honest and insightful. We have much appreciation and respect for Drs. Bristow and Condon for their expert care over the last few months, for her caregivers at the Rosewood and the Lindenwood Manor for their kindness and compassion. Also, many thanks to her niece Val (Gordon) and nephew Dwaine (Lynn) for keeping in touch with Mum over the years. We will be forever grateful to Jennifer from Spiritual Care at the Grace Hospital who provided devoted care to Mum, and with whom Mum developed an especially close and nurturing relationship.
A family interment will be held at a later date.
Mum was a hard worker, a baker, and a walker. When we were young she grew, canned and froze the produce from two gardens, cared for her family, and then worked outside the home only when we were grown. Like her mother, she was an expert pie maker and all special dinners ended either with pie, dainties or both. Cookies were sent to grandchildren when they moved or were studying. She was a lifelong walker and had favourite walks in every place she visited. Last fall she pushed her walker up the hills of the Pembina Valley and, when confined in a hospital room this spring, walked in circles to stay active. She loved day trips to West Hawk Lake where we had spent family holidays, Gimli, where our parents celebrated their anniversary for many years, the family farm, Birds Hill, Winnipeg Beach, and Assiniboine Park.
We'll miss her always being at the other end of the phone, her smile, sharing a weekend drink, discussing sports and her vigorously cheering for the Jets and Bombers, people watching after a dinner out, and truck rides in the country. We'll miss her genuine concern for our well-being, her interest in the details of our lives, and her encouragement.
Florence was a kind woman of many talents, much love, and knowledge. We are grateful for her presence in our lives. She was strong beyond belief, and even in her final months, overcame many obstacles to remain honest and insightful. We have much appreciation and respect for Drs. Bristow and Condon for their expert care over the last few months, for her caregivers at the Rosewood and the Lindenwood Manor for their kindness and compassion. Also, many thanks to her niece Val (Gordon) and nephew Dwaine (Lynn) for keeping in touch with Mum over the years. We will be forever grateful to Jennifer from Spiritual Care at the Grace Hospital who provided devoted care to Mum, and with whom Mum developed an especially close and nurturing relationship.
A family interment will be held at a later date.