Obituary of Katherine Hlynsky

HLYNSKY: It is with great sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of Katherine (Katheryna) Hlynsky at Dinsdale Personal Care Home on Wednesday, August 5th at 94 years of age. Katherine will be lovingly remembered by her children Gordon, Ann and Ted; daughters- in- law Janice and Catherine; grandchildren Katie (Craig), Peter (Erin), Julia (Jordan), Matthew (Gabriela), Michael (Rachel) and Jennifer (Stefan); and great grandchildren Hannah, Jacob, Eric, Abby, Sophia and Juliette. Mom was born in Donetsk, Ukraine on June 23, 1926. Mom survived the Holodymyr in eastern Ukraine and was a prisoner of war in Germany. She met her husband, Theodore, when each of their forced labour camps were liberated. Together, they shared the challenge of rebuilding their lives together. Unable to return home, they ventured to England and were sponsored to Canada in 1948 settling in Souris, Manitoba. They worked hard to overcome adversity and raise a family in a new country and a new community while learning a new language. They displayed a high level of resourcefulness and resilience and were able to seize the opportunities available in Canada. Mom and Dad were embraced by a supportive community in Souris and Brandon, where they developed many lifelong friends. They were an inseparable team and worked, played, loved and danced together throughout their 52 years of marriage until Dad's passing in 1998. Mom spent many hours on each of the construction sites working with Dad throughout the years as they built their business together. Mom was fiercely protective, proud and devoted to her family. She especially valued education and challenged and encouraged everyone in the family to further their education. The values of hard work, self-reliance, education and family are a lasting legacy from her and Dad. Mom enjoyed gardening, tending her flowers and vegetable garden. She was a terrific cook and the smell of fresh bread, soup and traditional Ukrainian foods always filled the house. Mom's happiest times were when she was with and surrounded by her family. She took great pride in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Since Dad's passing Mom had the benefit of the companionship of Ann and their faithful dog Murphy. In recent years, Mom cherished the road trips to Phoenix with Ann and Murphy to spend her days in the warm sun during the winter months. She often enjoyed the fresh oranges picked directly from the trees. During the past year, Mom received kind and compassionate care at Dinsdale Personal Care Home. We are very grateful for the professionalism of the team at Dinsdale. Thanks Mom. You lived an incredible life, were a great role model, inspired us and were always an amazing lady. We love you and will miss you. There will be no formal service. The family will have a private celebration of her life at a later date. Interment will be at Brandon Cemetery. Vichnaya Pamyat (Remembered forever)