It is with sadness and gratitude for her long life filled with love for everyone around her, that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Baba, Great Baba and sister, Anne Stanchuk on November 18, 2020 at Russell Hospital.
Anne was the second of eight children of Dora (Hrycuik) and Peter Sidoryk and was born on their farm just west of Angusville, MB on December 14, 1925. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband Harry (1997); her sister Stella (Al MacDonald); her brother Bill (Helen); her brother Ernest (Jeanine); brother in law Sam Gerbasi (Ellen); and Nicholas. She is survived by her sons and spouses, Les and Penny; Bud and Mary Rose; David and Heather; Alan and Alison; grand children and great-grandchildren Kale, Nicky and Arianna; Ian, Megan, Sophia and Shay; Brittany, Aaron, Hunter and Asher; Austin, Melissa and Lily; sister Ellen Gerbasi; brothers Murray Sidoryk (Louise); Larry Sidoryk (Linda); brother in law Al MacDonald; sisters in law Helen Sidoryk; Jeanine Sidoryk; and many nieces and nephews.
Mom grew up in and around Angusville where she attended school and Lakedale church, visiting family and spending summers with grandparents in Mears district. She worked at the post office in Angusville before marrying Harry in 1946. They built a house on the farm south of Angusville and started their family. Not being much of a farm girl, they made the move - including house and all - to Russell in 1957 where they first operated Harry’s Foods, then moved on to the bulk fuel business in 1960. Mom worked from home keeping books for Stanchuk Petroleum and raising 4 rambunctious boys. It was tough to get her out of the kitchen and that sense of preparing and gathering for a wonderful meal has been instilled into all of us. A roast beef dinner with cabbage rolls and mashed potatoes on the side was always an important part of any family gathering. Mom and Dad liked to travel and see family and spent much time visiting Angusville, Winnipeg, Vancouver and many places in between. After Harry retired they enjoyed annual winter trips to Tucson, AZ to visit with brother-in-law Al. They were also active in many community organizations. After Dad’s passing, Mom continued to be an active member of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic church.
In later years Mom stayed connected to the larger world through her daily read of the Winnipeg Free Press and always had her TV tuned to the CBC News network, except for her daily enjoyment of the Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune. She had many opinions on things of the world, some that even changed throughout her long wonderful life. Her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren brought much joy to her. She delighted in receiving letters from friends and family, and had a fridge layered in pictures celebrating the important moments in her loved ones lives. She enjoyed the challenge of a crossword puzzle but was always willing to seek a little help from visitors to her home. In later years her brother Murray and Louise often gave her a helping hand and she always was delighted when Ellen and Sam or other members of her extended family came for a visit. Anne struggled with her hearing throughout her life but that didn’t diminish her joy in a visit, with family or the many great home care workers who helped her out over the last few years. The great care and dedication provided by Prairie Mountain Health Home Care allowed Mom to stay in the house she and Harry built in 1946 up until near the end. The family also really appreciated the excellent care provided by the wonderful nurses at Russell Health Centre and Dr. Pieterse during her last days.
Anne was a women of strong faith and it is fitting that her life will be celebrated through a service at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic church at 10:30 a.m. on Monday November 23, 2020. Friends and family will be able to participate through live streaming coordinated by Braendle-Bruce Funeral Service. Those wishing to make memorial donations in Ann’s memory are asked to support Palliative Care at the Russell Health Centre and St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church.