Cecile Boryskiewich

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Cecile Joan Boryskiewich, April 8th, 2026, at the Russell Hospital.  Cec was born on August 25, 1936, in Pembroke, Ontario, to Hubert Hamilton and Mary Prince. Cecile spent her formative years in the Kenora and Sault Ste. Marie areas of Ontario, growing up alongside her siblings Margaret, Hubert, Lillian, Annie May, Hilda and Gordon.
Throughout much of her life, Cec worked in the hospitality industry as a waitress and cook. At the age of 25, driven by a spirit of adventure, she responded to a newspaper advertisement for a housekeeping position in Manitoba. Packing her bags, Cec embarked on a journey to Silverton, Manitoba, where she found employment with Doug and Alice Stewart. Her willingness to embrace new opportunities and her unwavering dedication were admired by all who knew her.
It was in Silverton that Cec met and married her neighbor, Henry Boryskiewich. Together, they raised their sons—Ralph, Sam, and Richard—on their farm northeast of Silverton. In the 70s, the family moved to Russell, purchasing their home in 1973. Cec returned once again to the hospitality sector, working as a cook at several local restaurants, where her chicken dumpling soup became a well-loved menu favorite.
Cec’s warmth, kindness, and generosity touched the lives of her family, friends, and community. Upon her retirement, she devoted much of her time to caring for her grandchildren—Jake, Lucas, Ayla, and Van. As “Granny,” she was always up for swimming at the pool, backyard camping, skateboarding, and dancing.
She was known for her caring nature and generosity. Cec enjoyed baking her famous gingerbread and delivering her signature raisin-eyed gingerbread men to residents at the care home and hospital. Each holiday found her busy cutting and creating decorations for care home residents. She loved reading cookbooks, carefully rating recipes—good or bad—after trying them. The best recipes were handwritten and cherished in her well-used scribblers.
After Henry’s passing in 2006, Cec remained independent in her home until 2018, when she moved to the Russell Personal Care Home. Her time there was special, as she reconnected with former coworkers, friends, and—on occasion—may have bent a rule or two. Cec seemed to have lucky Bingo cards, often evident by the treats proudly displayed in her room. Visitors were always delighted by her vibrant, colorful space, decorated generously with gingerbread men.
Strong-willed and resilient, Cec refused to let life dictate her path. She faced cancer with determination, overcoming it three times. She had a lifelong love of sweets—despite the challenges they posed for her diabetes—she enjoyed them greatly.
Though our hearts ache with her loss, we take comfort in the cherished memories, and the lasting legacy Granny leaves behind. May her soul rest in peace, and may her memory forever be a blessing to those who knew and loved her.
She was preceded by her husband Henry, in-laws Katie (Bill) Mandziuk, Ruth Annie (Roland) Johnson, Nick (Pearl), Stella (Nick) Kostuik, Mary (Horace) Michachuk.
Her siblings Hubert, Margaret Irwin, Liliian (Jack) Willis, Annie May (Danny) Roseborough, Hilda (William) Ross.
Grandson Lance Boryskiewich
Cherishing her memory are her brother Gordon (Louise) Hamilton; her sons Ralph (Rheanne), Sam (Dana), and Richard; her grandchildren Matt, Janet, Jake (Krista), Lucas; Alya(Carter), Van, great-grandchildren Kyla, Haley, Brody, and Paige.