Emily Wondrasek

Emily Wondrasek of Russell passed away April 25, 2025 at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg at the age of 86 years.

She is survived by her loving husband Jim, her son Barry (Cheryl) of Winnipeg, daughter Cheryl (Glenn) of Winnipeg and her youngest  daughter Wanda (Kyle) of Neepawa. Along with her larger family of  grandchildren, Amanda (Mark), Garrett (Jhelene), Eric, Steven (Delaney), Chase, Rylee and Shelby as well as great grandchild Ellie May. Survivors also include her brother Bryan (Linda) of Dauphin, sister in law Rosemarie of Regina, long-time friend Cookie Schwalm of Esterhazy and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mom was born in Russell and spent her early years on the family farm at Millwood. She started her early schooling in a one room school in Millwood and graduated from Grade 12 in Russell. Following her graduation she attended Brandon University to train as a teacher. She received her teacher’s certificate as well as gained a number of lifelong friends that have met repeatedly over the years to reconnect. Following her graduation she taught at Bertha and Rossburn schools gaining experience and helping students to grow along the way.

Life has a funny way of coming full circle, in 1960 she married Jim. She had known Jim since their early school days and he lived just across the Assiniboine valley from her. From that point their life and travels began. Mom moved with Jim to the Island Falls power site to begin their lives together. They made many friends that they still stay in touch with. In 1967 they moved to Esterhazy where they lived while Jim worked for IMC at the Potash mine. They came home to their roots in 1971 to begin farming. First on the McKinnon farm and then moving to Jim’s Dad’s farm in 1975.

In 2007 Mom and Dad retired from their farm to a small home in Russell and began to do the things they liked to do. There was some camping, lots of  coffee with friends and acquaintances, visits with their family, a bit of fishing, along with numerous trips to the golf course. Squeezed in was even some substitute teaching at the schools in Russell and car trips in and around home.

Whether it was on the farm or in town, Mom loved visits from her kids and grandkids. She loved to organize holidays for the grandkids during their summer vacations and she also enjoyed visits with all of us when our   schedules would permit. If we weren’t able to visit she made time to talk to us on the phone and helped us in any way she could.