Judith "Judy" Rubeniuk

With family by her side, Judy Rubeniuk passed away on May 8, 2025 at the age of 80 years. Judith (Judy) Bernice (Saley) Rubeniuk was born October 27, 1944 in Hamilton, ON to parents Alex and Mary (Schaworski) Saley. The family moved to Rossburn, MB in 1953 where they lived in a 2 room home. As the 2nd oldest child and the oldest daughter, Judy helped raise her 7 siblings due to the untimely passing of their father in 1956. She attended Rossburn  Elementary and Collegiate schools until Grade 10/11 when she gained employment as a telephone operator with the Manitoba Telephone System in Rossburn.

Judy met Peter Rubeniuk, of Angusville, at one of the local dances and they were married November 13, 1964. They lived in one of Uncle Mike Rubeniuk’s farm yards which was close to the Rubeniuk Family Farm. This home enjoyed many friends and family functions. This home was also where they started their family with Randy in August 1966 and Audrey in October 1969. They built their dream home down the lane from the main farm in 1980.

Although Mom never had a regular job, she would be considered an expert in many fields - perogy making - she organized many perogy bees with her final one being this past February and proudly making 70 dozen perogies for the annual Poker Derby. She was a grain marketer with her price book dating back to 1970’s as she faithfully listened to the markets daily. You would get shushed when the radio announcer was listing the prices and you were talking… She was involved in animal control when the beavers and crows were around, She cultivated fields when necessary and operated a daycare which her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friend’s children, and town kids learned her art of packing pickles, pinching perogies, making keesta, cutting grass and fishing.

Mom had a strong work ethic and instilled that in her children, grandchildren and anyone that happened to be around - no one sat if there were meals to be prepared or taken out to the field, grass to cut or vegetables to be picked; but she always made time for play. Mom and Dad enjoyed holidays to New Zealand, Hawaii, Europe, USA, Churchill and Whitehorse. They also made many one day trips to local festivals, farm equipment shows, and surrounding lakes for picnics with family and friends. Dad and Mom also loved following the grandchildren around to their activities. They could be found at the surrounding arenas or ball diamonds watching with the other grandparents. They were very proud of their family and how Randy,Cheryl, Kyle, Garrett, and Hailey all worked on the family farm. And if there were any crops to check or fields to burn, Mom just had to be given ½ hour notice and she would be right out there. But needed a days notice to go to Yorkton or Brandon…Mom loved having family suppers which either ended or started with games of canasta, farkle or pass the Ace. This stemmed from nights at Super Baba’s. Mom could whip up a lunch or supper in 15 minutes and had an endless supply of pre cooked bacon ready to be reheated as a snack or with morning coffee with Randy and the boys. Mom liked living a simple life - no cell phone, basic cable TV until curling and hockey season started and could not figure out why Audrey would purposely buy jeans with rips in them. Her check in phone calls with her friends like Angie and Verna and with her family sometimes were quick but she always made that time to call personally. She hated to bother anybody but had a list taped to her napkin dispenser or the door, in case that person stopped in and would cross off the job when it was done. Her use of green paint tape is well known and will always be a reminder when anyone uses some. Mom called it as she saw it and only required a hug as payment for all she did.

These past few years Mom enjoyed spending time at the Russell Thrift Store where she rekindled old friendships and made new friends. She took on the doll department where she would clean and make clothes for the dolls, getting them ready for resale. Her last count was over 700.

Mom’s love of grass cutting was well known too… Years ago, Starting early in the morning, Her and Audrey would make their way around to all the farm yards trimming and cutting around the bins. She said it was in case someone dropped a tool and was easy to find - but it might have been from our inbred dislike of garter snakes. Later years, when the farm got the big mower, she would put on her white bee suit - to keep the dust off- and tour by herself. The St. Vladimir and Olga Cemetery was another pet project of hers. This also involved organizing Angusville Families to cut the grass thru the summer months but we would always have the first cut.

Mom also helped organize the Angusville Senior Suppers. She would plan and shop for months in advance and fuss over the games to be played and prizes to be won. When you asked how the event went over, she would giggle or smile at the memory and makes notes at what went well or not so good. She liked being in charge in the background, being the first to help at an event, getting everyone and everything organized. When she knew it was running smoothly, she would quietly slip away.

Judy is survived by her son, Randy & Cheryl, grandsons Kyle, Garrett - fiancee Hailee, granddaughter Hailey, and her daughter Audrey & Dean Gadd, sisters Betty (Len), Jeannette (Bruce), brothers Alec (Josie), Michael (Joanne) and Jim (Delores). She is predeceased by her husband Peter, grandson Chance, parents Mary & Alex, brother Bob, sister Barbara, and nephews Gregory, David, and Jaret.

We wish to thank Dr Honnibal and the terrific staff at the Russell Hospital. Also Aunty Gloria and Uncle Gary, Uncle Mike and Aunty Joanne for the continuous visits. Aunty Betty for her calls and all other family and friends that reached out at this time.

Mom silently slipped away knowing that her job was done and things were running smoothly and that the crop was put in on schedule.