Nydia Evelyn Kostuik

This is a story of a life well lived. 

Nydia was a remarkable, dedicated, feisty, disciplined teacher, editor of the Silver Creek History Books, newspaper columnist, and volunteer in restoring the Angusville Heritage Hall. She was an active member of the 50 Plus Club and Church Choir. Nydia will forever be remembered as a determined and compassionate farmwife, Mother, Aunt, and Grandmother, who was willful and self-determined. Her family was fortunate to enjoy her for 92 memorable years.

Nydia was an absolute treasure. She was a first generation Canadian, born to Alex Wonitoway and Annie (nee Naherniak) in the RM of Rossburn. She was fifth child in the family, with three older sisters (Eugenia, Olive, and Muriel) and two brothers (Leonard and Zane).

Nydia leaves behind her devoted husband Peter Kostuik, two daughters Petra Kostuik (James Durston of Dauphin) and Lesia Kostuik Falloon (Scott Falloon of Foxwarren), and four grandchildren Kally-Anna Clinton (Mitchell Clinton of La Salle), Colton Paradis (of Dauphin), Shalyn Falloon (Daniel Sullivan of Winnipeg), and Brayden Falloon (of Winnipeg). 

Nydia began work as a teacher, obtaining a teaching permit and then furthering her education at summer school in Gimli. Her first teaching contract was in Colonsay (north of Angusville). Then she met the love of her life, Peter. They were married on  October 14, 1952. In their 68 years of marriage, they resided in the RM of Silver Creek, which is now the RM of Riding Mountain West. Nydia taught and substituted in many schools in the area throughout her career. Peter and Nydia continued to farm long after she retired from teaching. Nydia became a Mother in the 60’s and a Grandmother in the 90’s. She was so proud of all that her daughters accomplished and loved to spoil her four grandchildren. 

Nydia was gifted with many endearing attributes. She was a tremendous family historian who valued getting together to share food and good fellowship. Her passions in life were to celebrate every day, work hard, take inventory, and appreciate those who enhanced the quality of her life. She valued learning from mistakes and not dwelling on things you can’t change. Nydia beamed with positive energy as she pledged to make every day special- and she did!

Nydia was creative, helpful, and musical as she generously shared the fruits of her labor. She quilted, volunteered in the community, was an amazing cook, bountiful gardener, and lifelong writer. She played the piano, harmonica, accordion, and mandolin. Nydia never lost her love for singing and dancing.

Nydia was a curious socialite and was always on the hunt for a deal when she wasn’t hard at work or at church. She enjoyed travelling and finding yard sales in between caring for her farm animals and many gardens. Nydia treasured many lifelong friends. She loved camping, going to fairs and rodeos, spas, casinos, bus trips, and festivals with family and friends. One of her favourite trips was her last big family vacation to Hawaii with her family.

As her health declined, the last several years of her life were spent in the Birtle Personal Care Home. Her loving husband visited her often at Sunnyside Manor. Their love for each other was endless as he stayed by her side until her last breath. Nydia peacefully entered into eternal rest in God’s home on July 10, 2021 and she was laid to rest on July 14, 2021 at the Russell Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please consider volunteering your time or donating funds to a local charity in memory of Nydia.