SOPHIE KLIM (CHORNEY)

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SOPHIE KLIM (nee CHORNEY) Peacefully, on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at the Eriksdale Hospital, Sophie Klim, aged 90 years, of East Selkirk, MB passed away with family by her side. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her daughter Cheryl (Brian) Osborne of Winnipeg, MB, son-in-law Barry Zelenski of Birch Hills, SK, grandchildren Jodi (Derek) Miller and their children Zane, Sage and Reeve of Ottawa, ON and Jana Zelenski of Nanaimo, BC. Also left to cherish her memory are sister Pearl (Johnnie) Packowich of Langley, BC, brother Harry (Theresa) Gerylo of East Selkirk, MB, Millie (Neil) Ritchie of Renfrew, ON, Elsie Klim of Winnipeg, MB, Verna Klim of Selkirk, MB, her many loved nieces and nephews and their families and all of her caring neighbours and friends. Sophie was predeceased by her loving husband Mike Klim (1972) and her dearly beloved daughter Audrey Zelenski (2008). They were deeply missed and lovingly remembered every day. Also parents John and Annie Chorney, parents-in-law Andrew and Amelia Klim, brothers Walter, Fred, Roman and William Gerylo, sister Mary Kupiak, sisters-in-law Sophie Gerylo, Lilly Kossack, Olga Kosack, Jennie Klim and brothers-in-law Mike Kupiak, Eddie Klim, Mike Kosack and Harry Kossack. Mom was a loving, caring wife, mother, grandma, baba, daughter, sister and teacher. Mom was born in Walkleyburg, MB on November 2, 1923. She attended Lilydale School, took grade 9 at home by correspondence, attended high school in Selkirk and Normal school in Winnipeg. Mom began her teaching career in 1941 in one-room country schools: Lilydale (three years), Hoey East (four years) and Patapun (four and a half years). She married the love of her life Mike in 1946 and continued teaching and farming until their precious daughters were born. She returned to teaching in 1956, teaching both daughters at Patapun School. Upon consolidation in 1960, Mom had the pleasure of starting 29 years of teaching at East Selkirk's Happy Thought School. She enjoyed helping the students create large classroom murals and also had fun teaching them to knit, crochet and square dance. We were very proud of Mom's hard work taking evening courses to earn her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Manitoba in 1976 and her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Winnipeg in 1978. Mom retired in 1989. Even recently, people in the community would say, "Hello, Mrs. Klim. You taught me in grade 2.", showing that Mom was lovingly remembered as were her students by their teacher. Mom was wonderful at organizing photo albums so we treasure the pictures of our parents' younger days, early farm life, family gatherings, family additions and many trips. Taking time away from the farm was difficult, but Mom and Dad took their young daughters to Disneyland in 1959 and would travel to Saskatchewan to visit Audrey and Barry. Later, Mom would go with teacher groups on educational tours visiting Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France, Holland, Denmark and Belgium. She very much enjoyed travelling with family to the Ukraine where her granddaughters' Ukrainian Dance group performed. Mom's travels also included Hawaii, Grand Caymen Island, Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, many bus tours throughout the United States and Canada and those lucky Gordon Howard casino bus trips. Mom moved from her farm home in East Selkirk in 1983. She loved her home and took pride in her yard. Each year her garden would produce wonderful fruit and vegetables and then, the jams and pickles would be enjoyed. She loved her flowerbeds as did passersby. Yearly planters were done by Searle Nursery and Mom looked forward to tending to them. Mom enjoyed filling her bird feeders and was always excited to welcome all the birds, especially the first hummingbird of the season. Mom's heart was a giving heart, full of love. Her daughters, granddaughters and great-grandchildren were her greatest pride and joy and they loved her dearly. She was so proud of all their accomplishments and the people that they grew up to be and are still becoming. Mom loved to be active with years of bicycling, ice and floor curling, bowling, XC skiing and gardening, never one to sit for too long. If she was, Mom was knitting or crocheting amazing sweaters, afghans, toques, scarves and mittens for family members and babies to enjoy. Also, countless hours were spent creating beautiful cross stitch pictures for our homes. Mom loved to talk to people, having a genuine interest in their lives and receiving so much enjoyment from visits, especially with children. Thanks to the family and friends whose phone calls brightened her days and to all those who visited Mom in the hospital and at home. Mom showed her amazing strength and determination over the many years of family loss and medical issues. She did as much as she could for as long as she could and we loved her for creating more memories for all of us to cherish. She had an inspiring zest for life and lived her 90 years to the fullest. In keeping with Mom's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family interment will be held at a later date in the East Selkirk Cemetery. Please take a moment to honour our Mom, Sophie with a fond memory of your time spent together. I go from you gently For it is my time To take the next step In this journey of mine Don't grieve for me long I've not left you alone For I will be with you In the love that we've known That love is forever And some day when it's time You'll join me again In this journey of mine Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 19, 2014