JEAN AHOFF (nee LAZECHKO)

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JEAN AHOFF (nee LAZECHKO) February 21, 1916 - October 30, 2014 We are saddened to announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, Jean Ahoff in the early morning of October 30, 2014 at the age of 98 years. Jean, along with her five siblings, were born and raised in Winnipeg`s North End where she met the love of her life, George Ahoff. They were married in 1936 and together, they raised two children, Lorraine and Lawrence. As a couple, family meant a lot to them. They would take car trips to visit Jean's brothers - Wally in Boise, Lionel in Calgary, Harry in Detroit or George's sister, Doris in Toronto. At home, they treasured the time they spent with the Lazechko and Ahoff families. When their daughter Lorraine lived in Edmonton, they made many trips there to dote on their grandchildren. Their social activities also included getting together with friends for a night of card playing or going to the horse races. Their life together was cut short when George unexpectedly passed away in his early 50s. Jean's older sister, Kay was very special to her. Not only were they close as sisters, Kay was like a mother to Jean when they were younger. Over the years they spent a lot of time together whether they were preparing for family dinners, taking Jean's grandchildren to special events, traveling, or attending local cultural events such as Folklorama, MTC and Rainbow Stage. Seldom, did a day go by that they didn't talk to each other, whether it was a friendly chat or a more heated debate. Through Jean's long life, her children and their families were always in the forefront. She loved telling her friends about her children, Lorraine and Lawrence and maintained a loving and deep connection with her daughter-in-law Randi. She enjoyed visiting her grandchildren and would often plan her day around some of their activities; whether it was attending a school function or sporting event. Jean got to enjoy the fun stuff with her grandchildren and was always up for taking them skating, tobogganing, the park or the beach. Jean had no problem keeping busy both at home and away. She loved her plants and garden and pretending to knit so she had an excuse to sit and watch her afternoon soaps. Days were often filled with exercising' at the European Health Spa, shopping for a bargain or meeting up with her friends - especially her weekly Sewing Circle gals, her bowling league or going to many family weddings and social gatherings where Jean loved to dance. Jean maintained lifelong relationships because she reached out and took an interest in people's lives and was ready to get up and go on short notice. Her happy outlook and sense of humour made for good company. She was also a good cook, combining traditional foods learned in the family with favourite recipes clipped from the newspaper into wonderful meals and sending us off with packages of food to eat at home. If someone was sick, Jean was sure to visit you, whether at home or in the hospital and she would always bring a little something for you. The only time Jean wouldn't visit you, was when she was vacationing. Her favorite destination was Hawaii, but she also travelled to Mexico, Cuba, Ukraine, across Canada and throughout the States. She had many great friends that she would travel with and loved telling everyone about her adventures. She was also always proud of the deals she found, because after all, she was a true North Ender. Jean was an independent woman who spoke her mind and was also never shy to tell you about the compliments she received about looking good for her age'. She loved her car which gave her the freedom to come and go as she pleased, so having to give up driving in her 90's was hard for her to accept. Being active was always Jean`s mantra and even in the last couple of years with her health declining, in her mind, there was nothing she couldn't do. We loved her for her determination and her spirit. She truly was, and is, an inspiration to us all. Jean was predeceased by her parents William and Rosalie, stepmom Doris, husband George, siblings Steve, Harry and Kay, daughter Lorraine and numerous lifelong friends. Left to cherish her memories, her son Lawrence (Randi), grandchildren Debbie, Dawn (Blaine), Darrell (Tracy), Diane (Kenny), Darci, Sharilee, Morgan, great-grandchildren Jenni, Jade, Miranda, Brandt, Blaze, Challis, Hailey, Jayden, Katiya and great-great-grandchildren Kyla and Shand, brother Wally (sons Bill (Laura) and Bob) and brother Lionel (children David, Jane, Ann and Sarah). The family would like to especially thank all the staff of Mount Carmel Clinic for their years of special care and attention they provided for Jean. The staff knew her by name and always took the time to listen to her stories. More recently, she had wonderful care from the 7th floor staff at Misericordia, and from Fred Douglas Lodge. In keeping with Jean's wishes, no formal service will be held. The family would like to invite you to a come and go Celebration of Jean's Life at CanadInn, 826 Regent Ave., West on November 7, 2014 from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. Flowers gratefully declined, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or charity of your choice in Jean`s name.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 01, 2014