JUDY PUCHAILO

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JUDY PUCHAILO In all probability, heaven may have embraced Judy's arrival on Monday, February 1, 2016 at 3:24 p.m. with a quiet rumble as our heavenly Father freed her from the clutches of cancer. Judy was born on March 23, 1953 in Dauphin, Manitoba to William and Mary, lived in Zoria for 15 years and following her father's passing, with her Mom and brother, she relocated to Dauphin, where she completed her education. Prior to, Judy attended a one-room country schoolhouse in the Zoria district and received her Grade 9 at the Ethelbert High School, instead of Gilbert Plains Collegiate - due to a mix-up in school buses! Not only did she complete her grade nine there, she also embraced several lifelong friends. Judy's precious only daughter, Kyla, was blessed with having her mom's same principles and values instilled, right down to the proper placement of the cutlery at the dinner table! Catechism, Ukrainian dancing and a flurry of activities as a child that progressed to shopping for designer fashions and making pickles as an adult. Kyla's gratitude for her mom's love, devotion, support and guidance, even in her illness, is immense and will be treasured forever. Judy has faithfully bedazzled... and bewildered her loving partner and husband, Everett, for nearly four decades, officially tying the knot on November 17, 2011. Like two peas in a pod, they travelled the world together, relished in the activities and celebrations with their families and grandsons. Sometimes they even bickered together, but always remained a forever couple. Judy's presence was magnetic! Throughout her life, her warm heart and generous soul was compelled to 'give'' of herself, so it's no surprise that for 38 years, Judy's heart and home was open to caring for 18 mentally challenged individuals, all of whom she mentored, nurtured and nourished until her illness made it too difficult. The ultimate multi-tasker, Judy was also employed as a Mental Health proctor for 23 years, always giving generously of herself and establishing lasting and caring relationships with all whose lives she touched. Judy was our STAR! A fashionista in European designs, a groupie who followed the Rolling Stones concerts across the country, and add Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney, the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac.. She and Everett explored every continent of the world, except Antarctica, a trip that was booked but unfortunately unable to be taken. As worldly and elegant as Judy was, she found her greatest solace in tromping through the bushes near her beloved Zoria, picking mushrooms and berries. She was a wonderful and amazing wife, mother, grandmother, cook, a gardener, pickler, a dynamite hostess, a social butterfly impossible to keep up with! Classy and sassy, and able to set record-breaking ticket sales for local churches - all while reading four novels at a time and having the library frantic to keep up with her requests off the best-seller list. Judy's deep pride and love of her Ukrainian culture and her Ukrainian Catholic faith was a constant. With her 'Baba'' status, she firmly instilled the values of moral ethics, respect and politeness in Keenan and Cole. Baba's boys learned early on that no visit was to be made without bringing their dressy duds for Sunday church. Some stars seem to always shine more brightly than others.Judy is one of those stars! In so many different and unique ways, Judy has touched everyone's lifeSmile and reflect on your special memories of her and celebrate the blessing it was in knowing her. Our beautiful Judy did beat cancer. She let go of its hold and moved peacefully into that eternal light. Beating cancer is not about living or dying; beating cancer is about the attitude one takes, and Judy was an example of optimism and strength at its finest. We think that Judy, in her generosity of heart, would be sad for contributing to all our brokenness. To you, our dearest Judy, we say that we will do the impossible and carry on, knowing your kind and loving spirit will be with us in its new capacity for prayer and inspiration as you rest in the arms of Jesus. Vichnaya Pamyat! Judy was predeceased by her parents, William and Mary Huculak (nee Slobodzian); brothers, Walter, John, Edward; sister Adeline Yaciuk; father-in-law Frank Puchailo. She is survived by husband, Everett; daughter Kyla (Chris) Allard; grandsons, Keenan and Cole Allard of Winnipeg; sisters, Helen (Ian) Cooper of Ottawa, Victoria Antoniuk of Toronto; mother-in-law Stella Puchailo; sister-in-law Angie Huculak; brother in-law Walter Yaciuk; Everett's siblings, Syl Puchailo, Joanne Puchailo, Dennis Puchailo and Marlene (Sid) Symchych; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and the best friends ever. Rosary and Prayers for Judy were offered on Monday, February 8, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. from the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Resurrection of Dauphin, followed by a Funeral Service on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. from the Ukrainian Catholic Church with Rev. Father Oleg Bodnarski officiating. Interment followed in the Riverside Cemetery. Cross-bearers, Keenan and Cole Allard. Eulogist was Betty Jane Frykas. All of Judy's friends are considered to be her Honourary Pallbearers. Pallbearers were Ed Nakonechny, Patrick Furkalo, Cory Chetyrbok, Dennis Slobozdian, Sylvester Puchailo, Don Oleski. Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Judy may be made to Dauphin Palliative Care Unit. Sneath-Strilchuk -Dauphin Chapel 204-638-4110 www.sneathstrilchuk.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 11, 2016