ROMA KONYK

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ROMA KONYK 1931 - 2016 Vivien "Roma" Konyk was a spirited, steadfast woman. She was born on July 29, 1931, the only daughter of Roy and Dorothy Sysak, and grew up in Winnipeg's Elmwood and North Kildonan neighbourhoods, in the latter on the family's small mink farm. A talented soprano and pianist, Roma studied voice at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, and was featured on the CBC Radio program, Singing Stars of Tomorrow. She had a vinyl recording of the performance, which she made the mistake of playing for her grandchildren once, and then pretended to lose when it became clear she would never hear the end of it. Her daughter Roma Lynda was born in Toronto. After returning to Winnipeg in 1960, Roma became well known on local CJAY TV as "Miss Roma" of the beloved children's show Romper Room. Well into her later years, people recognized her name, and she was delighted to confirm that yes, she was indeed Miss Roma! She apologized warmly when an adult would say that they had waited for her to say their name while looking through the Magic Mirror. For that moment, the grown up fan basked like a delighted child in the centre of her brilliant attention. Roma later ventured into the business world, as the owner of Somerset Employment Agency in the late 1970s. After her retirement, she enjoyed gardening, and turning her backyard into a carefully tended retreat that reflected her love and careful attention. Her family was her life. Her husband Ted was her constant "rock." Together they traveled adventurously by car to Mexico, and later to Maui, places that always held special family memories for Roma. She loved cheering on Ted's horses at the Assiniboia Downs, and Roma always had carrots and apples for her backstretch visits. Horses at the family farm were similarly hand fed, and she never showed up without a few treats for the dogs. Roma loved animals, and many pets and wildlife were blessed by her attentive stewardship. The family cabin that Ted renovated so lovingly at Grand Marais was the site of many memorable gatherings. Summers at Grand meant sand chairs on the beach, barbecues and swimming at the back beach with the larger than life characters of the Central Avenue tribe. Oh, the stories we could tell, and some we shouldn't! It was in her incarnation as Baba to Kyla and Lana, though, that Roma found a special calling. Sleepovers were grand affairs, the girls ensconced in the high Baba­bed like wee wild princesses. Shopping trips with Baba included delightful lessons of the importance of quality. Interesting food carefully presented, good books, fine music of many genres, unconditional love, and a wickedly irreverent sense of humour, these are a few of the gifts that Kyla and Lana carry forward from their Baba. Roma was quick to laugh and had a keen sense of humour that survives her in everyone she loved. She was fiercely independent, elegant, understated and loyal. Ted was her Teddy, her T­Bear, and despite their differences, their love for each other never faltered. She was her daughter Roma's fiercely stalwart supporter, lavishing the same boundless love on her as an adult, as she had years ago when she was known as Little Roma, or Boo. She loved her son-in-law Bob unreservedly, delighting in their shared phone calls, and took great comfort from his gentle strength. Kyla and Lana were her brightest lights, and such joy she radiated from watching them make their ways in the world. Jesse held a special place in her Baba's heart for the rich love that he and Kyla share, and his quiet attentiveness to Baba. She died suddenly on Friday, June 24 and is survived by her husband Theodore M. (Ted) Konyk; daughter Roma Konyk Hanson and husband Bob Hanson; her granddaughters, Kyla Roma Taylor and husband Jesse Taylor, Lana Darlene Belton, and their father Roger Belton. Roma's greatest joy was her family, and she would always tell her daughter and granddaughters, to "Keep my love around you." We will, and we take comfort by knowing in our bones that we were loved deeply and genuinely, by a wonderful, magical woman. Our hearts are heavy, but full also of memories to sustain us. A private family service will be held Monday, June 27. Memorial donations can be made to Wildlife Haven, P.O. Box 165, Ile des Chênes, MB, R0A 0T0, or to a charity of your choice. KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-956-2193 www.korbanchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 27, 2016