STELLA HANCHAREK (POWROZNIK)

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STELLA HANCHAREK (nee POWROZNIK) In the early morning hours of May 15, 2018, after a lengthy struggle with Dementia, Mrs. Stella Hancharek, aged 83 departed this world peacefully, with her children at her bedside at Gimli Betel Home. Stella leaves to mourn her children, Mark (Eileen), James (Melissa), Lisa, grand-children, Amber (Randy) Semenek and Mitchell, great-grandchildren, Nataliya and Maxym and siblings, Jean Oakes, Ed (Audrey) Powroznik and Margie Tymofichuk and numerous nieces and nephews. She has now reunited with her beloved husband Anthony, parents, Mary and Andrew Powroznik and her brother Sam. Stella began her life April 7, 1935 in Meleb, Manitoba. She was the middle child of Andrew and Mary Powroznik. She was born and raised on the family farm and attended Park School. At age 15, she got her first job waitressing at the Falcon Cafe in Gimli where she met the love of her life Anthony. After moving to Winnipeg at 16, she found employment as a sewing machine operator at local garment factories. Tony and Stella married in September of 1955 and resided in Winnipeg where they raised three children Mark, Jim and Lisa. In 1974 they purchased the ESSO garage and moved the family to Gimli. In 1976, they opened M&J Auto Parts naming the family business after their two sons. After Tony's passing in 1987, she continued to work alongside her sons until she retired in 2014 due to her illness. A quiet and modest lady with a good sense of humour, Stella was also the kindest, sweetest and most selfless person you could ever know. If you came through her door the first thing she would ask, "What can I give you?" She always put the needs of others before her own. She took pride in her home and family. She was a hard worker, an amazing homemaker and a talented seamstress, she could make anything from clothing, costumes, to quilts. Her family looked forward to gathering around her table for her mouthwatering meals and baked goods most especially her perogies and apple pies. She enjoyed playing cards with friends, watching her "movie" The Young and The Restless, and listening to Celine Dion or Andrea Botticelli. She was a loving and attentive mother and grandmother, proud of her children and and grandchildren whom she adored. She was a pillar of strength and she was our best friend. She has left us with a huge void in our hearts and will be sadly missed. Cremation has taken place. Celebration of Life and interment will be planned for August. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Johnson Memorial and The Betel Home in Gimli for the care and comfort they provided for Stella over the past three years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba. Condolences, pictures and videos may be left on her tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: May 19, 2018

STELLA HANCHAREK (nee POWROZNIK) Peacefully, on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at the Gimli Betel Home, Stella Hancharek, aged 83 years, beloved wife of the late Anthony, passed away. Full obituary to follow. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: May 18, 2018

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 18, 2018, May 19, 2018