EMILY STRUTINSKY (HRYCAK)

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EMILY STRUTINSKY (nee HRYCAK) December 10, 1922 - December 15, 2018 Peacefully, on December 15, 2018, Emily passed away at the age of 96. Emily was born in Oakburn, MB and was one of thirteen children raised by Alex and Maria Hrycak. She is lovingly remembered by her son Darcy (Jeanne); daughter Lesley (Len); granddaughter Brie-Ann (Dean); grandsons, Jordan (Susan) and Michael; and great-grandchildren, Samuel, Sheldon and Noah. Emily is also survived by her sister Alice (John), brother Joe, and many nieces and nephews. Emily was predeceased by her husband Joseph in 1967. She was predeceased by her sisters, Lena, Ann, Margaret, Tina, Olga, and Mary; and by her brothers, Steve, John, Mike, and Peter. From an early age Emily had a sense of adventure. She went on her first adventure while in high school by going to Waskada, MB to work for a family who had a large farm because she wanted to earn money to buy her own books and clothes. After completing high school, in 1941 Emily moved to St. Catherines, ON. She took a machine shop course then worked at St. Catherines Steel Products which was manufacturing munitions for the war effort. She was proud that her duties included driving a forklift. Two years later Emily returned to Manitoba. Arriving at the train station in Winnipeg she got into a taxi and met a handsome taxi driver, Joseph, who she would marry in October, 1944. In 1953 they packed up their belongings and two year old son and moved to Riverton, MB where they had bought a restaurant called John's Lunch. Their daughter Lesley was born shortly thereafter. Emily and Joe loved their time in Riverton, having their own business, working hard while raising their family. They enjoyed dancing to the music of Johnny And His Musical Mates. Many lasting friendships started in Riverton. In September Emily was able to see Riverton a final time on her way to Hecla Island for an overnight stay with her daughter and Len. Emily returned to Winnipeg in 1973 and provided for herself by working at the Centennial Concert Hall, Eaton's, The Bay, North Winnipeg Credit Union and Carpathia Credit Union. Emily needed to get around the city so in 1976, at age 54, she got her driver's license and bought a new Plymouth Duster which she drove for several years. Emily loved the arts and entertainment. Along with her dear friend Orla, who also lived for over 30 years at 10 Valhalla Drive, they had season tickets to the WSO Pops concerts, attended the ballet and were regulars at the movies. A Handi Transit ride to the Red Lobster to celebrate their birthdays each year was also on the calendar. More recently these excursions were curtailed although, as recently as November, Emily and Orla were still going to their Saturday morning hair appointment with Sherri and Shelley at Ultracuts. Emily had a keen mind and was interested in local and world affairs. Until her hospitalization at the beginning of December she read her newspaper daily and watched the news daily. She said recently that watching the news just wasn't the same since Peter Mansbridge retired. Emily was on the phone regularly with friends and relatives. Emily was a long standing member of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral. She served on several committees and was a member of the Lesia Ukrainka Branch. While she was able, Emily was a regular participant in the monthly perogy making days in preparation for fundraising lunches and sale to the public. She very much enjoyed the good times and association with her friends on perogy making days. Emily was proud of her Ukrainian heritage and the religious traditions of her church. Emily had a pioneering spirit. One of her nieces recently wrote - Auntie Emily was one of the strongest, most independent women of her generation. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 4, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main Street. Very Reverend Archpriest Eugene Maximiuk officiating with reception following. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to The Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, CE 501-840 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3A 1S1. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenedenmemorial.ca Vichnaya Pamyat Glen Eden Funeral Home & Cemetery 204-338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 29, 2018