- Brandon Sun Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
LAVINIA ANN NOVAK
Date of Passing: Oct 07, 2019
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
LAVINIA ANN NOVAK
She will be deeply missed by her husband of 68 years, Steve; children, Wayne, Bonnie and Gerald; grandchildren, Adrienne Petryk (Kevin), Lynndon (Stacey), Dustin (Kaitlyn Baker) and Joshua; and great-grand-daughters, Ashley Petryk and Emily Novak. She is also survived by sisters, Mabel Mochnacz and Delores Zegalski (Steve); sister-in-law Vivian Stach; brothers-in-law, Bill Novak and Lorry Balabanski; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Lavinia was predeceased by her parents, Anthony and Phyllis Stach; brothers, Ernie and Steve; sister Margret Balabanski, sister-in-law Nancy Novak; and brother-in-law Mike Mochnacz.
Lavinia was born in the district of Ozerna in the R.M. of Harrison, going to grade school in the area and then finishing high school in Sandy Lake. From school she went directly to work at the Erickson Creamery. Soon after, she ventured out in the world finding work in Vancouver and Toronto before finally settling in Winnipeg finding work with Winnipeg Egg. Lavinia and Steve met through mutual friends at a dinner party and, a year later, married on August 4, 1951 in Ozerna. Prior to the arrival of her first two children and becoming a full-time mother, she worked for Brentwood Egg, where her boss was instrumental in getting her proper medical help and lifesaving surgery which left her deaf in the right ear.
In 1962, Steve and Lavinia went into the hotel business purchasing the Gateway Hotel in The Pas, MB were she learned to raise a family and run a business at the same time. Her side of the business was running the restaurant and housekeeping. Having taken these duties on without any previous experience or formal training she quickly learned by trial and error. Selling in 1965, they then moved further north to Flin Flon and purchased the Royal Hotel where she took on these same duties. Following several years of successful business, Steve and Lavinia built the Kelsey Trail Motor Inn where Lavinia then again reprised her housekeeping and cooking roles. She became very well known for her cooking skills and introduced many people throughout the world to her Ukrainian fare of holopchi, perohy, nalysniki, and borscht. Another famous dish often requested was Steve and Lavinia's famous walleye fish fries.
In retirement years, Lavinia and Steve enjoyed wintering in Las Vegas where they often toured friends around when they weren't "on the job" and made many friends in the area. Lavinia was always a devote Ukrainian Catholic and was a generous supporter of St. Basil's Church
The family extends a special thanks to the nurses and staff of the Grace Hospice for their wonderful care in her final days and to Dr Prodan who was always there for her.
At Lavinia's request no service will be held at this time and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba or charity of one's choice.
Vichnaya Pamyat
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 12, 2019
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
-
I’m sorry to here about Lavinia passing,I worked for you both a long time a go.Always enjoy you both. - Posted by: Gwen and Morris Boychuk (Friends) on: Oct 15, 2019
-
My deepest condolences to Steve, Bonnie and all of the Novak family. Lavinia is under the wings of God's angels now, resting in peace. - Posted by: Brenda Prins (Friend of Family) on: Oct 15, 2019
-
May God be with you all and may you always treasure wonderful memories of your wife, mother and baba! We feel your heartache...Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Вічна їй пам'ять! We extend our sincerest sympathy to you all. - Posted by: Sylvia Todaschuk, Rosemarie & John, Charlene & Andy, Peter & Tatiana (Family) on: Oct 14, 2019
-
Our sincere condolences go out to You Mr. Novak ,Wayne, Bonnie & Gerry for the loss of your lovely wife and mother. May your memories of her keep her close to your hearts. - Posted by: Donna& Allan Krassilowsky (Friend) on: Oct 13, 2019
-
Condolences for Steve ,Wayne ,Bonnie , Gerald and family . My fond memory of Lavinia’s is going to bingo and her saying if you come to Las Vegas we will show you around ,she was very nice. So sorry for your loss , sending prayers and hugs The Debler family. - Posted by: Shirley and Brian Debler (Friend ) on: Oct 13, 2019
-
Dear Steve and family, Please accept our sincerest condolences. Keep your happy memories close and know that your friends thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. - Posted by: Bert and Shelley Pelletier (Friend) on: Oct 12, 2019
-
My heart aches for all the family. I'll never forget your Lavinias generosity and graciousness. She was always so kind... - Posted by: Tom & Sylvia (nee Stewart) Roberts (Long Time Friends) on: Oct 12, 2019
-
Mr. Novak, Wayne, Bonnie and Gerry, please accept our most Heartfelt Sincere Condolences to you all and your Families. God has a Very Special & Beautiful angel now and she will be looking over you all and keeping you all Safe in her arms. Keep all your memories close to your Hearts and they will help you through this most difficult time. With all our Prayers, Love and Hugs from the Grassl Family. - Posted by: George Grassl (Friend) on: Oct 12, 2019
-
Steve - we are so sorry to read of Lavinia’s passing. The memories you have of your dear wife will give you strength to make it through these difficult days. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Ron & Marian Stefaniuk - Posted by: Ron & Marian Stefaniuk (Friends) on: Oct 12, 2019
-
Steve, Wayne, Bonnie and Gerald and families. Our deepest sympathies for your loss. We hope for all of you, peace will come early and your reflections of the wonderful woman Lavinia was, will bring a smile to your faces, and a warmth in your hearts. May she rest in peace. - Posted by: Len and Vicki (family) on: Oct 12, 2019
-
Dear Steve and family, We are saddened at the news of Lavinia's passing and will always remember her with great fondness. Please accept our most sincere offer of condolence and wishes for strength, comfort and peace. Monique Aquin Graboski and family - Posted by: MONIQUE AQUIN GRABOSKI (Family) on: Oct 12, 2019
