Eileen KUKURUDZ

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KUKURUDZ: Suddenly, on April 28, 2009 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, with her family by her side, Eileen passed peacefully into the arms of God. Eileen was born to Jake and Helen Walter on October 16, 1939 in Lampman, Saskatchewan. They moved to Shoal Lake in 1951, where Eileen grew up and graduated from Shoal Lake Collegiate in 1957. She worked at the Avalon Theatre in Shoal Lake and it was there that she met the man of her dreams. She went on to work at the Brandon Mental Health Centre for a short time. Although Eileen was accepted to the Misericordia Hospital School of Nursing, she chose to marry the love of her life, Boris, and their wedding took place on July 25, 1959. Boris and Eileen settled down in Brandon and so began their beautiful life together. Eileen was involved with many organizations and committees. She was an executive member of the Brandon Twin and Triplet Club, a member of the UCT Ladies Auxiliary, and the Brandon Hills Fireflies Community Club, as well as the Shumka (later Troyanda) Ukrainian Dance Club. Eileen was a stay-at-home mom, and volunteered for everything! She was a hockey mom, a baseball mom, and was continuously sewing for family and friends, creating costumes, sweaters, bridesmaid dresses, and maternityclothes. She was very involved with the Ukrainian dance group, particularly in designing and creating costumes and coordinating events. She was an avid reader and a constant babysitter to her many grandchildren. Eileen co-hosted the annual Kukurudz Corn Roast every September long -weekend, a 20-year tradition. Above all else, Eileen loved her best friend and husband Boris, her children, and especially her thirteen grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of her life. Eileen is survived by her husband Boris, son Ken Kukurudz (Michelle), Scott, Cory, Kali, Josh; son Rob Kukurudz (Andi), Ryan, Justin, Rebekah; daughter Shelley Swartz (Larry), Tyler, Rachel; daughter Sherie Burton (Andrew), Stephanie, Thomas; and also Tammy Carleton, Travis, and Charissa. She is also survived by; her sister Pauline Brigden andmother-in-law Stella Kukurudz. She is predeceased by; her parents Jake andHelen Walter, father-in-law John Kukurukz, brothers George and Dyck Walter,and sisters Rose Wuksinic, Helen Lisoweski, and Kathy Dunitz. Divine Liturgywas celebrated on Saturday, May 2, 2009, at St. Mary's Ukrainian CatholicChurch and was officiated by Rev. Fr. Michael Tkachuk. Cantor was Mr. TonyYuriy. As always was her wish, Eileen's pallbearers were her grandchildren;Scott Kukurudz, Ryan Kukurudz, Justin Kukurudz, Travis Carleton, JoshKukurudz, and Tyler Swartz. Eulogy was given by Scott Kukurudz, cross-bearerwas Andrew Burton, scripture reading was done by Ken Kukurudz, and soloist,Steve Burton sang a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace. Interment was heldat the Brandon Cemetery. A time of fellowship followed at Memories Chapel.Friends who wish may make donations to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermotAvenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0V9. Expressions of sympathy may be made atwww.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel &Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330."The gap Eileen has left in our lives can only be filled by the memories wehave."

As published in Brandon Sun on May 09, 2009