Elsie PANCHUK

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PANCHUK: Elsie Irene Panchuk passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Care Centre on Friday, July 23, 2010 at the age of 84. Elsie was born on October 5, 1925 at Horod, Manitoba to Mike and Mary (nee Malchuk) Gregorash. She received her education at Horod and Elphinstone Schools. She went to Winnipeg for a few years and was employed by Jeanne's Bakery. In 1947, she came to Sandy Lake, Manitoba to help her parents in their restaurant; thisis where she met the love of her life Mike. They were married in Sandy Lake on May 29, 1948, following their marriage they farmed for 4 years. In 1953, they were blessed with their chosen daughter, Pamela whom they affectionately called Cookie. They owned and operated the barbershop in Sandy Lake until 1963, when they moved to Birch River and then later to Gilbert Plains where they owned hotels. Mike and Elsie moved to Dauphin in 1971, where Elsie worked at the Community Inn until her retirement. Elsie was predeceased by her husband Mike; her parents Mike and Mary; sisters Agnes and Phyllis; brother Steve and his wife Edna and step brother Earl Rochelle; brother in law Frank Koski and two nephews Lenny and James. Elsie is survived by her only child Pam and her husband Terry Szmon; two grandsons: Michael and his wife Kerri and Robert; three great grandchildren: Jacob, Katelyn and Lindsey. Elsie's grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy and seeing them brought life to her heart and soul. She willbe remembered for being the wonderful mother, and grandmother she was. The one thing that Elsie was the most proud of were "her boys" and what fine men they had grown into. She shared many of her last days with them, and when she was gone she wanted them to look after each other. She made sure that everything was said and done before she left and that all her desires and wishes would be fulfilled, like sending "her boys" to buy new suits for her funeral and bringing back pictures so she could see what they would look like. Elsie and her family were blessed with a very precious gift of Time and they were all grateful for that. She was generous, kind and always told you in her way what she thought. She was an excellent sounding board. Elsie was a wonderful cook; her grandsons always loved it when she made periski, perogies and beet buns. While in hospital, she insisted on going to Pam's house (with oxygen tanks in hand) and showing her how to make buckwheat cabbage rolls and kutia for Christmas like she would have made. She also made sure Pam knew where all the good recipes were so she could make everything when she was gone. In her final weeks there were many conversations and nothing was left unsaid, there was much reminiscing, laughter and tears about things that had happened in her life. Many of us were very lucky to have these insightful conversations and many questions were answered. While in hospital she had her favorite nurses and aides, even when she was very ill, her eyes would light up when it was one of her favorites that would walk in the room. She would send Pam to buy them treats, because she said they took very good care of her and she was appreciative of that. Elsie loved people and their company and that continued right to the end with visitors and phone calls. Prayers were said at St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church, Tuesday, July 27, 2010. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at the church on Wednesday, July 28, 2010. Celebrant was Rev. Fr. Dominic Yuen. Pallbearers were Les Ellchuk, Chris Sichewski, Dan Nechwediuk, Dwayne Krenkewich, Ross Shindruk, and Lavern Novalkowski. Interment followed at the Sandy Lake Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Sandy Lake, Manitoba. Donations in memory of Elsie may be made to Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, Palliative Care, 150 McTavish Avenue, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 2B3. Expressions of sympathy may be made atwww.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 31, 2010