Cherished PERRIN

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PERRIN: Cherished wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, Stella Perrin (nee Zabarylo) passed from this life on April 12th, 2011, in Brandon, Manitoba, at the age of 88 years. She is survived by her family: Alexander, husband of 62 years; son Tom (Fran); daughter Joanne (Robert Hurley); treasured grandchildren and second family Jonathon (Elisia) and Jennifer (Sam); ‘adopted’ family Janice, Michael and Linda; and several much-loved extended family members. Stella’s parents emigrated from the Ukraine to Giroux Lake, Ontario, Canada, where they established a homestead and raised four children. The youngest child, Stella, was born on November 27, 1922. While she was still a child, her family moved to Manitoba - first to Sherridon, then to Winnipeg. Until her passing, Stella delighted in sharing many fond memories of life with her beloved family. From the ages of 15 to 26, Stella took on many different types of jobs and worked hard to make money to share with her family. She was a babysitter, a waitress, a cashier, a housekeeper and a bookkeeper, which held her in great stead when she became a wife and mother! During the Second World War, Stella’s two brothers enlisted in the Army and the Airforce. Stella very much wanted to enlist in the Navy, but her family convinced her that having two children overseas was enough. So, Stella did the next best thing and engaged in ‘war work’. She became a Lead Hand at McDonald’s Aircraft in Winnipeg, sorting airplane parts for the Airforce. In 1949, Stella and Alexander married. They had two children: Tom, born on Mother’s Day and Joanne, born on her birthday. Stella always said that she had been given ‘permanent’ presents and did not need any other! After several moves, the family settled in Brandon. As her children grew, so did Stella’s volunteering abilities. She always endeavoured to contribute to the welfare of others by donating her time, money, clothing, and baked goods, amongst other things. She canvassed for many organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Salvation Army. She became known as ‘the Candy Lady’ because of her considerable annual contributions to the Christmas Cheer Board in Brandon. She was always a ‘behind the scenes’ type of person who busily went on her way spreading love and good cheer. After her children left home, Stella’s two grandchildren, Jonathon and Jennifer, became her second family. Stella treasured the moments she spent with these two wonderful people who came to look at their grandparents as a second mother and father. She will be truly missed. Stella was predeceased by her beloved family members: parents, Stephan and Aemilia; brothers and sister, Mike, John and Mary; and several extended family members. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Stella’s life was held on April 16th, 2011. If desired, donations in Stella’s honour may be made to the charity of choice.“May You Always Walk in Sunshine”

As published in Brandon Sun on May 14, 2011