STURKO STELLA

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STURKO STELLA

March 21,1931 – February 6, 2026

Gary and Candy Sturko would like to thank the kind people of Fairview Home, and the medical professionals who helped Mom as she ascended into Heaven.

Stella Sturko was born in Brandon. Mom was a lifelong member of Ukrainian Orthodox Church on Stickney. Father Skrumeda was Mom’s lifelong friend. Later, Mom was a very popular resident of Fairview.

As a teenager, Mom was a renowned singer in Winnipeg, cutting a hit radio single. However, she loved Brandon, moving home at 19. Mom was a rare beauty, winning a Hairstyle Pageant, with Nick Sturko’s “Cobra” hairstyle.

Mom married Walter Sturko. Soon came children. Our prairie house on 30-23 St. had a garden with peas, corn, the meadow beside our home filled with wildflowers. The lovely Palidwars owned the nearby Corner Store. Our house was Grand Central Station. During the 1979 Winter Games Mom had coffee with Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. While working at Wilson’s Stationary, Mom befriended Canadian Folksingers Shirley Eikhard and Valdy. Shirley and Mom were beloved lifelong friends.

Loved ones included: Lifelong best friend Nellie Prokopchuk, Olga, niece Kathy, brother John (Margaret), nephews Peter, Michael, fun-loving, Salon owner and neighbour Nick Sturko, and beloved neighbours Julia Borotsik, (Borotsiks). Beloved friends: Marlene Fardoe (renowned poet), Barry Condy (cherished), Dave Campbell, Jeff Cristall, Tom Thompson, The Scorys, Dale Beswitherick, The Bobyks, Mrs. Bradley, Tom Baker (Karen), Jim Boyes, Mike Gramchuk, Principal Colin Mailer, Teacher Mr. Jolly, Dr. Karai-Jones, Valdy (Folksinger), Shirley Eikhard (Folksinger), and Gary’s future wife Candy. Candy became Mom’s most beloved friend. Friendly dogs Taffy, then Hermie.

Mom was very proud of sons Gary Patrick (Sheridan College, Art Fundamentals Alumni), Michael (Brandon University Alumni), Derek (Brandon University Alumni), and beloved Daughter-In-Law Candy (Brandon University Alumni). Candy was the daughter that Mom never had.

Mom’s favorite job was at Wilson’s at Laplont Block. One year, Mom sold more “Bic pens” than anyone in Canada, winning a 1970 purple Iverson 10 Speed. Mom gifted the bicycle to Beloved Son Gary.

The last person Mom heard was Gary, who was able to play his 1970 Linda Manzer Acoustic guitar for Mom for ten minutes before she happily passed. Mom is now young again in Heaven, enjoying perogies, and Khrustyky.

Mom: From your beloved Son Gary

Mom, a shadow has crossed my heart. But one fine day you will see me coming. You will be waiting for me with Jesus Christ.

Surrounded by sparkling stars and Angels, I will stand tall. I will walk the Golden Stairway. I will not be afraid.

I will embrace you Mom with purest love. My beautiful wife Candy and I will be with you for all of eternity.

My beautiful Mother.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 14, 2026