RETTA MAY BODNARCHUK

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RETTA MAY BODNARCHUK Peacefully passed away on Friday, July 28, 2000 at the Holy Family Nursing Home, Winnipeg, Man. Retta May Bodnarchuk (nee Ferris), aged 92 years of Winnipeg, Man., beloved wife of Steve Bodnarchuk. Retta is survived by her husband Steve, sisters-in-law, Dora Sloboda, Mary (Allan) McClelland, brothers-in-law, Walter (Alyce), Gerry (Phyllis) and Gordon (Evelyn), also nieces Marguerite and Jean who had a special place in Rettas life, dear friends and four generations of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, William and Sarah Ferris, parents-in-law, Alec and Katyryna Bodnarchuk, brothers, Art (died in First World War) and Harry (Maggie), sisters, Mina Ferris and Fayetta (Markle) Pecover, sister-in-law Elizabeth (Frank) Lloyd, and brother-in-law Steve Sloboda. In her earlier years, Retta enjoyed curling in the Rathwell Bonspiels and was also an active member of the Orange Benevolent Association of Manitoba. Despite the difficult times during the 1930s depression, there were also good times. Rettas great love was her piano. There were many gatherings of friends and relatives singing with guests as Retta and her piano become "one". She also played the organ at Indianford United Church. Friday night dances at Arbroath School, where Retta had been a pupil, often found her at the piano with fiddlers playing those good old time tunes. Retta and Steve were married August 17, 1963. They resided in Winnipeg and the farm became a summer home. Once again family and friends were there for singing, food, horseshoes and cards. The piano was moved to their home in Winnipeg and an electric organ was added so the music and singing continued. After several years Retta became ill, so an era of song and dance had ended. We shall miss you Retta. The family extends thanks to all the staff in St. Johns ward of the Holy Family Nursing Home for their tender loving care of Retta. You helped her die with dignity. Funeral service will be conducted in the Rathwell Memorial Hall, Rathwell, Man., on Wednesday, August 2 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Stewart Anderson officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Woodlands Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Rettas memory to a charity of ones choice. "Those we love do not go away, they walk beside us every day." Budz Funeral Service of Holland, Man. in care of arrangements 526-2380.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 01, 2000