Kay Gretchen (nee Hykawy)
It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Kay Gretchen who passed away peacefully on January 21st, 2018 at the beautiful age of 94.
Kay was born in Meleb, MB on June 7th, 1923 to John and Maria who had emigrated from the Ukraine. She was predeceased by her husband Walter and her 7 brothers and 3 sisters.
To her end, Kay was a very hard worker, and alongside her husband, toiled endlessly to make life easier for their children. She was not the idle kind, and when not busy in her kitchen or garden, Kay was busy volunteering at the Sacred Heart Church in Gimli, or at many of the jobs she held over the years. She was a great homemaker, a talented gardener and extraordinary cook, who was always so generous to share the bounty from her garden, make handmade knitwear, and provide never ending home-cooked meals and baking. In baba’s house… the door was always open, the welcome was warm, and the food was abundant and delicious.
Her family was a first and foremost as she relished her children and cherished her grandchildren. She was a supportive mother, and a generous, loving, and caring grandmother constantly assisting them with whatever was needed.
Saddened by the early loss of her husband Walter, Kay persevered without him for the past 32 years. Her strength and independence and hardworking nature were truly inspiring to those around her.
To mourn her loss are her extensive family… her daughters Marjorie (Robert) and Judy (Ken); son Doug; daughter-in-law Sharon; 8 grandchildren Trevor (Suzanne), Tracy (Chad), Raegan (Andre), Carmen (Scott), Ainsley (Ian), Jordan (Nia), Dustin (Jessica), Dillon; and her 5 delightful great grandchildren Jorie, Wylie, Beckham, Elin and Freyja, as well as her nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank her most special friend Phyllis Hill who did so much for her, especially in the later years when her health started to decline. No truer friend could be found. As well, the family would like to thank the caring staff at the Gimli Community Health Centre, and the Gimli Betel Home who cared for her so well.
Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 30th at 10:30 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church in Gimli, MB. Interment will follow in the St. Basil’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sacred Heart Church, Box 1183, Gimli, Mb, R0C 1B0.
Rest in peace dear Mom, as you now reunite with Dad in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Vichnaya Pam’Yat
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Kay Gretchen January 21 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Selkirk, Province: Manitoba
