Enveloped and uplifted by the love of her family, Doris Helen Martiniuk completed her life’s journey at dusk, her favourite time of day, Wednesday, December 22, 2021. She is now enjoying the heavenly garden of which she sang, together with her dear husband Andrew, who predeceased her in 1989. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her daughters Andrea, Janet (Marcel Belanger) and Carol; her niece Joan (Jim Warbeck) and their children, David (Julia), Darrin (Jody) and Melanie (Chad). She was predeceased by her parents, Nicholas and Annie Bodnar; step-brother Bill, step-sister Mary (Pete Chervinski), sister Nettie, and brother Jack (Deane).
Doris was born in Sinclair, Manitoba on December 13, 1924, the daughter of a proud CP Rail Station Foreman and a resilient mother who was ahead of her time. Doris’ formative years were in Sinclair and Reston. Even in her later years and advancing dementia, her most vivid memories were of the Depression, the men and boys riding the rails seeking work, and the generosity of her parents’ efforts to feed the destitute from their family garden and kitchen table. Doris and her little brother Jack once happily gave away all their mother’s freshly baked pies only to discover they should have kept the family’s only pie tins! Helping those in need made a lasting impression.
Doris and her little brother Jack were inseparable and developed their curiosity and love of travel on round trips by CP Rail to Winnipeg to visit their grandparents in Gonor, Manitoba. She and her sisters also played summer prairie baseball with Mary as pitcher, Nettie at first base and Doris as back-catcher (and home run Queen), touring southern Manitoba towns with Mother Annie at the wheel of the Model T. Doris’ love of baseball carried forward through her life, with many happy years cheering the Goldeyes.
During one summer with her grandparents, the auburn-haired, petite young teen met the shy, tall and dark-haired young Andrew at the original “Half Moon” hotdog and dance venue. Their courtship blossomed to everlasting love. At the young ages of 19 and 20, they married in Toronto and started to build their life there. Sadly, sudden ill health quickly changed the newlyweds’ plans and they found themselves back in Manitoba to recover with little savings and few prospects. Commitment and perseverance finally led to their own home in Selkirk, where Andrew commuted to Winnipeg and Doris worked at the TD Bank. The birth of Andrea, Janet and Carol formed their family. Because of their health history, each birth was carefully considered and the girls were raised to be self-sufficient, resourceful, broad-minded, and faithful. Education beyond the classroom was always a priority, achieved through regular family car trips and vacations throughout North America.
Doris was a competent and efficient homemaker. She and Andrew were always hosting friends and relatives at the cheery pristine little house on Britannia Avenue. She was also a trusted confidante to many of her daughters’ friends. Over the years, and through inevitable trials and triumphs, Doris developed special relationships with each daughter as both a mother and close friend. She and her son-in-law, Marcel, shared a very understanding and loving bond.
When Carol started school, Doris re-entered the workforce and her banking career blossomed at the newly opened Selkirk ScotiaBank. She quickly distinguished herself for customer service, responsibility, and leadership, eventually retiring at 57 as Assistant Manager with many awards and development opportunities.
After retirement, Doris became a small business consultant with the Federal Business Development Bank; the first woman in Manitoba. She also volunteered as a Brown Owl, was active in the UCWL of the church, helped at the WSO office, and worked at the Children’s Hospital Book Mart. However, her proudest community work was during the 1999 Pan American Games, where her newly acquired Spanish skills secured her a spot as a “den mother” for one of the South American residences on the UM campus. She was deeply touched when one appreciative athlete gave her his Bronze Medal flowers.
Andrew’s passing in 1989 was much too soon. However, in keeping with their bond, they planned her next steps in the short time he had. She knew he’d be “peeking at her”. With optimism and conviction, Doris reestablished her life in Winnipeg, attending University of Winnipeg Continuing Education classes for 16 years. Through courses in Spanish, French, Current Affairs, Climate Change, and many others, Doris made a new circle of wonderful friends as broad-minded and curious as she. She was an unassuming woman but a natural leader, attracting others with her warmth, charm and above all, interest in them.
Her love of travel remained a mainstay, and with Andrew’s passing, she and Carol became close companions and travelling partners. Nicknaming themselves “Pack and RePack”, they enthusiastically toured Europe, Britain, South America, and the Caribbean. Visiting Andrea in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, both with Andrew (including Puerto Rico and Hawaii) and later solo, were constant highlights on her calendar. Several trips to Spain with family members to visit her brother Jack and sister-in-law Deane made happy and proud memories. Jan was honoured to take Doris by train to visit Andrea for their mum’s last big trip.
Advancing vascular dementia claimed Doris’ cognition and memory over the past 17 years, but never her essence or spirit. She was our inspiration and role model, and after several major hospitalizations in the past few years, our Miracle Mum. She taught us so much by her life, her optimism, her kindness and warmth to others, and her strong faith in God. We will miss her but will forever celebrate her example and strength through countless cherished memories.
Special thanks to the caregivers of HomeInstead and to the staff at Misericordia Place, which was Doris’ home for the past 8 years. Their care and compassion enhanced her life and made her feel safe and embraced. The family also wishes to thank the E.J. Coutu funeral home for all their support during this time.
Singing and music therapy sustained and uplifted Doris in her final years. In lieu of flowers, if family and friends so wish, donations may be made to a fund the family is establishing in her honour at the Misericordia Health Centre Foundation. It will support music therapy, programming and entertainment for long term care residents.
A private family Funeral Mass of the Resurrection was held on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Holy Rosary Parish with Reverend Father Sam Argenziano and Reverend Father Mark Tarrant.
“Come to me, all who labour and are over-burdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.” Matthew 11: 28 – 30
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Doris Helen Martiniuk Bodnar Wednesday December 22nd 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba