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Justina (Jean) Grynol (nee Mykytkn)
October 30, 1925 – February 10, 2022
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JUSTINA (JEAN) GRYNOL
(nee Mykytkn)
October 30, 1925 to February 10, 2022
With great sadness, the family of Jean Grynol would like to announce Jean’s peaceful passing on February 10, 2022, at the Bethania Personal Care Home in Winnipeg. For 96 years, Jean gifted the world with her kindness, honesty, respect, and effort, serving as a figurehead in her family and a pillar in her community.
Born Justina Mykytyn in Chatfield, Manitoba on October 30, 1925, Jean moved from her family’s farm to Winnipeg, where she met and married her husband, Harry. After spending a brief time with family in Fort Frances, Ontario, Jean and Harry moved to Kenora, Ontario in 1957, after Harry accepted a job as the chef at the Kenricia Hotel. Jean lived in Kenora for nearly 50 years and raised her children (and later hosted her grandchildren) in her welcoming home on First Street North.
Jean was predeceased by her parents Peter and Mary, brothers Bill (in infancy), John, Nick, Metro, Mike, Steve and Alex, sisters Catherine, Anne, Nellie, Doris, Pauline, Lena, and close friend and sister-in-law Christina and nephews Alec and Wayne, as well as by her husband Harry in 1970 and great-granddaughter, Claire Gibbs in 2018. Left to cherish her memory are son Raymond (Michelle) and daughter, Susan, all of Winnipeg and grandchildren Amy Gibbs (Brad) of Atlanta, Georgia, Ben Grynol (Pam) of Winnipeg, Matt Grynol (Ashlyn) of Minneapolis and great-grandchildren Caleb Gibbs of Atlanta; Charlie, Leo, and Miles of Minneapolis; and Theo, Penelope, Zoe, and Niko of Winnipeg.
The family and friends of Jean will all remember her for her generous spirit and her unfailing love for and commitment to her children and grandchildren. After the sudden passing of Harry in 1970, Jean went back to school so that she could improve her chances of getting a better job to support her children. As a further indication of her endurance, resilience, and desire to help her family after Harry’s passing, Jean bought a car and learned to drive at the age of 46. After her graduation, she worked as the accounts manager and bookkeeper at Canadian Tire in Kenora, a position which she held until her retirement in 1992.
She showed her love for her children and grandchildren in her knitting projects—sweaters, mittens, and scarves—that she completed to supply some personal and loving touches to the clothing they wore. Many of the sweaters have been passed down to her great grandchildren and will continue to be treasured for decades to come.
The epitome of her generosity was that GG (for Grandma Grynol), as she was affectionately called, was always willing to feed her grandchildren and any of the friends they or her children unexpectedly brought to her home during the summers they spent in Kenora. She was a wonderful cook, but her methods were difficult to replicate since her instructions depended more on feeling or personal touch than adherence to exact instructions. Besides the preparation of more traditional Ukrainian meals, she always had readily available supplies of favourites for her grandchildren: pizza buns, grilled cheese sandwiches on homemade bread, chicken cacciatore, fruit salad, and homemade cakes and desserts. She was even known to serve different versions of the same dish to suit the varying tastes of those who were fortunate to dine at her table.
Her only rule was that lunches and dinners had to be prompt at set times. Her grandson, Ben, and his friends often tested those boundaries, much to GG’s irritation; however, the boys always made up for their lateness by doing extra chores around the house to thank GG for her patience.
Jean also had a delightful sense of fairness and parity, as evidenced by her shopping for presents, particularly at Christmas. Each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild had to receive presents which had an equal value. If one person’s gifts cost a few dollars more than another’s, she would make sure to add extra to ensure that everyone had the same amount.
Jean loved to garden and took great pride in the flowers, fruits, and vegetables she grew in her garden. Rhubarb always was a staple for some of her pies, and garden beets were the basis of her excellent borscht. Her home-grown potatoes went into her famous and sought-after perogies.
Jean loved her neighbors and her community and is fondly remembered for her dedicated involvement with the Kenora District New Horizons Seniors Centre following her retirement. On weekdays, Jean could be found leading crafts activities at the centre or chauffeuring friends who were unable to drive themselves to doctor’s appointments or one of the local grocery stores. She showed the same kindness to her neighbors, babysitting for their children and cooking for their families. She cared for everyone around her and expected nothing in return.
Jean delighted in socializing with her friends and family. Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Ukrainian Christmas gatherings for the extended family provided some festive and lively occasions and great memories. Tea time was a particular favourite for her. Afternoon “tea-and-tattle” sessions with her sisters-in-law, Hannah and Tena, and family friend, Lil Archibald, were the source of much pleasure.
As a complement to her altruistic spirit, Jean had a keen wit, especially as she grew older. She had an uncanny ability to enliven conversations with her candor and her amusing observations. She was unapologetically direct, valued simplicity in conversation, and was willing to impart her wisdom on those with whom she engaged.
Extraordinarily modest in everything she did, Jean was known to acknowledge that her work—no matter how perfect—fell short of her exacting standards. Every food she made or project that she completed came with the self-critical caveat that it was “good, but…” with the word “but” indicating that she believed it could have been better.
So modest was Jean that she undoubtedly would be painfully embarrassed by this loving tribute to her life well-lived. Those who knew her well will remember her famous expression, “much is much,” reflecting her perception that accolades were unnecessary. She will be so missed by so many, deeply and forever. We are thankful for her love and the legacy that she left.
Vichnaya pamyat
Jean is in the loving care of Wojcik’s Funeral Chapel. A celebration of Jean’s incredible life will take place at a future date. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at the Bethania Personal Care Home for their devotion to and care for Jean during the ten years she was a resident there. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations in Jean’s name be made to the Bethania Personal Care Home on Concordia Ave.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Justina Jean Grynol nee Mykytkn October 30 1925 February 10 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba