Stefenia (Stella) Lysyk (nee Balan)

On Monday, May 20, 2019, a wonderful, smart, caring, selfless and “special in many ways” lady, Stella Lysyk left this world after over 96 years to move on to her next journey.  She will be reunited with her husband Mathew, son Ed, and daughter Jane.  On the rainbow bridge, she will meet her loving dogs Daisy, Cindy, Mandy and Buffy.  Stella will once again, share good times with many family members and friends who left this world over the past years.

Stella was born in Dallas, Manitoba to Mary and Harry Balan on November 30, 1922. She had three sisters, Olga, Anne and Helen, two brothers Fred and Mike, and a special uncle, Peter.  She leaves behind, for now, but to see her in the future, her daughter Bonnie, granddaughters Breanna and Darcey, grandson Byron, and great-grandchildren Mya, Nolan, and other extended family members and friends.

“My mom was not only a loving mother, she was my best friend and my rock.  She taught me to be good to people, to work hard, to enjoy life, to be respectful of others, and above all, to remain positive even in difficult times.  My mom cherished life and the outdoors.  Even after she suddenly lost her sight at 88 years of age, she maintained a positive spirit and outlook, and courageously accepted the adjustments she needed to make to continue living in her home of over 65 years until the last couple of months.”

Stella loved gardening, cooking (she was amazing), playing bingo and some slots, walking far and fast (especially walkathons), traveling, taking care of birds, picking strawberries every year, collecting stamps and coins, doing crossword and word search puzzles, playing scrabble, bowling, knitting and crocheting (very talented), watching the Price is Right and Jeopardy, and enjoying time with family, especially helping to raise Breanna and watching her dance and perform gymnastics.  She worked for nearly 20 years in retail sales mainly with Woolco, and enjoyed time with the friends she made there such as Lena, Eileen, Shirley and Margaret.   Her long-time neighbors including Bev, Betty, Randy, Harry and others were important to her.  She loved Daniel O’Donnell music and attending his concerts, and cherished her photos with him.  Listening and dancing to Ukrainian music and polkas made her happy.

Over the last eight years, Stella developed a deep and caring relationship with Doris Reyes who was a wonderful and dedicated companion and friend.  Doris’s husband Ed Senaris was also always there when needed. Others who importantly touched Stella’s life over the last eight years included Nkem, Odessa, Esther, Lelani, her neighbor Julie, Jerry Floom of the WRHA, and her trusty handyman/yardman who could always be counted on to help Stella out.

 

Tribute to Stella

You can shed tears that she is gone

Or you can smile because she has lived

 

You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back

Or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left

 

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

 

You can remember her and only that she’s gone

Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on

 

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back

Or you can do what she’d want:

Smile,

Open your eyes,

Love,

And go on.

 

Mom/grandma/gentle and classy lady, we will miss you deeply but will remain positive knowing we will meet again.  Stella will be interned at Chapel Lawn beside her husband of 43 years.  A private celebration of Stella’s life is being planned.  In her memory, donations can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society.