January 13, 1935 – June 21, 2019
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Noreen Wivchar after a courageous battle with Cancer. She fell asleep in death with family by her side on June 21, 2019.
Noreen will be greatly missed by her four children, Patricia (Rod) Poitras, Michael (Karen) Blaschuk, Douglas (Susan) Blaschuk and Mary (Kevin) Meilleur. Noreen will also be missed by her grandchildren Liviya, Nicholas, Natalie, Courtenay, Steven, Chelsea, Coral, Cody and Wyatt as well as eight great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, Ernest and Muriel; husband Harry Blaschuk (1977); husband John Wivchar (2004); brothers Gordon, Gene, Earl and sister Sara.
Noreen was born in Elphinstone, MB to Ernest and Muriel Proutt. In the 1940s the family moved to Winnipeg where she attended school and enjoyed playing baseball at a young age for years, a favorite sport of hers. Mom met the love of her life Harry Blaschuk and was married on September 1, 1955. They bought their first home together in the North End where they raised their four children. Life was busy with neighbourhood kids and dinners with family and friends throughout the years. Mom loved the outdoors from camping to walks in Birds Hill Park where she fed the Chickadees and spending time at the cottage at Muriel Lake; enjoying all of nature.
Mom was a kind and loving person who freely gave of herself to others. Family was such a large part of her life, doing all she could for them – loving her family unconditionally. She cherished this time and enjoyed many family dinners (filled with her kindness, humour and generosity). “Grandma” also known as “Bobbi” had a special bond with her grandchildren that will be missed. During mom’s illness, she fought hard and never complained. Noreen deeply relied on her faith in her God Jehovah taking comfort from the Bible verse of Isaiah 41:10 and also had peace knowing the promise God made for an earthly resurrection (John 5:28, 29). She was dedicated as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and enjoyed as many hours as she could telling others about the Bible. She had a large spiritual family in the River East congregation who supported our mom with their many phone calls, visits, cards and support at the most trying times.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Riverview Health Centre, 3E Palliative Care. A special thank you to Dr. Ted St. Goddard, Arlene and Barb for their outstanding compassionate care of our mother.
Cremation has taken place, a private interment will take place with a Memorial Service on July 8, 2019, at 937 Gateway Road, Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gateway Kingdom Hall Complex of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 937 Gateway Road or Riverview Health Centre 3 East Wing.
