IRENE VERONICA TKACHYK

It is with great sadness that the family of Irene Tkachyk (nee Badiuk) announces she passed away Friday, Oct. 10, 2008 at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, Man.
Irene was born Jan. 24, 1937 to John and Mary Badiuk of Fort Frances, Ont.
Irene was predeceased by her mother, Mary Badiuk, on Dec. 23, 1974 and her father, John Badiuk, on Feb. 11, 1985. She also was predeceased by her husband of 49 years Steve Tkachyk, on March 19, 2003.
Both Irene and Steve were proud members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Fort Frances.
Irene married Steve on July 17, 1954. They built a home at 837 Minnie Ave., where they raised their children and lived together for 47 years. Irene worked as a waitress for more than 25 years, where she made lots of friends and enjoyed getting to know those she served at the Rainy Lake Hotel.
Irene enjoyed cooking for her family and friends. On any given day, you could walk into Irene’s house to homemade soup, fresh-baked bread and pies of your choice. She would not take no for an answer and would always start dishing up a meal for you before you asked.
Irene was especially known for making the best perogies and cabbage rolls in the area, and most of our family occasions were centered around these Ukrainian dishes.
Irene was the second oldest of four siblings. She leaves behind her brother, Bill (Roylene) Badiuk; and sisters, Lucy (Hilding) Ronmark of Fort Frances, Ont. and Olga Roppe of Virginia, Mn.
Irene and Steve spent many hours at their cabin on Big Sawbill Lake with friends and family. Even though Irene could not swim well, she loved jumping off the end of the dock into the water.
Irene and Steve also spent many hours gardening and canning both at their home and at Big Sawbill Lake.
One of Irene’s greatest past times was playing Bingo. There wasn’t a Bingo hall that Irene didn’t play in. She talked fondly of all of her “Bingo friends” and even in times of being ill, she found a way to play TV Bingo with her friends from Elizabeth Manor and during her extended stays in the hospital.
She loved playing Bingo, but she really enjoyed being around all of her friends who also enjoyed the game.
Irene enjoyed the simple things in life, going for rides to Emo and to Pither’s Point Park. She loved visiting with her family and friends, playing Bingo, and talking on the phone.
Irene believed her greatest gifts were her children and grandchildren. She leaves behind son, Bill Tkachyk (Yvonne Noonan) of Fort Frances, Ont.; daughter Kathy Robb of Kenora, Ont.; sons, Michael and John Tkachyk of Fort Frances, Ont.; and daughter, Ann Tkachyk (Robyn Judson) of Dryden, Ont.
Irene will be deeply missed by her six grandchildren, Dustin and Tyson Tkachyk, Tyler and Tara Robb, and Taylor and Marlee Judson.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. Rev. Georgina Connor will officiate, with interment in Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances.
Family and friends may visit prior to funeral services on Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. until service time.
The pallbearers will be Bill Tkachyk, John Tkachyk, Michael Tkachyk, Tyson Tkachyk, Robyn Judson, and Tyler Robb.
Should family and friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 920 Frenette Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3N4 or to a charity of your choice c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be made in care of www.mem.com
How do you thank a woman who dedicates her life to you, makes sacrifices so you have the best, and still loves you immeasurably? You call her “Mom.”