Obituary of STELLA PILAT

STELLA PILAT

November 13, 1934 - July 8, 2026

Surrounded by her family, our beloved matriarch passed away on Wednesday July 8, 2026 at the age of 91 years.

Left to mourn Stella’s memory are her son Brian; daughter Brenda (Kimball); grandchildren Tyler (Cassidy), Kyla (Dan); and great-grandson Eddy. As well as her brother Stan, sister Elsie, nieces, nephews and friends. Stella was predeceased by her husband Edward, son Bradley and brothers Steve, Paul, Henry, Harry and Edward.

Stella was born November 13, 1934 in Narol Manitoba. She was the seventh born and the first of two girls. She often spoke about her memories from the farm; from her sister being baptized in their farm house to her brothers working on the farm and riding horses. She had fond memories of attending church with her father.  All of the parishioners would comment how beautiful she was. Her mother would fix her hair so meticulously and her dress would be perfectly pressed, they would say “I wonder how Mary had time to get Stella dressed so nice and also make such a nice Sunday dinner.” From Narol, the family moved to Winnipeg on Pulford Ave.

When Stella arrived in Winnipeg she worked at Eaton’s Mail Order. Shortly after she met the love of her life Edward. They married September 13, 1958. Together they moved with Edward’s parents into a rooming house on St. Matthews Ave. Their first son, Brian was born on May 8, 1960 and daughter Brenda followed 2 years later. In 1964 the Pilat Family moved into their new home on Greenacre Blvd in Westwood. Later, in 1969 they welcomed their son Bradley. They were committed parishioners at St Basil’s Church and she was a member of The Women’s League for 50 years. They took many family road trips and continued the traditions of the farm taught to Stella by her mother. In 1986, they lost Bradley.   With heavy hearts they continued gaining immense strength as a family, as parents and partners. Over the years they travelled on many bus tours to places like Nashville, St Louis and Las Vegas. Enjoying their time with each other and friends, gambling and enjoying shows of country music legends.

In 1995, they were delighted with the arrival of their first grandchild, Tyler. Followed by granddaughter Kyla in 1997. They were so proud of their family and never missed a birthday, baseball game or dance recital. Even our regular family dinners were cause for celebration. As the years passed Ed became ill and passed away following a brief illness in 2016. Stella then moved to Selkirk in October to be closer to Brenda, Kimball and family.

While in Selkirk she enjoyed living independently and still continued gambling and played bingo twice a week in her building. In 2018, she travelled to Edmonton and Banff along side Brenda, Kimball and Kyla. She got to be present while both grandchildren completed post secondary education and got married. Tyler married Cassidy in 2023 and Kyla married Dan in 2025.

Brenda continued the traditions passed down from her mom; including but not limited to, taking a basket to be blessed on easter, traditional Ukrainian Christmas dinner and pickle making which was enjoyed by the entire family, especially Stella.

Stella was woman so full of love for her family, you could tell by her actions and words, you could feel it in the room and see it on her face when we were all together. That was even more apparent in August of 2025 when she welcomed her great-grandson Eddy. She was so taken by him and often asked “does he ever cry.” Although their time together was short, their bond was as strong as her relationship with each and every other member of her family.

To know her was an honour and to be loved by her could only be described as winning the lottery. 

Service to be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street.

Honourary Pallbearers; Tyler Lamb, Daniel Reimer, Kelly Bihun, Donny Stefanyshyn, Derek Stefanyshyn, Gerry Badiou.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Stella’s memory may be made to the CancerCare Manitoba or The Dream Factory.

Vichnaya Pamyat