Obituary of Victoria PESTRAK

VICTORIA PESTRAK (NEE HYWORON) Peacefully, with her family by her side, Victoria passed away on Friday, December 12, 2008. Vicky was born in Winnipeg on July 15, 1956 to Polly and Victor Hyworon. She is survived by Wayne, her beloved husband of 31 years, their sons Mikel and David, mother Polly Hyworon, brother Walter Hyworon and wife Cathy, parents-in-law Margaret and James Pestrak, uncle Eugene and Zorianna Hyworon, numerous cousins and countless friends and people whose lives she touched. Vicky was predeceased by her father Victor. Vicky grew up in the North End of Winnipeg. From a young age, Vicky helped her parents in their corner grocery store. She attended St. John's High School and graduated with a BA from the University of Manitoba before pursuing a career in financial services at Carpathia Credit Union. To Vicky, each loan was an opportunity not only to help members achieve their personal goals but also to build long lasting relationships and friendships. As Branch Manager, she lead by example, personifying the ideals of the cooperative movement. After 30 years, Vicky was particularly pleased when the next generation in the members' families consulted her as they built the foundation for their future. Growing up, many of her activities centered around Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church. As a member of CYMK, Vicky's love of Ukrainian dancing moved from performing to teaching. Her community involvement included membership in the Ukrainian Museum of Canada and long-term auditor for the Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada. Vicki loved life. She was devoted to her family and especially proud of her two sons. As Mikel and David followed their passions of hockey and music, moved from bilingual program to St. Paul's High School and then on to the Asper School of Business, Vicky encouraged and supported them, fostering her family core values of commitment, excellence, service and community. These values live on through her children. Vicky was a very special person, defined by qualities of kindness, gentleness, and care. She blessed her friends with her goodness and thoughtfulness. Everyone she met became enchanted by Vicky as she wove them into the fabric of her extended family. At the core was the sisterhood of Everette Place. Their lives were intertwined as they shared each other's joys and offered support in difficult times. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the fall of 2006, Vicky embarked on the fight of her life with a strength and courage that were both remarkable and inspirational. She drew on her deep faith to see beyond her own challenges, providing support and hope to others. She saw each hurdle as an opportunity for her and for others. Refusing to be a victim, she assumed an active partnership with the doctors, nurses, and other health professionals who were inspired by her courage to push the envelope in her treatment. She fought valiantly for time, hoping the next breakthrough in research would give her the years to enjoy her family and friends. In quiet times, she contemplated how she could best draw on her experience and knowledge to help others. In reflective moments, she sensed there was a higher purpose for her experience. In her gentle way, she encouraged fellow patients to draw on their faith, passing on a message in a card from a cousin: "Don't tell God how big your mountain is….. tell the mountain how big your God is." The family would like to thank the team at Cancer Care, the doctors, nurses and staff of D6 ward, and the Dialysis unit of the Health Sciences Center. They would also like to thank the many friends who helped Vicky cope with the day to day reality of living and coping with treatment and life. The family gratefully declines flowers; however, if so desired donations can be made at Carpathia Credit Union to the Victoria Pestrak Memorial Multiple Myeloma Fund for Cancer Care Manitoba, or to the Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Friends who would like to share their memories of Vicky with her family can do so at mymemoriesofvicky@hyworon.com Prayers will be held on Wednesday, December 17 at 7:00 p.m. at Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, 1175 Main Street. The Funeral Service will follow on Thursday, December 18 at 9:30 a.m. also at the Cathedral. Interment to follow in Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. Additional parking at the Church is available behind Robin's Donuts. Cropo Funeral Chapel 586-8044