Obituary of ROSE WERSTIUK (NEE HUNNIE)

ROSE WERSTIUK (NEE) HUNNIE

October 1, 1925 – July 8, 2021

Rose peacefully passed away at the age of 95.  Left to cherish Rose’s memories are her daughters Sharon (Joe) Morrow, Irene Werstiuk, Diane (Mitch) Wasylnuk; numerous nieces and nephews; 7 grandchildren: Chris, Tracy, Dan, Shawn, Chad, Jeff and Paula; 13 great-grandchildren: Justin, Gentry, Maysen, McKenna, Charlee, Kaylee, Camryn, Tyler, Rylan, Christopher, Corey, Daphne and Bennett; 2 great-great grandchildren: Dante and Aubrey; including numerous family and friends Hellen and Stan.

Rose was predeceased by her only son Allen in 2018; her parents Maria and Alex Hunnie; sisters Stella, Sophie, Ann and Mary; brothers Harry, Joe, John, Alex, Steve, Bill and Mike.

Rose was born and raised in Libau, Manitoba and came from a large loving family where she spent her childhood.  Rose was born at a mere 1 and a half pounds, lovingly placed in a roasting pan lined with cotton and placed by the woodstove back in those days.  Obviously that proves how strong-willed Rose was at birth, right through her life and would eventually be the last surviving sibling in her family. 

When we were young, every weekend we would go to the farm either Fisher Branch or Libau to see family.  Wonderful memories of mom and Aunty Stella, her sister.  They had a close bond and when Aunty Stella passed, a piece of Mom died too.  She was now the only living survivor of all her siblings and it hurt her.  Then tragedy struck, she lost her only son, Allen two years ago.  To have your heart broken so many times, to endure what she did just solidifies how strong a woman Rose was.

Rose dedicated much of the earlier years of her life in raising her children.  Rose was an amazing loving mother.  For the majority of her life, up until her last few years, Rose always hosted and prepared the family Christmas and Easter gatherings with meals second to none-with best meatballs & gravy, cabbage rolls and perogies, all for the love of her family.  Rose was the glue of the family who kept family gatherings alive.

Later on in life Rose found employment with Eaton’s Catalogue until it closed, later working at the Freshwater Fish Plant until her retirement. 

Rose enjoyed cooking, baking, crafts, sewing and her favourite was BINGO.

Anyone who knew Rose would agree she had that special ability to cook native Ukrainian dishes to perfection.

As for her love of BINGO-what else can be said other than she thrived for it!  From going to Bingo in small communities to the casino bingos, she thoroughly enjoyed every trip.  Unfortunately Covid 19 shut everything down and Rose was no longer able to enjoy her favourite pastime.  

Rose died peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, July 8, but the night before Father Alan gave her the last rights, she recited the Lord’s Prayer with him then she fell asleep and never woke up.  Rose was ready to go to heaven to see her son Allen, her brothers, sisters and mom & dad.

Rose will leave fond memories behind for all who knew her.  We will miss her dearly.

Cremation has taken place and due to Covid 19, a small family service has taken place.

May the roads rise up to meet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the sun shine warm upon your face and                    

May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.