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Obituary of TILLIE LABA
TILLIE LABA
(nee BLOCH)
JANUARY 28, 1926 – JUNE 1, 2023
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Tillie Laba. Tillie passed away peacefully, with her children by her side, at St. Boniface General Hospital at the age of 97. Tillie is survived by her loving daughter Dorothy, son Ken Steinke (Irene), daughter Daria and beloved grand-dog Benji. She is also survived and cherished by her grandchildren Tracey (Mark), Tara (Todd), Jeff, Simon (Trina) in the UK, David (Corinne), Kevin (Meagan), Brian (Kelly), great-grandchildren Will (Dayna), Kyle, Chase, Cole, Kaden, Harry, Ruby, Brittney, Rhyanna, Vayda, Hazel, Emery, Sara, and great, great-grandchildren, Brayden, and Taya. She is survived by her remaining sister, Nora Froehlich and numerous nieces and nephews.
Tillie was predeceased by her husband, Nick Laba in 2000, her first husband Fred Steinke in 1952 and her daughter, two-month-old Beverley in 1946, five sisters and six brothers, numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews all of whom had a special place in Tillie’s heart. She was also predeceased by her son-in-law Jim Anderson in March of 2022 with whom she had a special bond, and they are now together watching over the family.
Tillie was born in Gull Lake, MB. She married Fred Steinke on April 30, 1945. Fred passed away from lung cancer in 1952. They had 3 children. Beverley was born in January 1946 and passed away due to SIDs in March 1946. Dorothy was born in July 1947 and Kenneth (Ken) was born in January 1953 after his dad had passed away. Tillie relocated to Winnipeg in 1959 where she remarried Nicholas (Nick) Laba on May 14, 1965.
Tillie worked hard throughout her life and instilled that work ethic in her family. She gave her time, her efforts, with no expectations in return and no accolades needed or wanted. She worked at several jobs raising her children as a single parent before marrying Nick. Tillie worked at home knitting the pattern work onto Mary Maxim sweaters. Tillie also worked nights at DRG Globe Envelopes and then worked days after Daria began school where she continued to work until her retirement in 1990.
Nick, Tillie, & Daria resided on Inkster Blvd for many years. Tillie had a passion for gardening and before and after her work hours spent many hours outdoor tending to her flower beds and vegetable garden. Family, friends, and neighbors commented that it was the nicest yard on the block. Family was everything to Tillie and she cooked delicious roast dinners for her extended family on the weekends along with a slice of pie, torte or kuchen. She looked forward to holidays with the family and road trips to Fargo or in Jim & Dorothy’s motor home to Florida, Texas, and Nashville to name a few! She had a mischievous laugh and quick wit that was second to none. Everyone who met Tillie instantly loved her because she was so genuine and kind.
After Tillie’s husband Nick passed away in 2000 Tillie remained in the house and continued to tend to her home and garden until it became too difficult to manage on her own. Tillie moved into Dakota House on September 25, 2011, where she resided until her passing. She enjoyed meeting so many new friends and acquaintances throughout the years. She enjoyed doing word find puzzles and knitting and continued her passion for flowers on her balcony and helping Daria plant her flowers and flower beds. Tillie enjoyed the barbecues, tea & chats, entertainment, weekly hair appointments, delicious meals, and all the wonderful wait staff in the dining room who catered to her daily. Tillie also had a special place in her heart for June who kept her suite tidy. More than that, Tillie enjoyed their conversations and our family thanks June for always checking to see that she was safe and feeling good. Tillie always had a smile and a wave for Krista and the front reception staff who also kept a watchful eye on Tillie for her family. We thank everyone at Dakota House for the wonderful years and memories Tillie enjoyed because of you.
Thank you to the wonderful home care workers and nurses who ensured Tillie was safe and comfortable at home in the last six months, she looked forward to your visits and appreciated your help. Thank you to the numerous skilled hospital teams who provided Tillie with exceptional care especially in the last months. A special thank you to her long-term physician Dr. Van Rooyen for providing Tillie with a good quality of life as her illness progressed over the years.
Honorary pallbearers will be her great-granddaughters, Brittney and Sara Anderson, Rhyanna Davies, and Hazel Steinke. Active pallbearers will be her great-grandsons, Will, Kyle, and Chase Imlah, Cole and Kaden Barenz, and Emery Steinke.
A service will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel at 1442 Main Street on June 8, 2023, at 11:00 AM with Interment to follow at All Saints Cemetery, 4535 Main Street, and will be live streamed. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tillie’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba (1379 Kenaston Blvd) or the Winnipeg Humane Society (45 Hurst Way).
Live Stream Link is posted below.
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