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Ella (Nernberg) Onofriechuk passed away peacefully at Crocus Court on November 23, 2018 at the age of 92 years.
Ella was born at the Bolton Municipality family farm in 1926 and grew up with her parents Natalie and Gustave, twin sister Edna and brothers Oscar, Rudolf, Henry and Wilfred. Ella and siblings attended Hudson school where one teacher was challenged with teaching grades 1 to 8. Her contributions to the family farm were many with Ella’s skill at handling horses and caring for livestock.
When Ella’s mother passed away very young, Ella and her twin sister Edna watched over their younger brother Wilfred. In 1950 Ella’s father retired from farming and moved to Inglis; Ella moved with him. While there she met Andy and they married in 1954. They settled in the red brick house to raise their son Donald and daughter Elizabeth. Ella’s father Gus lived with his daughter and family for many years and when they moved to Roblin in 1965 Grandpa Gus joined them. A second daughter Carol was born.
Ella and Andy were partners in life and in work as they built their concrete and construction business and always made time to spend with family, friends, church and community. Ella’s interests complimented Andy’s. When he was hunting and fishing, Ella was preparing the catch with delightful dinners adding her own special touch from the harvest of her garden. She took great pride in the size of her garden much to the dismay of her kids who were often tasked to help with weeding and harvesting. We’re planting another row of potatoes, Ella would say!
In 1976, Ella and Andy retired. They spent time building a cottage in Duck Mountain to enjoy fishing, hunting and sitting by the lake watching the sunsets with family and friends. They travelled from the prairies to the mountains of British Columbia, mid-west and southern US states.
Ella is remembered as a very kind woman who always cared for everyone around her. One of her favourite pastimes was gardening and when she wasn’t doing that, she was creating another handcrafted item for someone. Often, a parcel would arrive in your mailbox and in it would be a sweater, socks, mittens and scarf or something for a new born. Ella took great pride in crafting something special to give away.
After Andy passed away in 1991, Ella moved from the house by the lake to Maple Manor where she enjoyed the companionship of many residents. Her grandchildren Coleman and Mikaela recall fond memories of their Grandma’s constant enthusiasm playing cards, board games and watching movies while on her many spring/fall visits to Ontario.
Ella was a cancer survivor and as her memory faded in her later years, she moved to Crocus Court PCH. Ella’s strong faith and her generous capacity in making human connections helped her face the disease. She had a way of staying positive and strong to get through challenging situations in life.
Ella is survived by her daughter Elizabeth (Scott), grandchildren Coleman and Mikaela, brother Wilfred (Anne) and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. She will be missed and fondly remembered by many.
Ella was a long time member at St. Mathew’s Lutheran church in Roblin and the Roblin Hospital Auxiliary.
Ella’s family thanks staff at Crocus Court PCH for their continuous support during the 8 years she was a resident. In Ella’s words, “Thank you for all your love and kindness”.
Donations in Ella’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice.
Funeral Service was held Thursday, November 29, 2018 from St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Roblin, Manitoba with Pastor Barry Wood officiating. Interment followed in the Roblin and District Cemetery. To leave a note of condolence please visit NairnChyzWolkowski.ca
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ella Onofriechuk, please visit our floral store.
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