Leontena "Tena" (Bulbuck) Pitze

In Loving Memory of

Leontena “Tena” Pitze

1920 - 2013

Leontena ‘Tena’ Pitze passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at the Crocus Court Personal Care Home in Roblin, Manitoba, at the age of 93 years.

Leontena Bulbuck was born on August 15, 1920 at Lennard, Manitoba in the RM of Shellmouth–Boulton, Manitoba, a daughter of Theodore and Maria (nee Hretusak) Bulbuck. She grew on the family farm where she helped with the many chores that had to be done. Tena received her education in Lennard at Shell Bank School.

Tena got to know George Pitze, a young fellow from the neighbouring district of Shell Valley, and on October 22, 1939, Tena and George were united in Holy Matrimony. Together, they started farming in the Shell Valley and Lennard Districts.

In 1945, Tena and George moved to Roblin as George had decided to get involved in the logging and lumber business.

Tena spent a number of winters cooking for a crew of men at the sawmill site located in the Duck Mountains near Child’s Lake. Tena was not only responsible for cooking for the crew she also had the undertaking of caring for her four young children that were in camp.

Tena was a member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and was active in the Women’s Association for many years. She enjoyed singing and will be remembered for her part in the church choir and also as a cantor for special services.

Ukrainian Christmas and Easter were always very special times at the Pitze’s home, with Tena painstakingly preparing all the traditional dishes. Tena and George taught their children that it was very important to attend church as a family for the special services.

Tena loved to garden and this was evident in the bountiful crop of vegetables she grew and the beautiful flower beds around the house. She will be remembered for the many quarts of dill pickles and fruit preserves she put up over the years.

Left to mourn Tena’s death and cherish fond memories are her six children; Olga (Mark) Bailes of Roblin, Bill (Trish) Pitze of Brandon, Manitoba, Joanne Henderson of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Marge Harris of Winnipeg, Jim (Karen) Pitze of Okotoks, Alberta, and Jerry Pitze of Roblin, eleven Grandchildren, Jana (John), Kelly (Manon), Sheila, Jennifer, Lisa, Bradley, Tara, James (Karleen) Casey, Zackery and Nicole, four great-grandchildren; Mariska, Vivienne, Alexandra, and Fraser. Also surviving are her brother; Walter Bulbuck of Cornwall, Ontario, her sisters; Anne (Robert) Latz of Seattle, Washington, and Vivian Drabik of Winnipeg, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Tena was predeceased by her parents; Theodore and Maria Bulbuck, her husband; George Pitze on February 18, 1998, her sisters; Margaret (Andy) Haggerty, Dora (Bill) Bezan, her brother; William Bulbuck, her sons-in-law; Bill Henderson, Bill Harris, her brother-in-law; Ted Drabik and her sister-in-law; Muriel Bulbuck.

Prayer Vigil Service was held Thursday, October 10, 2013 at 7:00 PM from the Chapel of Nairn-Chyz Funeral Home in Roblin.

Funeral Service was held Friday, October 11, 2013 at 10:00 AM from St. John The Baptist Orthodox Church in Roblin, with Rev. Fr. Brent Kuzyk officiating, assisted by the Orthodox Choir. Granddaughters, Jennifer and Sheila Bailes delivered the Eulogy. Cross Bearer was Tom Antosh and Banner Bearers were Steve and Alex Kurchak. Sacristan was Russell Nykolaishyn. The Honour Guard was formed by the Orthodox Women’s Association. Casket Bearers were Jim Pitze, Bill Pitze, Casey Pitze, James Pitze, Zack Pitz and Mel Pitz.

Following the Interment Service at St. John The Baptist Parish Cemetery in Roblin, a Memorial Dinner was served in the lower hall of St. John The Baptist Church by the Orthodox Women’s Association.

The Long Good Bye

Deep within that hollow stare,

of our presence they're unaware.

A special life that's fading away,

In spite of things we try to convey.

Memories locked up in their mind,

and there it's kept all confined.

The good times spent long ago,

with all their love they did bestow.

For these moments will live forever,

and our pride in them will endeavour.

Seeing them lying there we know why, 

Alzheimer's is called the long good by.

NAIRN-CHYZ FUNERAL HOME

Entrusted with Arrangements

Roblin’s Only Locally Owned

and Family Operated Funeral Home

(204) 937-2111

nairn-chyzfuneralhome.com