Minnie Prokopchuk

PROKOPCHUK, Minnie (Nee Shwaluk) Born June 16, 1927 – July 22, 2024, Aged 97 years.

           It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Baba, Grandmother, Great-Baba, Great-Grandmother, Sister and Aunt, Minnie Prokopchuk (Nee Shwaluk) on Monday, July 22, 2024.

Minnie was born in Shoal Lake, Manitoba where she grew up surrounded by family. Minnie attended a one-room school in Reedville until grade 8 where she then stayed home to help her family on the farm. When Minnie was younger, she could sew the latest fashion styles without the aid of a pattern, she would also crochet and embroider under the light of a coal lamp. Minnie married the love of her life, Sid Prokopchuk on May 16, 1953.

Minnie was a homemaker; she was a great cook, baker, seamstress, crocheter, embroiderer and gardener. She entered her baking, canning, and crafts in many local country fairs over the years; claiming red ribbons too many times to count. Many times, she would pack up all of her entries and leave early in the morning to get them to the fair in time for judging, then she would come home early to return in the late afternoon to pick them up and bring them back home to unpack them and do it all again the next morning. She was also able to single-handedly prepare meals for 25 or more people. No one ever left her table hungry. For a time, she even drove a school bus.

After settling in Roblin, she began cooking at The Saint Vladimir’s College. She also would take over the lunch counter at the local auction mart on sale days where she was famous for her pies. She was an active member of the Ladies League of the Holy Redeemer Ukrainian Catholic Church. She could always be counted on to come and help at any function or activity.

She also enjoyed her camping and fishing trips to Northern Manitoba with her husband, friends, and family. She loved to tell the stories of the times when she was the only one in the boat catching any fish. There was also the trip to the Duck Mountains with her grandsons where the fish were caught by 3 p.m. and in the frying pan over the fire by 5 p.m.

After Dad’s passing, she moved to the Roblin Residence where she met many good friends. Minnie then moved to the Roblin Crocus Court Personal Care Home where her room was decorated with her treasured cross-stitch pictures and family photos. She loved to tell stories to anyone who asked about them, especially the cross-stitch ones done on home spun linen made by her Baba.

Left to cherish her memory are her children; Audrey (Gordon) Macaulay, Joyce (Dean) Robinson, Leslie Prokopchuk, Lester Prokopchuk, daughter-in-law; Audrey Prokopchuk, grandchildren; Christal, Bradley, Darrell (Jamie), Trevor, Sandee (Ian), Braydee, Joelinn, and Reegis, great-grandchildren; Ainsley, Brayden, Adalyn, Jaidyn-Rae, Aleyna and Kynzlee, as well as her sister Marion (Rudy) Usick and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband; Sid, her son; Lenard, daughter-in-law; Glenna, parents; Steven and Katherine, brothers; Ross, Wesley, Walter and Joseph, and sisters; Jennie, Margaret, and Anne.

A Prayer Service was held on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the NairnChyz-Wolkowski Funeral Chapel with Reverend Oleg Bodnarski officiating. A Requiem Divine Liturgy service was held on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Roblin Holy Redeemer Ukrainian Catholic Church with Reverend Oleg Bodnarski officiating. The cross bearer was Sandee McIntyre. Pallbearers for Minnie were Darrell Robinson, Trevor Robinson, Christal Macaulay, Bradley Macaulay, Braydee Prokopchuk, and Ian McIntyre. Interment followed at the Roblin Catholic Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Minnie may be made to a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank all homecare staff, as well as the staff at the Roblin Crocus Court Personal Care Home for the wonderful care mom received.

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