Obituary of Genevieve "Gene" Winniski

WINNISKI - Mrs. Gene Winniski of Regina, beloved wife of Walter entered eternal rest in the early hours on Friday, July 20, 2018 at the age of 89 years. Genevieve, (Gene) was born on March 12, 1929, 4 miles south of Ituna, Saskatchewan in the Ituna Bona Accord Municipality. Daughter to Albert and Apolina (nee Kolodniski) Olech. The following year the family moved a bit south to the Wyber district where she grew up. Gene received her education at the Wyber School. As a young girl she helped out on the family farm and was a member of the Tullymet Baby Beef Club. After high school Gene went to Toronto where she worked for an oil company. Thereafter she returned to the farm. Following in her sister Nellie's and brother Joseph's footsteps she married a Winniski. Gene and Walter were united in marriage October 26, 1959 in Ituna. Together they made their life grain farming and raising purebred Hereford cattle on the Double W Farm, 14 miles southwest of Ituna. Gene especially loved her cows and working on the farm alongside Walter. She loved being outdoors doing the chores and working out on the field hauling bales or combining. In her pastime Gene enjoyed oil painting, sketching and curling in the winter months. In the summer she loved berry and mushroom picking and tending to her yard. Walter and Gene retired and moved to Fort Qu'Appelle in 2002. Shortly after, Gene suffered a stroke and spent time in Balcarres Integrated Care Centre. Walter was determined to assist Gene in her recovery. He began taking her home for short visits, then weekends. With both their hard work and perseverance, the visits transitioned into a full return to their home. As they faced more health challenges, in 2015 they moved to Victoria Park Care Home in Regina where Gene remained until her recent hospitalization. Gene will be sorrowfully missed by her loving husband of 58 years, Walter Winniski, sisters-in-law Iris Olech of Peterborough, Ontario and Diane Olech-Protz of Ituna, Saskatchewan, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Albert and Apolina Olech, sister Angela (Nellie) Winniski, brothers Joseph, Edward and John (just one after her death); parents-in-law Walter Sr. and Katherine (Pacula) Winniski, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Joseph and Jean Winniski, John Winniski, Elsie and Nicholas Tymoschuk, Olga and Walter Braden, Pauline Olech, Mary and Mike Tyminski and Lucy and Mike Spatuk. Funeral Liturgy was held on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ituna with Rev. Father Bohdan Lukie, C.Ss.R. as the Celebrant. The responses were led by Ladmer Moskal, Heidi Spilchuk and Wayne Boczulak. The cross bearer was Beverley Schultz and the epistle reader was Gale Bobbee. Honourary Bearers were Russell Kolodniski, Warren Bobbee and Lyle Pitzel. The interment followed in Sacred Heart Parish Cemetery with Glen Kowalyk, Gordon Schultz, Garry Tyminski, Frank Kolodniski, Michael Olech and Sheldon Olech serving as the casket bearers. Following the reception, Gene's History was conveyed by Lynda Kowalyk. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Gene to the Heart & Stroke Foundation as gifts of remembrance. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com Eternal Memory Service Information Wednesday, July 25th, 2018 10:00am, Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church Interment Details Sacred Heart Parish Cemetery