Arlene Isabel Cholakis

It is with profound sadness that I, Ty Cholakis, announce the passing of my best friend and wonderful wife Arlene Isobel Cholakis on May 5, 2022. Arlene Isabel Cholakis (Byzewski) was born December 28th, 1949 in Thunder Bay Ontario. She is predeceased by her father Martin and mother Elsie Byzewski, brothers Bernard and Robert and infant grandson Jack. Arlene leaves behind to mourn her beloved children Nancy, Bob (Louise),Theresa (Dusty), Kelly (Shaun) and sister Elspet (Bob). Arlene's immediate family, Isabel (Donna) Marty (Lucy) George, Murray, Joe (Sarah) Doreen. Arlene deeply loved all of her grandchildren.

Arlene would always greet her father at the door when he came home from work, he was always there to guide and help her whenever she needed him he affectionately called her his little Ellie. Her mother was a waitress and always came home with tips in her pocket. when Arlene was going to school she would pass her mother's bed while sleeping and say "Money Ma!!" Mom would grab a handful of change from her pocket and hand it to her.

After graduating, Arlene worked at the McKellar hospital as a filing Clerk and secretary for many years. She was respected by her peers, Arlene's former co-worker said it was an absolute joy to work with her on her shift, she always caught and corrected our spelling mistakes. Arlene filled our work days with fun, laughter and so much happiness. One of them told me, Ty, Arlene was a polished diamond.

I phoned Arlene one day in the summer of 2006 from Winnipeg and introduced myself. Arlene immediately said I know all about you! I want to marry you! I want to marry you! I phoned Arlene for full-year most of the time her sister Doreen was there visiting and, in the background, she would say, Arlene!! fish him in he's a winner.

After corresponding with Arlene with phone calls and letters for a full year she said come down to Thunder Bay, I flew down the first week in May 2007, stayed a week and I picked out a house. Shortly thereafter, we purchased that house and moved in at the end of May and were married a month later June 28th 2007.

Our relationship was filled with so much joy, happiness, and so much love together. I like to thank our heavenly father for Arlene and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for constantly filling up our vessel with his love he had for us.

We attended numerous family outings in Thunder Bay and when travelling to Winnipeg we visited Arlene's children, as well visiting my mother Evangeline and her children, and thanks to Stefphany and Michelle for bringing us together.

Arlene's greatest interest, she said numerous times was watching her children grow up and lending her motherly touch to them. Nancy, Kelly, Theresa, and Bobby.

With much gratitude I like to thank the nurses, doctors, and the PSWs of Hogarth Riverview manor for looking after my wife until her last days, along with the staff and management that were very supportive to me in this very difficult time, thank you all so much.

The Lord has taken my Sweet Angel under his wings, guide, and nourished my steps as I carry on in life with Arlene's spirit, your best friend and loving husband.
(Ty) Ernest John Cholakis.

Visitation for family and friends will be held in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. followed by a graveside service at Sunset Memorial Gardens.