It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Stella on Saturday, May 6, 2017, with loved ones by her side.
Mom was a beautiful person, inside and out. She was the heart of our family and will be very dearly missed. Our comfort is in knowing that she will always be watching over us and will always be in our hearts and thoughts.
Mom was born in the Ukraine and was one year old when her parents brought her to Canada. Her family was very important to her and she started working at an early age to help support them. We fondly remember her stories of working as a waitress at the New Main Cafe in Port Arthur and working in Toronto with a girlfriend. She eventually moved back to Port Arthur and worked in the bush camps of Northern Ontario where she met our father Leo. They wed in St. Andrew's Church in Port Arthur and settled in town to be close to her family.
She had six children and we became the focus of her life. She was a watchful, caring and loving Mom, looking after us when Dad had to be working out of town. Even in hard times we never lacked for anything. She was always able to make the best of what we had. She made Christmas magical for us. Mom loved the simpler things in life. Her family, home and garden were her main interests. Mom had such talent as an artist and seamstress. She would draw pictures for us to colour and sew intricate Barbie doll clothes for her girls. She enjoyed collecting dolls and teddy bears.
Mom had faith in God that helped her through the difficult times. We will cherish memories of her sitting in her favourite kitchen chair reading the newspaper with a pot of coffee always on for us to share. We will always remember and cherish her precious smile, beautiful blue eyes and long hair.
Stella was deeply loved and will be sadly missed by her family. She is survived by her children Shirley, Sharon (Gaylord) Lindal, Donna Haywood, Leonard, and Gary (Patricia Walker), granddaughters Christina (Eric) Bree, Carolyn (Jason) White, Gaylen (David Kelusky) Lindal and Donna Lindal.
Stella was predeceased by her husband Leo, son Vernon and grandson Paul Leo Haywood.
