CHRISTINE ELLEN SCHLUESCHEN

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Christine Ellen Schlueschen on December 1, 2022, with family by her side at the Victoria Hospital in Winnipeg, at the age of 82.

Christine, beloved wife of the late Hans Schlueschen, is survived by her daughters Kimberley Barakso (John), Lori Wojnowski (Allan [Rocky]) and son Randall, and grandchildren Martin, Aaron (Jeanna), Carolyn and Ava. Also grieving her loss are her sisters Phyllis Marasa, Marian Zolondek, and Pat Dalrymple and her brothers Frank (Paulette) and Ralph (Margie) Woloschuk as well as numerous cousins and friends. She was Aunty Chris to many nieces and nephews.

Chris was born in Melville, Saskatchewan on January 14, 1940, to Harry and Anne Woloschuk. Growing up on the farm was not an easy life and as the second eldest of nine children, taking on much of the never-ending chores and responsibilities instilled in her a very strong work ethic which she carried with her throughout her entire life.

In 1960 Chris married Hans in Melville and shortly thereafter they moved to Winnipeg to begin their life together. Mom soon had her hands full with the blessing of three children over the next six years. They were a strong team and were married for 33 years until the sudden passing of Hans in 1994.

Mom was a devoted and caring mother and grandmother. With the birth of each of her four grandchildren she was always there to lend a helping hand. Upon the arrival of three grandchildren in BC she travelled and stayed for several weeks to make meals and offer help. Mom supported her son for most of his life through the difficult challenges of his mental illness, enduring much pain and heartbreak. Mom suffered her own health issues with cancer during the last few years but displayed optimism, strength and courage throughout surgeries and treatment.

Mom’s Christian faith was important to her, and she was a member of John XXIII parish for many years. She enjoyed volunteering at the monthly Church rummage sales. Mom was a social and friendly person who loved to dance. She looked forward to the weekly dances at the Legion, seeing the usual crowd and meeting new people. She enjoyed playing bingo. She would often bring home her bingo cards to show how close she came - always just waiting for that one darn number. Most recently she developed a passion for word searches. Whether watching tv or a movie, a word search book was also open on her lap. To say Mom was an avid curling fan would be an understatement. Her passion for watching the game bordered on obsession but it was a great pastime for the long prairie winters. Sister Phyllis’ love of sports rubbed off on Mom and she even took up watching Bomber and Roughrider football games as well as the occasional Jets hockey game.

Mom maintained strong life-long relationships with her neighbours on Parkhill Street. She often shared a coffee or drink with Barb across the street or Rose next door. Mom always had an affinity for plants. She certainly had a green thumb and a talent for gardening and trimming trees and shrubs. She cooked delicious meals and soups from scratch. She was an excellent baker, spoiling us with chocolate chip cookies, rhubarb pie, “scuffles” and at Christmas time the best shortbread, rum balls, butter tarts, and other treats. Mom loved finding a good bargain and “treasure-hunting” at garage sales and thrift stores.

Family meant so much to Mom. She was immensely proud of her 4 grandchildren, their accomplishments, and the people they have grown into. Mom was extremely close to her sisters and brothers and cherished her time with them. She made the drive back to Saskatchewan many times with her sister Phyllis and was always happy and excited for family gatherings where they would visit and play marathon card games of 500 and bean bags. If there were not enough players for 500, she loved to play cribbage and new favourite card game 5 Crowns. Besides all the fun she was always eager to help and willing to do whatever tasks that would be lined up for her. No job was too big, and she was not afraid to get her hands dirty, washing decks and furniture and various other cleaning tasks, weeding, digging up shrubs, and tree trimming.

Music was a huge part of Mom’s life and brought her much joy. She enjoyed many styles of music, from Johnny Cash and Charley Pride country, oldies, polkas, waltzes, and even some softer classic rock to The Bee Gees, Abba, and Daniel O’Donnell as well as many others. Mom delighted in going out to see live music performances, spending many summer evenings in the park, at street festivals or the Legion, often on her own or with her dear friend Joyce. They also enjoyed many hours of playing cards together.

Mom liked to travel. Growing up we were so fortunate to go on long road trips every year, driving across much of the US and Canada and camping in the tent trailer. These trips were the highlight of every summer and some of our most treasured memories. Mom and Dad also travelled to Germany to visit Dad’s relatives and homeland, and although she could not speak or understand the language, she enjoyed the adventure. Mom and Dad even tackled driving all the way up to Alaska with their little combi-camper. After Dad’s passing, she made several trips to Arizona with her sister Pat and their good friend Adeline. Mom and Pat also took a bus tour to the Maritimes as well as a very memorable tour to Nashville and Memphis joined by “sistas” Marian and Phyllis. She shared in a Mexican adventure with Lori for her 70th birthday. Last month Mom, Pat and Phyllis enjoyed a wonderful holiday in Maui with Kim and John. It was a very special time and we had no way to know this would be Mom’s final journey. We are thankful some of her last days were so relaxed and filled with happiness and are grateful and blessed to have those joyful memories.

Mom was predeceased by her parents Harry and Anne Woloschuk, her husband Hans, sister Joan, brothers Hilary and Andy (Fran), and brother-in-law’s Julius Kormos (Joan), Don Marasa (Phyllis), and Clarence Zolondek (Marian).

The sun has now set on Mom’s life. She was a special person who will be greatly missed but her memory will always be in our hearts. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. If one desires, donations may be made to the Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation in her memory.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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