Obituaries

NELL URBAN (nee SAWCHUK) On Saturday, June 30, 2012, at the St. Boniface Palliative Care Unit in Winnipeg, our beloved Mother passed away peacefully. Mom was born on August 16, 1929, into a loving family that included eight brothers and sisters. She was the youngest, and was a wonderful sister who was loved dearly by her siblings. She was pre-deceased by her husband Michael, her daughter Judy (Marshall) and all of her siblings. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughters Maureen (Myron) and Cheryl (Jon), and six grandchildren: Neil, Rachel, Jonathan, Gina, Vanessa and Jessica. She was also very much loved and treasured by numerous nieces, nephews and friends as the last of the aunties,’ and the one who remembered everything in the family’s history. Born in Mears, Manitoba, Mom moved into Winnipeg after schooling, joining her sisters to work as a healthcare aide until marrying in 1952. Mom and Dad lived many years raising their girls in CFB Shilo, then for a short time in Calgary before finally settling in Winnipeg in 1969. Mom worked part-time for many years as a seamstress alongside her sister Anne at a small drapery shop by the name of Plaza Drapery. She often would recount many fun times had by all of the staff, and really enjoyed her time working there. Throughout her life, Mom was devoted to her family. She helped all of us raise our children, with her wisdom and loving way, and she became a second Mother to Judy’s children after Judy passed away. She always had time to help with anything, and always made sure to prepare birthday and family dinners to have her family close. Anyone who had a dinner prepared by Mom was eager to do it again! She was an accomplished, self-taught cook, who took pride in her cooking and loved to share it. Everyone that knew Mom always loved her wit, upbeat disposition, and great sense of humour. She read the paper every day and kept us all informed of current events, along with the latest Letterman jokes. She always wanted to know how our daily lives were going, and was always very interested to hear the latest news from all of the grandchildren. Life without you will never be the same, but we feel so blessed to have had such a wonderful Mother, Gramma, Aunt and best friend in our lives. You will never be forgotten. In accordance with Mom’s wishes, there will be no service. Mom will join our sister Judy at Chapel Lawn.   As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on July 14, 2012