Lydia Oyler

Surrounded by love, Lydia passed away Wednesday November 19, 2025, at her home at Park Manor Care home at the age of 101 years old.

Lydia is survived by her children Debbie (Jim) Carol and Bill (Darlene) grandchildren: Jason, Laura, Jamie, Stephanie (Mike), Andrew, Gillian, Dale (Jody) and 3 great grandchildren Max, Gavin and Bexley.

Lydia was predeceased by her husband Bill, her son-in-law Mike and her sisters Emma and Margaret and brothers William and Herbert.

Lydia was born and raised in the town of Inglis, Manitoba on the family farm. Growing up in a Polish household, Mom didn’t speak English until she attended school. Mom’s memories of her early life on the farm always brought her comfort.

Lydia started her working career with the local hospital and then moved to Winnipeg where she was always drawn to the rewarding work of health care. She worked as a health care aide at HSC and Children’s hospital and then moved to the Red Cross where she assisted in the mobile blood clinics across Manitoba, northwestern Ontario and as far north as Churchill.

She married Bill on April 7, 1956. They started life together on Corydon and then to St. Vital and finally to her happy place- a beautiful home in Windsor Park. The kids were raised here right across the street from General Vanier School. The family attended Prince of Peace Lutheran church. Once the kids were older, Lydia went back to work as a health care aide spending many years caring for residents at the Convalescent Home from where she retired.

Lydia loved long walks, country music (George Jones) playinlways g bingo at the Winakwa Community club and then Club Regent. She was an avid reader (the Free Press and books) and loved her crossword puzzles and Jumble puzzles. She was a great cook, well known for her nanny buns, cinnamon buns, cabbage rolls, perogies and cherry cheesecake.

Lydia and Bill travelled a lot with a special trip to Nashville to experience the Grand Ole Opry in person. They loved their road trips to Alberta to see her sister Emma, and Dad’s family. They made many bus trips to the local casinos south of the border.

Lydia was known by her family as Nanny. She loved playing cards, cribbage and the famous Chase the Ace. She taught her grandchildren the art of being cutthroat in cards. She loved her soap operas and many old TV shows especially Three’s Company.

Nanny loved her grandchildren dearly and has always made extra effort to attend events, participate in their lives and help them out. Her favourite birthday activity was giving gifts to her grandkids instead of receiving them.

Lydia moved to her own apartment when her husband moved to personal care and then passed on. She loved her walks along the Seine River, often fed the deer by the river and had to buy a bathing suit at age 80 because her apartment complex had a pool. During cold winters she was found walking laps of the floors in her apartment building.

When her health started to cause her grief, Lydia moved to Park Manor Personal Care Home and enjoyed her final 6 years there. She participated in almost every activity. Her sense of humor was as sharp and she was adored by the staff. She appreciated all the loving care she received and often wanted to help the staff as she knew this work well.

Lydia celebrated her 100th birthday last year with an Elvis Concert at Park Manor. Lydia attended every church service at Park Manor and thoroughly enjoyed any entertainment that involved singing and music often reminding others to applaud.

Nanny will be remembered for her “Nannyisms”. Her favourite treat was chocolate. She disliked Christmas and Santa Claus and snakes. She loved her family.

Always loved. Never forgotten. Forever missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Park Manor Care. 301 Redonda St, Winnipeg, R2C 1L4.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday December 6, 2025, at 2:30 pm at St. Georges Anglican Transcona. 321 Pandora Ave West.