Mrs Stella (Lipischak) Tkachuk

1926 – 2018

Passed away surrounded by love at Henley House on May 4, 2018. Born of parents Mary and Michael Lipischak, mom began her life journey along with her brother Paul in Thorold, Ontario. Although poor she always seemed to have enjoyed talking about the old neighbourhood and the diversity of growing up there. When her father got a job in the foundry at GM, life improved and the move was made to Lake Street and a two story house, luxury indeed. But still not a life of ease for she worked in various coffee shops in the city.

Work and more work and then she met Peter Tkachuk, married young and had two daughters: Delores popped out first and Eleanor followed 11 years later. Although a mom she was by then waitressing at the Queensway Hotel and often doing three shifts a day. As the years progressed she became the hostess at the hotel and liked to tell about looking after the dining needs of the likes of Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita who were playing for the St. Catharines Blackhawks.

Was there time for play and fun? You bet. There was a very strong Ukrainian community and weekends she and hubbie went to big weddings, 25th anniversaries, house parties, special birthdays. You name it and people got together. Sadly over time the community dwindled for various reasons and it was a small group of people who became lifelong friends: Pauline and Lawrence Halowski, Anne Korotash, Jean Pozniak, Mary Wuhlar.

Mom finally got to retire but then took on the challenge of looking after hubbie’s Down ’s Syndrome sister for 21 years. She loved Anna (Hanya) and missed her long after she was gone. As well when hubbie Peter aged and was bedridden she looked after him until he passed away in 2002. In 2006 she had a triple bypass and of course mom being mom, this and that happened so she was in Hamilton for 33 days.

A new stage of life began when I (Delores) moved back home and it was just her and I. We had a blast exploring the Niagara region, eating out here there and everywhere. Her favourite place to dine was always Lucky’s Steakhouse at Casino Niagara (no gambling though). We drove around the countryside endlessly finding new roads to travel. Many a trip was made to visit daughter Eleanor in Michigan.

Thank you cousin Billy for introducing us to bingo on Friday night at the Optimist Club. Mom would be dressed by 10 am raring to go. And that is where she fell at age 89 which changed her life again and in the end she went to Henley House where her brother Paul was and she was happy there.

Thank you to the Henley staff for looking after our mom. Thank you especially to cousins Lynnie, David and Kevin for visiting and being with mom, including her in family gatherings at the home, playing cards with her, bringing a treat to be shared by all. Mom really enjoyed when cousin Kevin brought his dog Cooper. A special thank you to cousin David who was with her in her last week every day. Dear Aunt Rhoda, mom always said you were the best sister-in-law she could ever have had and like a sister. A very special thank you to Christine Donison, companion to mom who looked after her as well as being there for activities, outdoor walks, bingo. Their bond was very special and mom referred Christina as her “adopted daughter”. Cousin Billy Tkachuk thank you for visiting mom as often as you did and for all the treats you brought for her. Sister-in-law Marion Murphy of Winnipeg loved mom as a sister. A special thanks to our second family who live next door: Arlene, Tasha and Dickie Atoragalian.

Not the best of cooks (dad was better), couldn’t bake at all, kept the house tidy, was kind, gentle, giving to all and a hard working lady. She instilled in my sister and I the life skills needed to look after ourselves and a moral code for which we are eternally grateful.

The Lord is receiving a kind and gentle soul. We love you Mom and will miss you with all our hearts.

We sing to you “You are my Sunshine, my Only Sunshine!”

Love Delores and Eleanor, Blessed with the best mom ever.

As so La Bella Stella begins a new journey, not with a good bye but with a joyous HELLO! HELLO!

Visitation at Hulse & English Funeral Home & Chapel, 75 Church Street, St. Catharines, Ontario (905-684-6346) on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 from 10 am – 12 pm. A Celebration of Stella’s life will follow in the chapel at 12 noon. Interment at St. Ann’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Kristen French Advocacy Centre or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.