Chantal Nadine Kalynchuk

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Chantal Kalynchuk, on February 4, 2023, at the age of 76.

She was predeceased by her husband Nelson, mom Gabrielle, dad Louis, and son Michael. What was special is that Mom passed away on Nelson’s birthday. I guess she wanted to celebrate with him in heaven. Valentine’s Day is a day of love, and we wanted to celebrate how much we love her and how much they loved each other. Life is precious and fragile, we want to take this day as a reminder to celebrate love.

Left to cherish her memory are her sisters Ginette (Tim), Francine (Wayne), brother John (Marina), children Danny (Colette), Christine (Corey), her grandkids Ryan (Regan), Stephanie (Travis), her great grandkids (Emma, Owen), and Colette’s children Jesse (Darlene), Brooke (Cody), Marcus (Dana), and her grandkids Lexy, Hunter, Jayda, Willow, Axel, and Scarlett as well as Bev who my mom always considered to be one of her own children, who she loved deeply.

Born on March 17, 1946 in Belgium, she was the second eldest of the four siblings. She immigrated to Canada as a young girl to Ontario, before moving to Winnipeg. Upon arrival, mom only spoke French and the transition to life in Canada was not always easy for her. Mom began working at an early age beginning at the Thunderbird Restaurant, and continued in the restaurant and hospitality industry serving for many years.

She was sweet, adorable, fun, and sassy and loved her family very much. Mom had a great sense of humour, was witty and usually had something funny to say. She enjoyed her time at Chelsey’s Resort in Petersfield with her husband and friends where she bought a trailer in 1983. They spent a lot of time there, weekend getaways, and enjoyed their pontoon boat rides together. She enjoyed spending her summers at Chesley‘s with her grandkids Ryan and Stephanie, they loved laughing together watching Ma and Pa Kettle.

Mom loved her dog Pepper and Pepper went everywhere Mom went. Her love of dogs extended to Sammie and Sidney as she lovingly referred to them as her babies.

Mom’s favorite time of the year was Christmas. She loved everything about Christmas, the lights, Christmas trees and family gatherings. When we were younger, Mom always carried over her mom’s tradition of creating an amazing dinner and baking dainties. She also was famous for her pizza.

Mom loved her music and it was a big part of her life. She enjoyed playing songs, listening along, telling stories about the music being played, and incredibly she always knew the words and would sing along. She also liked to dance, occasionally still showing off some of her moves, or just moving to the rhythm of the music.

Mom loved her Sunday Brunches at Danny’s place with Colette and the kids. She enjoyed being surrounded by the little ones who referred to her as Grandma. We will miss these precious moments and Sunday brunches will never be the same.

A private family gathering will be held on Valentine’s Day.

The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Beacon Hill 3rd floor for their patience, understanding, support and kindness and compassionate care of our mom. A special thank you to the kitchen staff for always catering for my Mom’s special requests.

In lieu of flowers, and if interested in honoring her memory, please consider making a donation to Beacon Hill Resident Care Fund. The expenditure of the funds would need to be approved by their Resident Council that meet regularly to discuss the purchasing of art supplies, games, recreation opportunities, pet care that benefit the widest range of residents’ interests. If interested, please make a cheque to Beacon Hill Resident Care Fund at 190 Fort Street. R3C 1C9

Rest in Peace Mom ‘til we meet again. We love you.

We chose to celebrate mom’s life on Valentine’s Day because there is nothing more powerful than a mother’s love. I celebrate you Mom for loving me and guiding me. Your presence in my life was a great blessing and I thank God for the years he gave us. I love you to the heavens and back. Happy Valentine’s Day Mom!

To all my friends and family, I love you.

Mama,

I came to say my last goodbye, my eyes were swelled from the tears I cried. I caressed your hair and kissed your head, then laid my head upon your bed.

I professed to you how much you are loved, that loved ones are waiting, for you up above.

I asked for forgiveness and said I am sorry, that your life was so hard, when it should have been glory.

And at that moment you touched my head - comforting me…When it should have been me, comforting you instead.

I know that you heard me, though your eyes were shut closed, But your motherly instincts were still clearly in tow.

I thank you for loving me and giving me life, I’ll miss you forever, I’ll love you for always

As long as I’m living my mommy you’ll be.

Poem written by Christine

- Love, Christine