Minnie passed away peacefully on Monday, December 9, 2019 at Donwood Manor at the age of 104.
Minnie was born in 1915 in Basswood, Manitoba, the oldest surviving child of John and Michalena Steski. Shortly after Minnie’s birth, John and Michalena moved their growing family to Bradwardine, Manitoba where John ran the local blacksmith shop. Minnie is predeceased by her 6 brothers and 2 sisters: Charles (infant), Rudy (Fran), Victor, Frank, Louis, Gerald, Helen (Ray) and Rose. Minnie is survived by her 3 sisters-in-law, Grace, Carrie and Elaine, plus many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.
Minnie graduated with a degree in Nursing from the Selkirk Mental Hospital and worked at the Winnipeg Clinic as an x-ray technician for 37 years, retiring in 1980. Minnie lived most of her life with her sister Rose, eventually buying a house together on Simpson Ave. in North Kildonan. The location of the house was close to several of her siblings which allowed many great family gatherings and back yard BBQs where she could catch up with her many nieces and nephews. For her 100th birthday party, she hosted a banquet at the Fort Garry Hotel attended by relatives from across Canada and the United States. Minnie was an avid Winnipeg Blue Bomber fan and a long-time season ticket holder with her sister Rose. For her 102nd birthday, Minnie celebrated with a Blue Bomber party including Buzz, Boomer and 2 Winnipeg Blue Bomber alumni. Minnie was able to enjoy her last Grey Cup game this past November and was thrilled to see her team win the cup. She also loved watching curling and baseball on TV and enjoyed regular golf outings with her siblings until she was 94 years old. Minnie’s other passion was travel. Minnie and Rose traveled extensively throughout Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Caribbean. Both Minnie and Rose loved animals and supported the Winnipeg Humane Society. They had several poodles in their home over the years and enjoyed showing them off to all that visited. Minnie was always a lady; she was very elegant and dressed impeccably. A warm person, who never complained, she always had a smile, a twinkle in her eye and an encouraging word when she greeted you. She will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.
The family would like to thank the staff at Donwood Manor for their loving care of Minnie over the years. Special thanks also to “honorary Steskis” Edie and Gayle for the love and support they showed Minnie over the years.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the auditorium at Donwood Manor, 171 Donwood Drive, at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday December 19th, 2019.
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