LAPKA: Peacefully, on Sunday, October 19, 2008, Jean Lapka passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre with her family by her side. She leaves a legacy of love with her husband, Wasyl "Jim" Lapka and their three daughters Marguerite and David Woytowich, Janet and Al Pitzel, and Elaine Lapka; and her precious grandchildren: Jenna, Rina and Jonathon Woytowich, Ryan and Caitlin Pitzel. Jean was born on June 23, 1930 near Rembrandt, Manitoba, the fourteenth in a family of nineteen children. She was raised on a farm in the Sylvan district. She met Jim while working in Eriksdale. Shortly after their marriage on July 22, 1954, they moved to Morden, where their daughters were born. For the past forty-six years, they have lived in Brandon. Jean enjoyed knitting, embroidering, playing bridge, gardening and baking, especially making big batches of poppycock for her grandchildren. She also enjoyed visiting with family and friends. She was always thinking of others, especially her family. Mom looked after us with a loving heart and a willing hand. She was always there for us when we needed her. She will be remembered as a generous, kind, loving and patient person. Jean accepted and faced the challenges in her life, especially in recent years, with grace and dignity. She was predeceased by her parents: Fred and Mary Chyzzy; five sisters: Victoria, Mary, Annie, Nellie and Sophie, and five brothers: Bill, Sam, Mike, Tommy, and Pete, as well as her parents-in-law Andrew and Jessie Lapka. Surviving are her sisters: Katie, Rose, Valerie (Robert), Vicki, Lillian (Edwin), and her brothers: Joe (Minnie), Paul, and Eddie (Cecilia). She is also survived by Jim's family: Peter, Michael (Verna), Stella (Peter) and many nieces, nephews and treasured friends. In keeping with Jean's wishes, private family Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church. Celebrant was Fr. Michael Tkachuk. Cantor was Stella Fedeniuk. Cross bearer was Jonathon Woytowich. Urn bearer was Ryan Pitzel. Interment followed at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. For those who wish, donations may be made in Jean's memory to the Parkinson Society of Manitoba, 171 Donald Street, Suite 302, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 1M4 or to a charity of your choice. The family expresses their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Chris Martens and the dedicated home care providers from the BRHA, the compassionate staff at the Assiniboine Centre, as well as to Dr. S.J. Duncan and Dr. D. Hobson. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

"Vichnaya Pamyat"Memorials
Parkinson Foundation, or Charity of Choice