Elizabeth (Liz) Genik (NEE Torbiak)
March 18, 1928 ~ September 22, 2021
To love is to place our happiness in the happiness of another
Our beautiful Liz passed peacefully in the compassionate care of Holy Family Nursing Home. Dearly cherished, she will be lovingly remembered by sons Paul and Greg (Shirley), granddaughters Alexandra (Josiah) and Julia (Jason) and great-grandson Constantine; brothers Peter (Dodie) and Steve (Ellen) Torbiak and sister-in-laws Helen (Danny deceased) Torbiak and Ann (Gerry deceased) Genik; nieces and nephews Siri, Paula and Christopher Genik, Karen and Chris Torbiak, Terry (Donna Lynn), Natalie (Gil) and Darryl (Cathy) Bailley, Daniel (Dawn), Raymond (Roxanne) and Carl (Leanne) Torbiak, their children and her community of friends. Liz was predeceased by her husband Con Genik, parents Peter and Albina (nee Perchalski) Torbiak, and brother Danny Torbiak and sister Jennie, and brother-in-law Bill Bailley. Born and raised in Poplarfield Manitoba she was extremely proud of her heritage and Ukrainian Catholic faith. Her small-town sensibility guided her approach to life. Liz boarded at and graduated from St Mary’s Academy, then completed a BSc (Human Ecology) at U of M. It was here that she met her soulmate Con, and they soon married. Two boys Greg and Paul followed. When the time was right Liz completed her BEd and began her career as an educator, a Home Ec teacher. Liz proved that you really could do it all. She excelled at being a wife and mother, and at her career vocation. She also made time to make her own very stylish clothes, some of them knitted; create international delicacies and desserts for memorable daily or countless entertainment events; garden and make preserves; finding time also to relax with a book, she was a voracious reader. Liz was gifted at making and maintaining relationships and was an enthusiastic, lifelong cheerleader of family and friends. She could often be found energetically engaged with a stranger or group she’d just encountered. Life took Con and Liz and boys to Regina, Flin Flon, and back to Winnipeg, always heavily and occasionally prominently involved in the local community and church groups and associations. Liz loved the sun and enjoyed making family memories in many warm locations. Her and Con also had special trips to Israel, Tokyo, and London. Hawaii and Los Vegas were also favorite destinations where they thoroughly enjoyed being entertained by Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, and their various idols of the day during their travels. Life’s plans in retirement changed dramatically when Con experienced a brain hemorrhage that left him blind, and memory affected. Mom assumed full caregiver responsibility and lovingly nursed her 6’4’’ gentle giant for 18 years at home until his passing. She was forever grateful to the Stonewall home care team and doctors and health care team for their aid during this time. Despite responsibility for Con’s wellbeing, she also continued to operate the 65-seat food establishment they’d purchased to keep busy in retirement! She missed accompanying Con to formal events and occasions, however worked hard to ensure close and regular contact with family and friends. Granddaughters have especially fond memories of grandma on her generously sponsored family trips to Disney World and Cuba. Eventually, Liz moved to Holy Family Towers condominiums taking up residence with her son Paul for assistance. She quickly became a contributing member of the Holy Family community and continued her long involvement with the women’s auxiliary assisting with nursing home needs. Six years ago, Liz was accepted for placement in St Francis Ward of Holy Family Nursing Home. Here she received consummate personal, professional, and spiritual care. The family extends their deep gratitude to the staff and management of Holy Family and especially to those associated with the St Francis Unit. Thank you as well to Dr.s Taras and Andrea Babick for your care. Liz lived a very full life, accepting all life changes with grace. Her selfless caring is instructional to us all, as are the innumerable qualities that allowed her to accomplish whatever she put her mind to. Thanks, Mom, We Love You and Miss You Greatly. Ukrainian Catholic Services will occur on Monday, October 4 at 10 am at St Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 737 Bannerman Avenue, Winnipeg. Fathers Daniel Wach and Isidore Dziadyk presiding. Interment at All Saint Cemetery. Current Covid restrictions will be observed. Arrangements by Korban Funeral Chapel