Frances Helen Yurkiw

In Loving Memory of Frances Helen Yurkiw (nee Smith) 

March 5, 1941 – June 13, 2025 

Frances Helen Yurkiw, age 84 passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025 surrounded by her family. 

Frances was deeply proud of her children, Cary and his wife Marcie, and Tracy and her husband Joel. She admired the lives they built and the values they carried forward, being their mother was one of her greatest honours. She cherished her role as Baba and found immense joy in her grandchildren—Jaeda, Colby, Meagan, and Natasha. Whether it was baking, attending school events, or simply sitting and talking, time with her grandchildren filled her heart. She celebrated their unique personalities and achievements with pride and gratitude, always reminding others how blessed she felt to be their grandmother. 

Frances was born in Winnipeg on March 5, 1941. She attended Andrew Mynarski and graduated from Tec Voc High School in 1959. She was valedictorian of her Grade 9 class and was a star athlete. She taught accordion at the age of 14-early signs of her creativity, work ethic, and leadership. She had a gifted hand for arts and crafts, a natural flair for design, and shared her creations generously with those around her. 

She worked with the Government of Canada, the Seven Oaks School Division, and MTS Centre. Her most meaningful role was at Forest Park Elementary School, where her children attended. She loved being part of the school community and proudly admitted she liked being able to keep a close eye on her children. 

Frances was deeply involved in her community. She served as a Goldwing Ambassador at James Richardson International Airport and volunteered with the Winnipeg Police Service from 2009 to 2021. One of the highlights of her life was meeting the Queen during a royal visit to Winnipeg—an experience she cherished deeply. 

Frances raised her children in the church and continued to attend weekly online services. She was a proud member of the Lesia Ukrainka branch, the Pan Am Clinic swim and exercise group, and Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral. 

Frances treasured her daily messages with her sister Laurel in Alberta and remained connected with her nieces, nephews, cousins. She also cherished her “lunch group girls” from church, these friendships brought her lasting joy through laughter, prayer, and meaningful conversation. 

She is survived by her children: 

Dr. Cary Yurkiw and his wife Marcie, and their children Jaeda and Colby. 

Tracy Newbury and her husband Joel, and their children Meagan and Natasha. 

Also remembering her with love are her sister Laurel Kazan and family: Marianne (Rich), and children Nicole and Zach, Kevin and (Melita); cousins Marcie and Shawn; her brother-in-law Dennis Yurkiw and (Lynda) children (Harrison, Mitchell, and Larisa), along with many extended family members and dear friends. 

Frances was predeceased by her husband Neville Yurkiw, her parents Peter and Marie Smith, nee Sniatynski, and grandson Heath Yurkiw. A funeral service will be held at Korban Funeral Home on Saturday, June 21 at 10:00 a.m., with interment to follow at Glen Eden Cemetery. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed at korbanchapel.com. 

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Marlie Du Plessis, the caring team at Seasons Medical Centre, and her devoted caregivers.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frances’s memory to Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (htuomc.org) or a charity of your choice. 

Vichnaya Pamyat!