Jean Stewart

Jean Stewart, our beloved Mom and Baba, slipped peacefully into eternity, with
family by her side, on March 14, 2024, at the Holy Family Nursing Home at the age of
97.
She was predeceased by her adoring husband of 65 years, Charles (Chuck)
Robert Stewart, in 2013.
She leaves to cherish her memory her children Alan & Nancy Stewart, Elaine &
Grant Stapon, Paul & Judy Stewart, and John Stewart & Kate Hall; her grandchildren
Scott Stewart & Kelly Boulay, Patrick Stewart & Amanda Hartley, Lindsay & Brandon
Jones, Claire & Michael Minister, Corey Stewart, Randy Stewart, Brent Stewart &
Jennifer Arcand, Erik Stewart, and Alex Hall; and her great-grandchildren Adam, Violet,
Blake, Jay, Heather, Paisley, Charlotte (Jubilee), Reverie, Bennett and Lila.
She also leaves to mourn her passing her niece and goddaughter Doreen
Hobson, other nieces and nephews, and her former daughter-in-law, Monika Stewart,
who provided her with loving companionship care during her final year.
Jean was born and raised in Winnipeg, the second youngest of eight children of
George and Mary (nee Bodner) Onysko. Despite the hardships of the Depression and
World War II, the Onysko family was close-knit, lively, and loving. Their home was a
welcoming gathering place for all. They were actively involved in the Holy Eucharist
Ukrainian Catholic Church; Baba remained a devout parishioner her entire life. Her
deep and enduring faith gave her strength and comfort.
Jean graduated from Lord Wolseley High School at the top of her class. Although
academically gifted she did not attend university but instead worked as a bookkeeper to
help fund her older brothers’ education. She took pride in their patriotism and
achievements (two brothers died serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force, and two
brothers served in the navy, one surviving landing on the beaches of Normandy, the
other going on to become Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy after getting his
engineering degree. The oldest brother got a degree in commerce and became chief
cost accountant at Dominion Bridge, the same company where their father had labored
as a blacksmith).
Jean met Chuck after he returned from serving overseas in WWII and they wed
on Apr 22 nd , 1948. They had their first born in 1951 and moved into their home on Hazel
Dell Avenue (a home Jean so loved and ended up living in for 69 years) in 1952. Three
more children followed. Jean was a loving wife, a caring mother, and later a doting
grandmother and great-grandmother who was thrilled to be called Baba. She was a
devoted daughter and sister, and a loyal, giving friend. She was a homemaker
extraordinaire, and despite a tiny kitchen and ancient stove, a wonderful cook and
baker. She made every birthday and holiday celebration special. She would always do
her best to ensure everyone around her lived their life to the fullest – and was well-fed!
Besides raising her children, babysitting her grandchildren, and remaining active
in the church, Jean volunteered at the cancer clinic for many years, easing the suffering
of others and acquiring much medical knowledge. She probably saved her husband's
life when she insisted (and everyone who knew Baba knew she was a master of

insistence) that a suspicious mole on his arm be biopsied; it proved to be an aggressive
malignant melanoma caught in an early stage.
With devotion and fortitude, Baba cared for Gigi, her husband, for 12 years in
their home after his diagnosis of mixed dementia. When she herself was later
diagnosed with vascular dementia, she was blessed to be cared for in her home for five
years by her wonderful grandson, Brent Stewart. Baba was an animal lover and Brent
wisely gave her the cat Lucky, aka Pussycat, who provided her with great joy. The
family will be forever grateful to both Brent and Monika.
The family would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the
Holy Family nursing home for their competent and compassionate care of Baba in her
final months.
A special thank-you to Dr. Braeden Debroni and staff of the WRHA Palliative
Care Program for their invaluable expertise.
Our deepest gratitude to Father Michael for his spiritual care and visits to Baba,
the final one being on the last day of her life.
It is remarkable that Baba, even with advanced dementia, would remember to
thank her caregivers for each of their helpful acts. Her cheerful smile and endearing
charm will be greatly missed by all. She leaves a legacy of kindness, generosity and
gratitude.
Divine Liturgy will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Saturday April 27 at Holy Eucharist
Ukrainian Catholic Church, 505 Watt Street at Munroe Avenue. Private interment will
take place at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Bird’s Hill Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba,
10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4G2, Alzheimer.mb.ca, or a charity of one’s
choice.
Rest in Peace, Baba. May you “dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm
23). We will always remember and love you.

VICHNAYA PAMYAT
ETERNAL MEMORY