Jennie Mary (Stachurski) May

On April 1, 2024 surrounded by family, Jennie May peacefully departed this earth at the age of 86. Jennie leaves to mourn her four children, Gerry (Rhonda) May, Myron May, Donna Fedorowich, Roman (Maria) May, grandchildren Nicholas May (Myra), Timothy (Charlena) Fedorowich, and Ashley May, nephews Chris (Tanya) Dandurand, and Kyle Dandurand, brother-in law Bill Dandurand and numerous cousins from the Burdey and Zeaton families. Jennie was predeceased by her parents Walter and Anastasia Stachurski, sisters Josie Stachurski and Helen Dandurand, and her beloved husband and partner in life Nicholas May.

Jennie was born on August 22, 1937, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As a child she moved frequently, which was typical of a mining family, helping with household chores, cooking, and taking care of her little sister. She attended William White, Aberdeen, elementary and middle schools, and graduated from Tec Voc High School. In her early twenties she met the love of her life Nicholas May. Throughout their courtship, Jennie and Nick loved going to the beach, on picnics and to the numerous dance halls that existed during that era. On June 28th, 1958, they were married and together they had four children who they raised with love and affection in the North End of Winnipeg. Jennie was a stay-at-home mom during the early years, and also cared for Nick’s aunt, who lived with the family.

Jennie loved her Ukrainian heritage and embraced its music, dance, culinary and artistic expressions. She was deeply involved with the community, participating in choirs, and volunteering with school, Plast, and church events. She developed many life-long friendships during her many years with the Ukrainian Women’s Organization of Canada, and Ukrainian National Federation serving on the executive board.  Jennie worked at the MacGregor Medical Clinic for a time and for many years at the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. Jennie received the Bulava award in 2018 in recognition of her contributions to the Ukrainian community.

A profound highlight in her life was a month-long trip to Ukraine visiting villages and towns, meeting and connecting with relatives. Another journey she cherished was a trip to Europe in 1982 with Nick, where he was reunited with his brothers for the first time since they were separated at the end of WWII.

Trips and vacations aside, Jennie found her true paradise spending time in the forest with Nick and friends, foraging for mushrooms and berries, where they found tranquility in nature. A social butterfly by nature, Jennie was warm and welcoming to all who met her. She was a favourite of nurses, healthcare aides and other patients during her hospital stays and of the homecare workers who assisted her.

Although her life was difficult, marked by many struggles and hardships, Jennie persevered with strength and determination knowing that at the end of each day she would be in the presence of family, which above all else was the most important thing in her life.  She is now free and reunited with her beloved Nick, parents and sisters, and the many friends she was blessed with during her wonderful journey here.

Parastas / Prayers will be sung Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, 115 McGregor St. Funeral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, April 11, at 10:30 a.m. 2024. at Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral with Rev.Fr. Ihor Shved officiating. A light lunch will follow at the Cathedral Hall, ending with interment at All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Ukrainian Canadian Congress. For those unable to attend, a livestream will be available for viewing at: www.youtube.com/@STVOCA

Vichnaya Pamyat