Obituary of Mary Florence Winichuk

Mary Florence Winichuk (nee LaRocque) In the early morning of Saturday, December 26, 2015, Mary Florence Winichuk, age 90, passed away peacefully with family at her side. It followed her final beautiful Christmas as she left in peace and prayer. She was predeceased by her loving husband John in 1987, parents Joseph Z. LaRocque and Mary (Salamon), siblings Jim (Lucy) LaRocque, Agnes Howard and Andy Godich, and many family and friends. Florence will be deeply missed by sons Paul (Jeannie) Winichuk and Mark (Joanne Christie) Winichuk, and her daughter Anna Marie (Wade) Willey. Her nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren brought continuous joy and enrichment: Lindsay (Hop) Huynh with Grace and Jack, Shelley (Graham) Hellquist with Emerson Ann, John Willey, Leslie Chapman, Amy Chapman, Pascale (Brady) Hashem, Marie-Claire Winichuk (Josh Rogers), Joanna Winichuk, and Shawna (Alex) Stevens with Jayden and Elliot. She celebrated each of their births and loved witnessing them start their own new lives. In addition, held close extended family and friends too numerous to mention but including Eugene, Peter and families, Christie and Michael, Joan Holden, Mary Jo, Ted and Jacob, Donna, Agnes, Rose and friends at Wintergreene Estates and in Melville. Florence was born on July 18, 1925 and grew up in a loving family rich in culture and history in Lebret, Saskatchewan. Following high school, she entered the selfless profession of nursing, graduating from the Regina Grey Nuns Hospital in 1947. She was honoured with a class award for her bedside nursing manner. She enjoyed her vocation as a registered nurse at St. Peter’s Hospital in Melville, for more than 35 years, mostly in pediatrics. While raising their young family, she and John operated the Model Grocery, a business he started after returning from his RCAF duties overseas in World War II. Upon John’s passing in 1987, she got her driver’s licence at the age of 62 and bought her first car. In 2009, she moved from Melville to Regina, loving every minute of her independence at Wintergreene Estates. Each morning she would do her walking circuit, and complete a crossword puzzle. Each week she enjoyed Tai Chi classes, bowling and church. She loved travelling, completing jigsaw puzzles and reading countless books on her ipad. Wherever she was, Florence lived life to its fullest. She brought happiness to any setting with her beautiful smile, wonderful wit and sense of humour. Her boundless energy and thoughtfulness was an inspiration to all. She addressed health issues including cancer with courage and optimism. The family is grateful for the many who provided special care including Doctors: Berdan, Bhagaloo, Chang, O’Grady, Dolata, Devaraj, Kabongo, Thatcher, Williams, Wildenboer, Johnson, MacDonald, and the exceptional team at the Infusion Centre. The family is especially grateful to the exemplary professional team at the Salvation Army Grace Hospice, where every member reached out with compassion and loving care over her final five days. Donations in Florence’s memory may be made directly to that important last resting spot - Salvation Army Grace Hospice, 50 Angus Road, Regina, Sask. S4R 8P6. Flowers gratefully declined. Funeral Mass and celebration of Florence’s life will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Roman Catholic Church at 3239 Garnet Street, Regina, SK. Light lunch to follow. A private family burial will be held in Melville at a later date.