Florence (Kolochuk) Sliworsky

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, sister, aunt, mother in law, Baba and God Mother, Florence (Flo) Sliworsky.  With her family by her side, she passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on October 10, 2018 in the Winnipegosis Health Centre at the age of 76 years.

Florence was born on August 8th, 1942 to Ann Boyechko and Nicholas Kolochuk in the RM of Mossey River.  She was the second youngest of six children.  The family lived on a small farm in Weiden, where Florence also attended school.  Living on a farm instilled strong work ethics in Florence, which she maintained throughout her life. 

Upon completion of her schooling, a young Florence ventured off  to Winnipeg where she gained employment at Swift Meats, resulting in her never eating a hot dog again. 

Florence loved music and dancing.  It was at a dance in Weiden where Florence met the love of her life, Mac Sliworsky.  On September 6, 1961 she and Mac married in Rorketon, MB

As a young couple, their journey began as they traveled to their new home.  Florence and Mac fell through the ice with all of their possessions.  They salvaged what they could and continued on their way.  Life began in a small home near the West Waterhen River.  She worked hard beside her new husband, to build their lives.   It was here that Florence was blessed with her first two sons.  The family then moved to Meadow Portage, where they rebuilt a new homestead and Florence was blessed with their third son.  Raising three sons while helping with the day to day ranching operations wasn’t easy, but Florence managed.  When her sons became old enough to help on the farm, she joined outside activities and was involved in various committees and organizations in Winnipegosis and Meadow Portage.  

Florence enjoyed sports and actively participated in various sports until her interest began to wane.  She then focused on supporting her husband and sons in their sports and was the toughest and most vocal coach in the stands.  

Florence was a wonderful cook, and enjoyed hosting and cooking for many family events.  There was never a shortage of good food, laughter and love at her home, which will always be remembered with great fondness. 

Florence is survived by her husband Mac, of 57 years.  Sons Floyd (Audrey) of Winnipeg, Carl (Adina) of Gilbert Plains and Terry (Tammy) of Meadow Portage;  ten grandchildren: Nicole (Simon), Joey, Shane (Nichole), Allie, Erin, Robyn, Jordyn, Sidney, Lexi and Bodie; one great grandchild Sophia Williams; sister Beatrice Franko;  brother in law Wally Iwanchysko; sisters in law Olga Kolochuk, Vicky (Bev) Johnson and Lillian (Larry) Romanchuk.

She was predeceased by her parents Nicholas and Ann Kolochuk; sisters Mary and Olga; brothers Mike and John; nephews John Bilay and Dale Kolochuk; grandson in law Tom Williams; and in laws Mike and Lucy Sliworsky, and Larry Fraser.

We are all so proud of how Florence handled her diagnosis.  She stayed strong, positive and no matter how difficult life became, she always had a smile and was happy to see her visitors.  She will be sadly missed by all.

Prayers were offered on Monday, October 15, 2018 at 6:30 pm from the Sneath-Strilchuk Family Care Centre in Dauphin.

A Funeral Liturgy was held for Florence on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at 10:30 am from the Holy Ascension Ukrainian Catholic Church in Winnipegosis with Very Rev Father Oleg Bodnarski officiating.  

Interment followed in the St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery in Meadowlands, MB.

Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Florence may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Florence (Kolochuk) Sliworsky, please visit our floral store.