Jean (Topolnitsky) Kostiuk

It is with great sadness the family of Jean Kostiuk announce her passing.  Mom passed away peacefully at the Grandview Hospital May 11, 2022 at the at the age of 94. 

Mom was born April 23, 1928 at Olha, MB to Joseph ad Lena (Mychasiw) Topolnitsky.  Later in the same year the family moved to the Petlura district where in time Mom attended Denepro School. In her mid teens mom ventured out to work in the town of Grandview waitressing at the Modern Cafe.  Working in town attending movies and local dances.  Mom met our father - they were married September 20, 1947.  

They started their married life farming in the Hollybourne district where they built their first home.  In 1960-61 they purchased land in the Sugarloaf district moving in November 1961. Dad obtained a permit for a trap line in the Duck Mountains where he spent his winters trapping - selling furs to supplement their income.  Mom and the children looked after the livestock etc. Mom and Dad semi-retired to town in 1972-73.  Dad continued to farm from town when on June 28th, 1973 a tragic farm accident took his life. Mom's life turned upside down as their two youngest children were still in school, difficult as it was Mom persevered. In time everyone of the children married -  life went on. Mom was a loving and caring person to her children, grandchildren, great and great great grandchildren, also to her siblings, extended family and friends.

Mom leaves behind her beloved children, Pauline (Russell) Yurkiw - Grandview, MB, Sandra (Julian) Mushumanski & family - Russell, MB, Jerry Kostiuk & family - Grandview, MB, Larry (Eileen) Kostiuk & family, Yorkton, SK, Delores (Orest) Lewycky & family - Anola, MB, Ronnie Kostiuk & family - Macoun , SK.  Mom also leaves 16 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. Her sister Rose Kozakowski- Saskatoon, SK, and niece Rose Hrychuk - Dauphin, MB.

Mom was predeceased by her parents Joseph 1953 & Lena 1975; her husband Peter in 1973; brothers Walter 2004, Merlin 2006, Mike 2016; sister Elyse 2018; uncle Steve Topolnicky 2006; granddaughter Daria Hrytsay 2016; son-in-law Peter Hrytsay 1993.

In her retirement years and prior she did many things to keep herself busy, knitted slippers, handmade quilts, which we all were recipients of, she liked to go to bingo, did word search, puzzles, listened to Saturday night get together on CJGX Yorkton, watched musical entertainment on cable tv.  In her earlier years she enjoyed family outings, fishing, camping, picking wild berries and mushrooms.  Most of all she had an incredible green thumb.  It was evident by the bountiful gardens she grew, she loved her flowers and houseplants, she could make anything grow from a tiny leaf, a half dead plant or a slip from a plant and was proud to see it flourish.  Every spring for many  years she enjoyed having a garage sale (with us girls) selling her extra quilts, slippers, can't forget her plants etc.

Every year for many years on Mother's Day she made sure one of us would take her to Dauphin to tour the greenhouses.  Mom would be looking for that special different plant (flower) or a different color.  Eventually the day was over but not until she went out for Chinese supper.

Mom enjoyed company from her neighbors, even if it was for a few minutes.  A good cup of coffee was had.  She enjoyed the visits from family, friends, especially when her grandchildren and great grandchildren call on her.  Mom had a pet puppy, Keko, who was her company 24/7.  In recent years looking after him gave her a purpose to get up in the morning and continue for another day, They were inseparable.

Private family services were held on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at 11:00 am from Sneath-Strilchuk Family Care Centre in Dauphin, MB with Rev. Father Brent Kuzyk officiating. 

Interment followed in Grandview Memorial Gardens & District Cemetery in Grandview, MB. 

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of ones choice. 

Christine Judd delivered a beautiful eulogy.  Cross bearer was Cameron McDougall.  Pallbearers were Tim Kostiuk, Darcy Hrytsay, Jennifer Kostiuk, Joshua Geddes, Travis Mushumanski, Jacob Judd. Honourary pallbearers were grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jean (Topolnitsky) Kostiuk, please visit our floral store.