Nettie Zwarich

It is with profound sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Nettie Zwarich (nee Semczyszyn) who peacefully departed this life on April 3, 2025, at the age of 96.

Nettie was born on March 22, 1929 to Dmytro and Maria (nee Pascal) Semczyszyn on a farm section in the municipality of Dauphin.  Nettie was the eldest of the children but had many sibling angels that did not survive infancy.

Nettie’s hard work ethic was established at a young age. Nettie was counted on to help with the care and upbringing of her younger siblings as well as the work and chores involved with farm living in the 1930’s. She often said that along with the hard work, she fondly recalled many fun times.  Nettie’s close family connections were forged during her young years and continued to bring her great joy and comfort her entire life.

She received her education at the North Lake School. As she was excited to experience life, she left home at 15 to live in Winnipeg as a domestic helper for a short time.

Nettie met Fred Zwarich on Christmas Day in 1945.  After a two year courtship they were married on May 24, 1947.

Following their marriage, they moved to Flin Flon where they resided until 1956.  During this time many close friendships were made and Nettie enjoyed her job working in the kitchen of the Flin Flon Hospital.

After leaving Flin Flon, they travelled west with short stops in Medicine Hat and Calgary.  They finally landed in Vancouver where Fred’s brother Peter and wife Zena resided.  The four of them rented a house together for a year.  This was a special time with lots of laughs and adventures shared.

In the spring of 1958, they purchased a farm which was 2 miles from Nettie’s parents.

In 1961, a much loved and long awaited son, Larry, was adopted at 9 months of age.  Larry completed their family and his early death in 1993, was challenging and a difficult time.  Larry was forever grieved, mourned and lovingly remembered by his parents.

They farmed until 1967 enjoying the network of support and community of family and friends.

In 1967, they purchased Mrs. Beyko’s coffee shop in Fork River and renamed it Fred’s Coffee Shop.  It was a real success as the telephone and hydro lines were being installed.  The coffee shop offered tasty and plentiful meals for the workers.  By 1975 the boom was over and the café closed.

Nettie continued working as the Fork River Community Hall caretaker (3 years) and along with Fred, janitorial work at the Fork River School.

Nettie and Fred purchased a home and 7 acres down the road from the Café in Fork River.  They retired here and resided in the home until Fred’s passing on March 17, 2004.

Nettie moved to Dauphin where she rented a house for a year before purchasing a home on Ash Street.  This house was across the street from her sister Jessie and brother in law Peter, which was an added bonus.

Nettie loved her new home where she continued to enjoy gardening (vegetables and flowers), cooking, sewing and hosting her many family and friends who would stop by.  She kept in daily contact, especially with her sisters.  She treasured letters, phone calls and photos.

Nettie kept up to date with current affairs from TV and radio.  She enjoyed reading both books and from many magazine subscriptions.

Nettie especially loved her bingo circuit and it provided much enjoyment to her. 

Nettie lived independently until her stroke in December 2023. She continued to remain optimistic that she would conquer the left side paralyses that it caused, and return home.  As this couldn’t happen, Nettie accepted her new reality with grace.

Nettie will continued to be remembered for her love of family, documentation of  history, her sense of style, gratitude for what is yours and her laughter. She will be so missed.

Nettie was predeceased by her parents Dmytro (1962), Maria (2003), her husband Fred of 56 years in 2004.  Her son Larry in 1994, brothers, Walter (2003), Peter (2006), Tony (2018), sisters Ann Fleury (1999), Jessie Chipney  (2010), Sylvia Smith (2022).  Her brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws, Harvey Wolowski, Rene Fleury, Pete Smith, Peter Chipney, Steve and Stella Zwarich, Annie and Nick Procyshyn, Peter and Zena Zwarich, Mike and Stephanie Zwarich, Nellie and Fred Budzey.

Cherishing many fond memories is her loving sister Emily Wolowski, of Flin Flon, sister-in-laws Rose Semchyshyn of Fork River, Eileen Semchyshyn of Dauphin and Zennia Semchyshyn of Portage La Prairie. Her many nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews. Nettie will be missed by her friend Brian Kszywisko.

Funeral services was held on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.at the Sneath Strilchuk Family Care Centre. The interment followed at the Fork River Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers should friends so desire, donations in memory of Nettie may be made to the Fork River St. John The Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church of which Nettie was a lifelong member.

Eternal Memory! Vichnaya Pamyat!

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