Lena Babiak

Lena (Produniuk, Wilchek) Babiak

It is with our deepest regrets that we announce the peaceful passing of our Mother and Baba, Lena Babiak at the St. Claude Hospital on February 2, 2003 at the age of 86 years.

She was born at Silver, Manitoba on March 7, 1916 to Mary and Andrew Produniuk.  They settled in the St. Claude district.  She received her education at Kenneth School.  Lena loved school but was not able to attend as much as she wanted to.  Being the eldest daughter, her mother depended on Lena to care for her siblings and help on the farm.  Times were hard back then and hard work was something Lena knew well.

In 1943 she married Vincent Wilchek who came from Poland.  They settled at 13-7-7.  Two children were born then.  Mary Anne and Edward.  Tragically Vincent passed away in 1949.  She farmed as best as she could and worked tirelessly providing for her children.  Going to town with horse and buggy with the cream can between her feet was a vision her children remember.  She needed flour, sugar and the few other provisions she could afford.  She picked berries, mushrooms and planted gardens year after year.  Preserves and pickles, sauerkraut, perogies, bread, cabbage rolls etc.  Everything was homemade.  She milked cows, cut her own wood and never complained.

On November 6, 1954 she married Peter Babiak who came from the Ukraine.  Life then got a little better for her.  They farmed together and enjoyed going visiting friends and neighbors in their 1965 Pontiac.  They were often seen at Auction Sales and garage sales.  Lena also loved to watch wrestling and listen to Polka Party with Peter.  He passed away in August of 1992.  Poor Mother, once again she was alone but she carried on till her health began to cause problems.  She was a fighter.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her joy and in her last years she also enjoyed watching them running around her outside.  She like being with family and if you were to take her out to lunch, Chicken Chef was the place to go.

Mom thank you for the years you gave to us along with all the memories.

Lena was predeceased by her parents Mary and Andrew, her husbands Vincent and Peter, brothers John, Bill, Nick, Mike, Peter and Paul in infancy.

To cherish her memory, she leaves her daughter Mary Anne (Ken McInnes) and her son Edward (Pat) Wilchek.  Grandchildren Jodie (friend Norman) McInnes, Jamie (friend Bobbie) McInnes, Charlene (Gerard) Bruneau, Craig Harp and Brendt (Suzanne Harp).  Great-grandchildren Robyn, Gregg, Ian and Sean Bruneau, and Chelsea, Steven and Haley Harp.  She also leaves to mourn one brother Alex (Connie) Produniuk, sisters Dora Matychuk, Mary Produniuk and Sophie Field.  One sister-in-law Iona Produniuk as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.  She will also be missed by Janice (Janet) who was very special to her.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the St. Claude Catholic Church on Wednesday February 5, 2003 at 2 p.m. with Revernd Father Ernie Hafichuk officiating.  Interment to follow in the St. Peter and Paul Cemetery.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba or to the St. Claude Palliative Care.

Adam's Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements.