Verna Lewandoski

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dear mother, Verna Lewandoski on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

She has gone to join her husband Leonard in the mansion in the sky.  Mom was surrounded by family in her final hours.  She has left us broken hearted but also knowing how much she is loved and will be missed.

Verna was predeceased by her husband Leonard (2003); son Gordon (2020); dad Alex (1970); mom Mary (1989) and brother Johnny (2006).

She will be lovingly missed and remembered by her children Ron (Leah), Linda (Frank), Robert (Connie) and Joyce (Zane); grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; as well as many other family members and friends.

Mom was born in Foam Lake, SK, on a farm, on a cold winter day on December 19, 1935, to Alex and Mary Kolababa.  She was excited when younger brother Johnny came along.  The two of them had a very close relationship through good times and bad.

As hard times fell on the family during the depression, the family were on their way to Ontario, but stopped in Winnipeg to visit family.  Their plans changed and they made Transcona, MB their home where Mom met the love of her life and married Dad (Leonard) on June 26, 1954.

Mom loved to swim.  She would spend time floating in Nutimik Lake, and would often fall asleep on the water.  She loved to play baseball and dad (Leonard) and her didn’t agree on this.  She loved to watch sports – hockey, football and curling – and often would spend many many hours watching with Gina and Dave Low.

She loved to attend Michael and Steven’s football games even if she had to bundle up.  Mom would be cheering loud and proud.

She loved to cook and bake, and enjoyed making holophchi and perogies; which we had every Friday for supper when we were younger.

Mom always had her camera in hand, and was always snapping pictures. through the years, Krista watched her grandmother with her camera and now Krista has the “shutter-bug”; mom would always say how beautiful Krista’s photos were.

Mom and Dad lived in the North End of the city on Atlantic Avenue.  Years later they moved to Transcona to be close to her mother.

As Mom’s health started to decline, she moved to River Ridge in February of 2025.  After a number of hospital visits, she was moved to Lions Manor in February 2026 where she passed.

The family would like to thank the staff on the 3rd floor at Concordia Hospital for all their care during mom’s hospital stays and to Lion’s Manor, 2nd floor.  Especially to Patricia and Susanna

Forever in our hearts

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, April 30 at 11:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel in Transcona (1800 Day Street). She will be laid to rest with a private ceremony at Transcona Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.