Obituary of Loretta Sklepowich

Loretta M. Sklepowich (nee Young) May 17, 1939 - September 22, 2009 Loretta's children and grandchildren sadly announce her peaceful passing on Tuesday, Sept. 22nd at Seven Oaks Hospital, after a short stay. We were so used to her battling back from all her health challenges that it is hard to believe she lost this fight. Mom was pre-deceased by husband Wally in 1997, her parents John and Mary, sister Irene in infancy and 4 sisters and brothers-in-law: Caroline and Charlie Miller, Dorothy and Mike Shady, Helen and Joe Gluting and Marion and Rudy Friesen, as well as all Wally's siblings and spouses. Loretta was born to John and Mary (Moser) Young in Thalberg, the youngest of 11 children. After growing up on the family farm, she realized farm life wasn't for her and headed to Winnipeg to find work. She was working in the Eaton's catalogue warehouse when she met Wally. They married in February 1966. Two daughters, Shelley and Kim, made their family complete. They moved out to Arborg in 1970, and for 10 years ran Northern Truck & Farm Equipment selling International Harvester. Loretta ran the parts department there, an uncommon job for a woman at the time. Their next business was the Shelberly Inn, where mom served up her famous blueberry cheesecake. Semi-retirement took them to Winnipeg as apartment caretakers, and after a short stint in Gimli they retired in Winnipeg. Family and friends were important to Loretta. In May she celebrated her 70th birthday surrounded by those she loved. She talked with her friends and siblings often and everyone got an early morning call on their birthday. She supported her daughters in all their endeavors and her greatest treasures were her grandchildren. She loved to cook and bake and shared generously, especially at the holidays. Even with all her health problems Mom never complained and was thankful for each day she was given. Loretta is lovingly remembered by her daughters Shelley and Kim, Shelley's husband Russ Rennie and grandchildren Morgan and Alexander Rennie. She is also survived by her brothers William (Irene), Leonard (Irma) and Harold (Inez) Young, and sisters Edna (Harold Klann) and Leona (Chuck Kramble). Thank you to all the doctors, nurses and support staff that have cared for Mom. We'd like to acknowledge the staff at the Seven Oaks Dialysis Unit for the excellent care Loretta received for the past six years. The funeral service will be held Monday, September 28th, 2009 at 2:00 pm at Cropo Funeral Chapel (1442 Main Street, Winnipeg). Cremation and private family interment will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Loretta may be made to Dialysis Unit, Seven Oaks Hospital, 2300 McPhillips Street, Winnipeg, MB R2V 9Z9.