Obituary of JEAN GUYDA

Jean Guyda

(nee Smigel)

February 23, 1935 - April 17, 2019

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of mom on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at the age of 84 after a very brief illness.

Jean was predeceased by her parents John and Pauline; her in-laws Stanley and Caroline; her husband Don in 2005; sisters in-law Evelyn and Joyce; nephew Brian; and most recently her sister in-law Mary Anne in 2017 and her brother Ed in 2018.

She will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her devoted daughter Donna (Alan), grandchildren Danielle and Brendan.  She is also survived and will be missed by her three step children; Darrell and wife Willy, grandchildren Denny, Kristal and Dustin (Tammy); Kim, grandchildren Shaun and Andrea; Brad; her brother in-law Harold; nephews Jason, Ken ( Karolyn), Gary ( Gerry); niece Darlene and seven great grandchildren. 

Jean was born, raised and went to school in the Polson Manitoba area.  She was a proud farm girl- it taught and instilled in her a love of nature, an enjoyment of growing and producing farm to table produce, and a strong work ethic. She was very devoted to her family.

Jean moved from the country into the "Big City" as a teen.  She got a job at Woods paper factory where she found her financial independence and made many life long friends.  In true form, Jean was proud to be able to help her parents - she helped get the farm hooked up to electricity and also bought them their first television, which was also the first in the community! As Jean recalled, the television proved to be very popular with all the neighbours for Saturday night wrestling- they all crammed into her parents tiny farmhouse, with some peering through open windows. 

Jean loved to dance (Donna comes by it honestly)! Her and her friends couldn't wait for the Friday 5:00 work buzzer so they could rush home and get ready for an evening full of polkas! It was at one of these dance socials that Jean met a handsome man named Don.  Soon, they fell in love. Her love for him so great, she extended her love to his three young children. They married on September 21, 1968. Mom and dad enjoyed going out dancing, entertaining friends and family at their home and became quite the bowling couple! After a few years, their daughter Donna was born, and Jean totally immersed herself into motherhood.  She gave up her much loved job to care for Donna and her older siblings. 

Jean was an avid gardener.  She loved looking after her large flowerbeds and tending to her vegetable garden.  On more than one occasion, it was stated that her backyard was like walking in a park.  Staying true to her roots of growing up on a farm, she took great joy in harvesting the gardens bounty and making delicious jams, preserves and pickles ( those dills!!).  She was also a master of traditional Ukrainian cooking and baking.  The family was fortunate to have many delicious dinners tirelessly prepared for Christmases, Thanksgiving and Easter. It was impossible to leave their home hungry - as she was always telling you to "eat some more..." 

Mom and dad cherished their roles as grandparents, and with family scattered around, loved having the whole family together for Christmas.  Having everyone packed around two long tables in the basement is one of her favourite memories. Jean was so pleased to be able to help in the caring of Danielle at six months of age, so Donna could return to work.  It was during that time that mom and Dani formed a very special bond.  After Brendan was born, mom and dad continued to play a very intricate role in both their lives.

Jean was devastated when Don passed away in 2005.  She was a tireless, unstoppable caregiver for him while he battled cancer.  A huge part of her died with him. Over the years, her health steadily declined, all of which frustrated her terribly. She was a strong, independent, proud and active woman that didn't like to be slowed down.  I am so very thankful for all she taught and instilled in me. I will hold all the wonderful memories in my heart.

Mom was a devoted and loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.  She was a strong willed, feisty, independent woman who had a deep and generous heart and a kind, warm smile. She leaves us with many great memories to cherish.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am. on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Cropo Funeral Chapel on 1442 Main Street. 

Because of moms love of flowers, they are certainly welcome if so desired. But as mom also loved dogs, donations can also be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society or to a pet rescue/ shelter in her memory. 

Now go dance, mom.