Obituary of CARRIE STESKI
March 15, 1925 – April 14, 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother and grandmother on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at Donwood Manor at the age of 97.
Mom was predeceased by her husband Victor, and leaves to mourn her children Colleen (Clayton), Grant (Lee), David, Mark (Annie), Marie (Mitch), Miriam (Claude). Also mourning their loss are her grandchildren Melissa, David, Natalie, Corinne, Jeremy, Stephanie, Kyle, Sarah, Jayden, Amanda, Nicholas, Patrick, Katrina, Ryan, Graham, Andrew, Steven, Adam and Rachel, as well as 7 great grandchildren. Carrie is also survived by her sisters Martha and Evelyn, and her sisters-in-laws, Grace and Elaine as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Mom was born March 15, 1925 in
Dad was again transferred, this time to
Dad left mom a widow at the age of 59 with four young adults still living at home. During his illness mom cared for him at home until he passed away. Life wasn’t always easy for her without having dad to talk with and lean on.
Mom was a person of faith and it was important to her that her children were raised as Orthodox Christians. She understood early on that an important part of this was having access to services in English. She and a small group of similar minded individuals that had moved to
Mom had a great love for music and studied piano, theory, voice and conducting. Mom was always singing in the house. She was
Mom was an excellent cook, she was famously known for her perogies and cabbage rolls and was often asked why she did not open her own restaurant. She understood the importance of eating healthy and did not want her family to eat store bought bread, so we were spoiled with fresh bread, cinnamon buns and baking. In the fall she would prepare dozens of jars of home canning to feed her large family over the winter. Mom’s door was always open, often hosting people with a hearty meal. A big highlight for her was when she hosted Princess Ileana of
Mom liked to keep herself busy, teaching piano and volunteering with
Mom’s greatest joy was having the family over for dinners. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, especially having sleepovers, reading books, doing puzzles and playing UNO and Skipbo.
Mom had a strong personality as well as a generous and kind heart. She had compassion for the needy and was a friend to the lonely. Pascha (Easter) was a really important day for her and she would not allow any stranger or someone who did not have family to go home after church and be alone. Another place setting would be set at the table and they would join our family. Mom enjoyed the company of everyone she had the opportunity to meet and share a moment with.
Mom lived her live according to the words spoken by Jesus in the gospel of St. Matthew 25:34-36.
“Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.”
Should friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to feed and shelter the needy in your community.
The family would like to thank the staff of Donwood Manor 2 North for the care and kindness they showed our mother during her time with them.
Prayers will be said on Thursday, April 28 at 7:00 pm at St. George Orthodox Church,
Prayer service link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7665765368?pwd=aTVIVmxKRlBhSnBLNVNISC94b2FoUT09
Funeral service will be held on Friday, April 29 at 11:00 am also at the church, Fr. Michael Ungrin officiating.
Interment will be at
Funeral service link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7665765368?pwd=aTVIVmxKRlBhSnBLNVNISC94b2FoUT09
For safety reasons, the family encourages masks to be worn at the services.
The link for the services will be posted on the Cropo website under Carrie Steski.