Obituary of PEARL SEMCHYSHYN

Pearl Semchyshyn

(nee Chorney)

August 17, 1931 - June 16, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother, Pearl Semchyshyn at the age of 91 in Seven Oaks Hospital. Pearl was embraced by the love of her family as she took her final breath.

Pearl was predeceased by her parents, John and Maria Chorney, her husband Cecil Semchyshyn, brother, Bill Zarney, and sister Pauline Litynski. Left to cherish her memory are her three children, Dr. Mark Semchyshyn (Diana Semchyshyn), Dr. Nadine Semchyshyn (Dr. Robert Palaschuk), and daughter Laryssa Semchyshyn (Chris Garrick) and her five grandchildren Danika (Maksym), Nicholas, Andris (Nathan), Nina, and Jackson.

Pearl journeyed her 91 years with great purpose, positivity, and influence. She lived each moment with kindness, love, patience, and grace. Pearl held many titles in her life but the ones most precious and important to her were those of mother and grandmother or Bobbi as she was affectionately known. Every breath taken and thought created were for and of her children and grandchildren. As a mother, she endlessly gave of her beautiful self to guide, nurture, and support unconditionally. She had a wonderful gift in making everything ok and just being in her presence everything always was. Pearl navigated her entire life with an admirable and infectious sense of positivity and gratefulness. She was a firm believer in positive thinking, and she would consistently advise us that we just need to “train our brain” to make this transpire. Pearl was a woman of faith, who held the love and light of our Lord in her soul everyday. She would routinely read her Bible and when unable to attend church any longer she would say that she finds church in her heart. One of God’s many Blessings in her life were her 5 magnificent grandchildren whom she loved with her entire being. She was incredibly proud of all of them, and her home was testament to that being adorned with photos that brought her so much joy. She was incredibly in tune with each of her grandchildren, enjoying and cherishing relationships with them as unique as their own brilliant colors. There is and will only be one Bobbi in her grandchildren’s hearts. But she became Bobbi to many. Pearl was an authentic and keen listener, showing genuine interest in her families, friends, care givers, and all people’s lives. Pearl loved to chat, and ask questions, adding levity, and offering her relationship advice. When Pearl listened the most beautiful gift, she gave to others was that of being heard and understood. It was common for her healthcare workers, to stay and enjoy a cup of coffee while seeking her counsel. What a lovely sight. They would come to care for her, but left feeling cared for themselves. That was Pearl!  

Pearl led by great example, exhibiting dignity and poise in all she did and was admired for the wonderous way she did so. Family was her entire world. She created a home together with her husband Cecil, and numerous memory making family moments were shared within the 4 walls where they built a life together. She embraced a love and passion for the richness and beauty of her Ukrainian heritage and shared these treasures with her children and grandchildren. She and Cecil were proud and active members of Winnipeg’s vibrant Ukrainian Canadian community assisting to sustain and perpetuate our beloved Ukrainian culture.

Pearl embodied all that one could possibly dream of and hope that a mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother could be. And then when you thought there could not possibly be more goodness to give, she humbly and authentically gifted us more. Tiny in stature but mighty in spirit this one spectacular woman provided gifts beyond measure. She was a Blessing to her family and brought light and love to all whom she touched.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Dr. John Mayba for his numerous years of compassionate medical care for our mother. And to the incredible and capable healthcare team led by Drs. Heinrichs and Finlayson at Seven Oaks Hospital, we are most appreciative for the kind-hearted and thorough attention you so selflessly provided.  

A private family service has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations in our dear mother’s memory are graciously being accepted by Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Manitoba Provincial Council. Box 3567, Redwood Postal Outlet, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2W 3R4.

Mom…Bobbi…

We will remain together always because you have created an imprint on our Hearts and in our souls that is permanent and forever…and uniquely yours. We will keep your light shining brightly by cherishing the beautiful and treasured memories made together. We thank God for bringing you to us. He now holds you in His loving arms to rest peacefully. We will see you in our dreams, and everywhere we look we will see through the wondrous lens you provided for us. Our love for you is everlasting! 

Vichnaya Pam’yat! Memory Eternal!