Irene Bernice Pasowisty

Irene Bernice Pasowisty (nee Rainkie), beloved wife of the late John Pasowisty, passed away on October 11, 2021, in Country Meadows Personal Care Home, Neepawa, Manitoba. Mom (Baba), was 92 years of age. 

Mom was born on August 19, 1929, at Elk Ranch, Manitoba; the first of seven children born to Alex and Helen Rainkie. She married her life partner John Pasowisty on May 25, 1947, in St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church at Mountain Road, Manitoba and together, they raised nine children on their farm at Elk Ranch, Manitoba.

In 1975, Mom and Dad retired from farming and bought a house in Neepawa. When Dad passed away in June 2005, Mom continued to live in their house for another 5 years until 2010. Health reasons caused her to move between the Neepawa Hospital and Yellowhead Manor for 3 years, before moving to Country Meadows PCH in 2013, where she resided for 8 years until her passing.

Mom was happy in Country Meadows, where she was known to everyone as Baba. Not one to sit and complain, she participated in many activities such as baking, crafts, bingo, Handy Van excursions and listening to music supplied by different bands. One of her favourite winter pastimes was watching the Winnipeg Jets play hockey. She looked forward to and cherished visits from her family and friends. She loved the Family Christmas Parties where she could spend time with as many as were able to attend.

Mom was a devoted Catholic, faithfully attending St. John's Ukrainian Catholic Church and helping at their functions. During her time in Country Meadows, she attended Mass whenever Father Mark Filips was able to hold it. Her faith and strong will helped her to get through the pain in the passing of her husband, 4 daughters, 1 brother, 1 sister and 2 sons-in-law. Despite these tragedies, she maintained her sense of humour and we had many good laughs with her.

Left to mourn Mom's (Baba's) passing are her children: Ike Pasowisty (Michele), Iris Knechtel (Richard), Lorrie Pasowisty (Brent), Leona McKinna (Scott), Michael Pasowisty (Shelly), sons-in-law Graeme Radford and Jim Nagorski, 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. Also, her sisters Bertha Chemerika, Velma (Ernie) Speiss, Carol Pasosky; brother Nelson (Dilly) Rainkie, plus many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mom was predeceased by her husband John Pasowisty; daughters Sharon Madill, Shirley Pasowisty, Janet Pasowisty and Beverly Rubachuk; parents Alex and Helen Rainkie; brother Vernie Rainkie; sister Margaret Kostenchuk; sons-in-law Ron Rubachuk and Orville Madill; brothers-in-law Almer Pasosky and John Chemerika.

Pallbearers were Rob Flipchuk, Richard Knechtel, Trent Madill, Ian McKinna, Reed Neumann and Cody Pasowisty.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Country Meadows PCH for the wonderful care that they gave Mom (Baba) over the years; Velda Bradley for leading the prayers and graveside funeral service; Brian James and everyone at White's Funeral Home for their help and all those who sent cards, food and flowers.

Goodbye Mom (Baba). Rest In Peace; we will miss you.

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