It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Lynda Lou Mikawos (nee Lepinski) on Thursday September 26, 2024 at the age of 76.
Mom was predeceased by the love of her life Stanley, her parents Joseph and Jean Lepinski, her brother Jim Hume, Father in law Stanley Mikawos Sr, son in law Derrick Wolfram, as well as her beloved fur babies Mc Duff and Zoey. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters Jeannie (Aaron), and Erica, her grandson and the apple of her eye Tyler DeSousa (Kaytlynn), her mother in law Nellie Mikawos, Sister in law Gail Hume, her very best friend Marilyn Corbitt as well as many other family members and friends.
Mom grew up in Winnipeg’s north end…….when it was safe to walk down the street. She graduated from Sisler High School and then continued on to become a nurse. Mom met a charming, charismatic man that she quickly fell in love with and knew she couldn’t live without. They married in 1972 and welcomed two daughters shortly after that. Mom always wanted to help people. She spent many years as a nurse for the elderly, and then had the heartbreaking task of caring for dad when he became ill at a very young age. She was by his side every step of the way until his passing in 1994. She then needed to learn how to live without someone she didn’t think she could. Later in her career she started down a new path with home care. This new journey unfortunately came to an end when she suffered a heart attack in the early 2000’s.
Once she could no longer work she shifted her focus onto more important things, like her one and only grandson Tyler. The sun rose and set on this young man, and boy did he know it! He had grandma right where he wanted her and she loved every minute of it. She would spend summers with him at the lake, allowing him to do many things that she shouldn’t have, but the two of them were inseparable. The bond between them is nothing short of extraordinary and she was so proud and loved him more than life itself. As time went on, and her health started to suffer the roles changed, and he was never more than a phone call away. He helped her with anything she needed and even tried to teach her a few things when it came to technology, only to realize that now he was Grams tech support and help desk. Regardless of her issue he did his best to walk her through it.
Mom loved to travel and had the opportunity to visit many places like Jamaica, Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. Her desire to travel prompted her to become a certified scuba diver so she could explore the oceans while abroad. Packing her gear was a bit of a different story.
In the last few years her health really took a hit. She battled many ailments, but always somehow found the strength to pull through. She defied the odds multiple times and is probably one of the strongest ladies most of us have had the pleasure of knowing. She touched a number of lives throughout hers, and will be deeply missed by many. A hole in our hearts doesn’t even come close to describe the hurt that is felt by those that knew and loved her.
Funeral service will be held on Thursday October 3, 2024 @ 10am at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home and Cemetery, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. Interment to follow at All Saints Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her husband and best friend. Pallbearers will be Terry DeSousa, Dale Hildebrand, Ron Beshk, Victor Sousa, Hayden Woolman and Brandon Van Brink.
Dr. Kroeker - I cannot thank you enough for the extraordinary care you provided not only my mom but myself over the last 20 years. You stepped away from patients to take my calls when she fell ill, and I needed to talk. You….gave me strength! She had so much trust in you, and your care and compassion was undeniably the best she’s ever had. You are definitely a gift from god, and you will always be someone she and I will consider not only her doctor, but a friend.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in her honour to the Winnipeg Humane Society.
Take a moment to hug someone today, time waits for no one. Life can truly change in an instant.
