Mom was born on April 22, 1914 in Mossey River MB. She moved to Kenora in her late 20’s to be closer to her sister Mary. On July 5, 1942 she married Michael Cormylo and together they raised a son, William, and two daughters Jeannette and Carol.
Minnie worked at the Kenricia Hotel dining room, first as a waitress, then as a hostess and dining room manager for over 40 yrs. She was also an active member of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League; the Ukrainian Literary Society; and the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church including the church choir where she first met Michael.
Mom was a very strong, young at heart independent woman. She was thrilled to get her driver’s license at the age of 73 travelling frequently to visit her children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren (blessed with 4 generations). Family was everything to Mom and she was extremely devoted to them, but unfortunately had to relinquish her license at the age 93.
Minnie was widely recognized for her excellent culinary skills and gracious hospitality which was warmly given and received by all who knew and visited her. Food was Mom’s passion both at home and work. She spent countless days tending her large and bountiful garden growing her own organic fruits and vegetables. This resulted in her famous care packages of delicious Ukrainian dishes lovingly prepared and delivered by bus/train to her children living across Canada and even the USA. Mom expressed her love through food. Anyone who crossed the threshold of her door was always offered her latest pies, pickles, sandwiches, and latest creations. She also enjoyed picking wild blueberries, mushrooms, and fishing.
Following the death of her husband in 1987, Mom lived in her own home for some 32 years. At the age of 96, she could no longer cope on her own, and moved to Oakville Ontario where she resided at Post Inn Village for the past 10 yrs. It was amazing that Mom was still able to play her favourite card game at the age of 105. Minnie was known for her infectious smile and was lovingly cared for by Post Inn staff and her daughter Jeannette and family who lived close by.
Minnie was pre-deceased by her husband Michael, her mother and father Anthony and Carolina Beyko, two sisters Mary Pochailo, Olive Polski, and three other sister siblings in infancy.
She is survived by her three children William Cormylo in Calgary, Jeannette (Murray) LeGris in New Dundee (formerly Oakville), Carol (Wes) Derksen in Fort Frances; grandchildren Sharlene (Wes) Neufeld, Micheal (Jillian) Cormylo both in Calgary, Jennifer (Michael) Burnett in Mary Esther Florida, Brittany (Mark) Sonnenburg in Kitchener, Chelsey (Tyler) Barker in Kenora, Cole Derksen in Winnipeg, Jilayne (Zachary) Jolicoeur in ThunderBay ; great grandchildren Caleb, Ayden, Avery, Noah, Aaliyah, Julian, Landon, Kallee, Madison, Reece. Minnie is also survived by 2 loving nephews and their families George (Collette) Saranchuck and Bob (Donna) Pochailo.
Panakhyda (prayers) were held at St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Oakville on Friday August 9, 2019 at 2:00pm. A funeral service will take place in Kenora at the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church (430 4th St. N. Kenora) on August 17,2019 at 1:00pm with interment and lunch to follow.
In memory of Mom, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
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