Iris Orysia Gnutel

Iris has joined her son Donald in heaven and leaves to mourn her husband of 65 years, John, sons David (Genia), Michael (Mary), daughter-in-law Michelle, grandchildren Alexis (Daniel), Daria (Chad), Joshua (Ulana), Greg (Jenny), Matthew (Susan), Stephen (Allison), Luke, Amy, great-grandchildren Lincoln, Isabella, Emma, Madeline and Sophia.

Iris is also survived by her step-siblings Irene, Gerry, Ed (Nancy), siblings-in-law Walter, Alex (Alycia), Don (Betty), Dena, Alice (Nick), Audrey (Paul), and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents Walter and Mary Makowsky, parents-in-law Joseph and Michalena Gnutel, step-father Paul Holowaty, sisters-in-law Mary, Jean, Josie, and Eileen, brothers-in-law Frank, Paul, John and William.

The only child of Walter and Mary (nee Osadchuk), Iris was born in Kamsack, SK, on Au-gust 23, 1933. Her family later moved to Transcona, MB where she resided until her passing. Very close to her grandmother, Iris spent many summer vacations visiting her grandparents on the farm in Saskatchewan.

In Transcona, she met her future husband John and they were married at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in 1951. David arrived in 1956, followed by twins Donald and Michael in 1958. In later years as their family grew, Iris eagerly embraced every new member.

Iris and John enjoyed camping and travelling with their children. Later they spent many years vacationing in Hawaii and wintering in Texas.

She was a long time member of St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church and its UCWLC. Iris was kind, caring and compassionate, her faith gave her strength and resilience.

Iris loved flowers, music, warm summer days, and good conversation. She enjoyed gardening, nurturing and watching things grow.

Iris’ (Baba’s) greatest passion was her family. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They surrounded her with joy and love which she reciprocated manyfold.

No visit with Baba was complete without the most affectionate hug, kiss, giggle, and a smile that lit up her entire being. Iris intently followed the lives and adventures of her children and grand-children revelling in their accomplishments, sharing in their sorrows and disappointments.

Perogies, holopchi, apple pie, banana chocolate chip muffins, pancakes, “macaroons” were among some of Baba’s best recipes. She tailored all her offerings to each grandchild’s taste.

Thank you for your endless love, support, and care, Baba. We love you and miss you already.

She saw the sun rise and followed it to a peaceful place…

VICHNAYA PAM’YAT

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. frin St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 400 Day Street, Winnipeg, MB. Interment will follow at Green Acres Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Iris' memory to St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Heart and Stroke Foundation or Alzheimer’s Society.