Jean Michalenka

Barbara Jean Michalenka

(nee McQuarrie)

Peacefully on June 24, 2014 Jean Michalenka passed away at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 66 years.

Jean was predeceased by her parents Doris and Archie McQuarrie.  Left cherishing memories of Jean are her husband of 40 years Orrist; son Robert; daughter Angela (Aaron Archer) of Calgary, AB.; sister Janet (Ron) McFarlane of Minnedosa and many nieces and nephews.

Jean lived in the small town of Clanwilliam with her parents and sister Janet until she finished high school.  She then attended Brandon Community College.  Her first job was in Minnedosa at one of the local banks.  Jean then secured employment at the Highways Department in Minnedosa and was transferred to the Portage branch.  Jean worked with Highways Department for over 30 years.

During that time she met and married Orrist Michalenka.  Their first child Robert arrived in 1977.  Their daughter Angela arrived in 1980.  This happy little family lived near the town of Westbourne on a small acreage.  The decision was made to sell the small acreage and move into Portage after the children had finished school and moved from the family home.  Moving into town made it easier for Jean to be involved in the activities she enjoyed.

Jean was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star for many years. Jean was initiated into the Order of the Eastern Star in Ruth Chapter #15, Minnedosa on May 14th, 1969. She took dual membership with Electa Chapter #2 on April 15th, 1970.  Through her Eastern Star life she was an active and hard working member who loved the Order and served Electa Chapter twice as Worthy Matron (2005 and 2007). She also held the offices of Electa (4 years), Ruth (4 years), Marshal (3 years), Chaplain, and Chapter Secretary in 2013.Jean's devotion to the Order was recognized in 2006 when she was appointed Grand Representative of Ohio and again in 2008 when she was appointed Grand Ruth by Sister Ray Anderson and Brother Gordon Ebel in their "Rays of Sunshine and Light" year.

Jean and Orrist were members of the Vintage Cruisers car club. Her most recent volunteer position was for the Women’s Auxiliary of the Portage District General Hospital.   For all the activities they were involved in Jean spent much time at meetings or selling tickets for various fund raising functions.

Funeral Service will take place on Monday, June 30, 2014 at 1:30pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel led by Rev. John Dolloff.   Private family interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery following a lunch in the Trimble Room at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Jean’s memory to the Manitoba Lung Association, 629 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3A 1P6 or a charity of your choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com