Sophie Oshust

Sophie Anne Oshust

It is with very heavy hearts, the family of Sophie "Anne" Oshust announces her sudden passing February 10th, 2013, at the age of 85 years.

Mom's home was first and foremost in her life. She was very proud of her family, and was committed in tending to her husband Joseph (MS) at home; all the while raising the children, maintaining the house and yard, and working full time till her retirement.

Mom was born May 21st, 1927, in Sifton, MB, to Peter and Annie Helash, growing up with her brother William on the family farm in Oak Brae, MB. It was there that she learned the values of an honest hard day's work, while living within the basics of everyday farm life. She instilled those important values into her family over the years. Mom mastered the art of traditional Ukrainian "home cooked meals" and passed her culinary skills on to each family member.

On October 7th, 1948, Mom and Dad were married in Dauphin, MB. Together they raised five children; Jean, Lorraine, Elizabeth, David and Patrick, in the cities of Dauphin and Portage. Family gatherings were spent together enjoying the royal treatment that mom and dad had to offer each and every time, culminating with the fantastic meals mom would serve up. Mom always insisted that no one left hungry and without a "care package" of food.

Mom was very active in maintaining her home. She made sure dad was cared for, meals were prepared, her garden and yard were maintained, laundry was done and the house was spotless. She was also committed to her fulltime jobs. She had worked waitressing jobs at the former Mayfair Motel, Jimmy's CafAC. and Wayne's Inn, and finished her working career in the dietary department of the Lion's Prairie Manor until her retirement. She met and befriended countless people of Portage from her years of working with the public. She was recognized, by her many friends, neighbors and employers, as a person who was hardworking, devoted and loyal, and of someone who would take the extra time to go out of her way to help others. After her retirement, Mom volunteered by helping in preparing meals for the Catholic Women's League, Lion's Prairie Manor, charitable events, grandchildren school functions and various bake sales. Because of her work ethic, mom had developed an independence and perseverance that was evident when she obtained her driver's license at the young age of 57.

Mom was a very special person to her children and grandchildren because of her generous giving. Although she is no longer with us, her loving memory and beautiful spirit will always be in our hearts. We will miss all the little things in life we shared together, her delicious cooking, her kisses, her waves good-bye, her generosity, her numerous phone calls and her special gift of a loving mother. Her work ethic and kindness will always be implanted in her family, for generations to come.

Mom was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Annie Helash, husband Joseph (2010), brother William, and her trusted friend "Kiko".

She leaves to mourn her family; daughter Jean Arberry (Roger Chanel), grandchildren Saundra Arberry (Doug), Brooke and BJ Arberry, great-grandchildren Hannah, Nolan, , Ashleigh and Callum; daughter Lorraine (Gordon) Cuff, grandchildren Nelson (Shannon) Cuff and Jodie Cuff (Brad), great-grandchildren Anna and Grace; daughter Elizabeth Penny, grandchildren Kara, Shauna and Kyle Penny, great-grandchild Kaileigh; son David (Daphne) Oshust, grandchildren Brittany (Klaus) Matis, and Jordan Oshust; son Patrick Oshust (Trisha Lewis).

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 1:00 pm with Rev. Eric Giddins officiating. Family interment is to follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Anne's memory to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada- South Central Chapter 302 Saskatchewan Ave. E. Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8.

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