Ida Berta Kolisnyk

Ida Berta Kolisnyk (née Mittag) passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, December 13th, 2024 at St. Paul’s Nursing Home, in Dauphin Manitoba at the age of

90. She will be lovingly remembered by her 5 children: Bill, Johnny, Darlene, Susan, and Randy, dear sister Elma, and numerous family and friends, including the caring staff at St. Paul’s Home.

Bill (Joanne) grandchildren Crystal (Shanon) great grandchildren Brandon and Ian; Shawn and great grandchildren Carson and Kenzie. Johnny; Darlene Feszczyn (Larry) grandchildren Cheryl (Ryan) , Jason (Kristy) great grandson Wynn; Susan Johnston, grandsons Andrew (Kenzie) and Matt (Cass); Randy and granddaughter Frannie.

Ida was predeceased by her husband John, brothers Ewald and Otto, and stepbrothers Irvin, Albert, and Eric, and son in law, Allen Johnston.

She was born July 11th, 1934 in Lithuania to Robert and Berta Mittag, and was later raised by her father and stepmother Rosalie.

Mom demonstrated true grit, determination, and perseverance throughout her life and those qualities have been embraced by her family. At a very young age she suffered the loss of her mother. In 1941, she and her family were forced to flee Lithuania in a covered wagon with the bare essentials. They travelled and settled through various parts of Germany enduring many hardships and challenges, working for food and lodging. She managed to receive her grade 10 education, before her life would take a new turn.

At the age of 19, Mom immigrated to Canada in 1953 where she met and married John Kolisnyk. They farmed a small plot of land near Renwer, Manitoba raising a few livestock, chickens, mixed grains, and most proudly - their 5 children. Mom persevered through the challenges of farming and raising a family, while learning to read and write English, and adapting to a new country. Life was tough, yet Mom developed pride in preparing delicious meals, baking, gardening, canning, and harvesting. She also helped with farm chores while maintaining a household and the needs of her family. Despite hardships, Mom and Dad led an active social life entertaining neighbours and friends, playing cards and Sunday suppers. Mom enjoyed Bingo, Lenswood picnics, music, dances, and trips to town. She always made sure we had a birthday party, often in the little park behind the farmhouse.

In time, Mom and Dad sold the farm and moved to Swan River in 1973. Her first real job interview was for a housekeeping position at the Swan Valley Personal Care Home where she was employed for 25 years. She was so proud to be offered the job, worked hard, and was well respected by both her colleagues and residents. Mom was grateful for a steady income, and took great pride in her independence while living a humble yet generous lifestyle. She valued family, relationships and memories - giving freely of her time, energy, wisdom, and love - something no winning lottery ticket could ever offer.

It wasn’t all work and no play for Mom. She absolutely loved to dance, especially polkas, and could rip the rug out from anyone! She was an excellent dancer and taught us all the traditional dance steps, usually in our basement on a Saturday night with friends and family of all ages. Mom had a contagious spirit and energy that drew people to her. She was lively, loud, loving, and genuine. She always spoke her truth, told it like she saw it, which often drew people to gather around her table for authentic conversations over tasty meals and card games. Many of our friends affectionately called her “Ida Berry”. She was feisty, sassy, generous, and full of fun!

Besides dancing and playing cards, Mom enjoyed her flowers, gardening, cooking, knitting, crocheting, walking, and floor curling at the senior centre where she helped her teammates win several medals at the Manitoba Games. She loved fishing up north at both Randy and Johnny’s place, spending time with grandchildren, and the many friends she considered family. Mom always looked forward to regular visits from Bill and family. She also travelled to Ontario regularly to visit relatives whom she missed dearly, and to BC for a memorable holiday with family there. A trip with her siblings to Europe was a highlight for her. Mom missed conversing in German, and always loved an opportunity to meet and chat with someone who understood her first language.

Mom deeply loved and was proud of her family more than anything in the world. After Dad passed away, she moved to an apartment, then later to Kinsmen Villa, in Dauphin where new friendships were forged. At the age of 85, she was diagnosed with vascular dementia, and eventually relocated to St. Paul’s Nursing Home. She loved and was loved by the staff and residents who treated her like family. We are so grateful to all the kind, caring, and knowledgeable people who cared for Mom, and to our brother, Johnny for his primary care of Mom and regular visits.

Rest well Mom.

You are the Legend of Your Time and will forever be remembered for your resilience, unconditional love, and generous spirit.