Mina Yaknovich

Mina was born in Poland in 1923 to Andrew and Marie Blosha. In 1928, they and older brother Ralph boarded the steel liner Roussillion, arriving at the Port of Halifax. From there they journeyed westward, moving several times, eventually settling in the Alpine district.

Although Mina never completed grade 6, she was very competent and worked exceedingly hard. Her strong belief in Christian Values led her to Toronto where she attended Bible School. Upon completion she returned to Alpine and there met her future husband Adam, who also had come from Poland. They married in 1947. From this union, three children were born: Sonya, Ed, and Jim.

Mina and Adam were happily married, celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary in 2014. Adam passed in 2015.

Mina worked tirelessly, driving a team of horses, pitching sheaves, milking cows, feeding hogs, raising chickens, gardening, canning fruits and vegetables, baking, and sewing.

Mina was a very friendly and caring person, giving a loving home to several children, including Buddy Leclaire.

Mina remained on the farm after Adam’s passing in 2015. At age 99, she was still gardening, canning, and riding around on her quad. Mina was a good host, making delicious meals for her family and friends and neighbours.

After suffering a stroke, spending weeks in the Swan Valley Hospital, she was transferred to Benito Personal Care Home and resided there until her passing. She was grateful for the wonderful care provided by the staff. Mina enjoyed visitations from her friends and family. She always said grace before every meal and both staff and residents appreciated and respected her for that.

Mina accepted the Lord Jesus at an early age and was a very active member at her church, even singing in the choir. Her strong faith carried her throughout her long and sometimes difficult life.

Mina was predeceased by her parents, Andrew and Marie, brother Ralph and brother Danny, son Jim, and her husband Adam.

She is survived by her daughter Sonya (Joe), son Douglas (Hazel), and their daughter Hannah, all of Winnipeg. Surviving also is son Ed (Sandra), sons Lyndon (Chelsea), and Jonathan (Stephanie), and their daughters Claire and Lila.

Pall bearers: Doug Devreindt, Grant Blosha, Nick LeClaire, Robert Josephson, Jonathan Yaknovich, Lyndon Yaknovich.

Honourary Pall Bearers: Evelyn Blosha, Brenda Bielik, Gloria Kowalchuk, Shirley Olson, Carol Wadin, Shirley Zinkiew.