Cheryl Youzwa

Cheryl Lynn Youzwa

After a short but courageous battle, Mom passed away with her family by her side on Tuesday March 18, 2025.  She let us know she was sorry to leave us too soon, but we reassured her we would stick together and, in time, we would be okay.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 44 years, Doug; her children, Nicole, Dalyce, and Paolo; and the apple of her eye, her grandson Jared.

Mom was predeceased by her son Jared (Ngan); her parents, Anton (Tony) and Laura Birg; her father-in-law, Nick Youzwa; and her grandparents, Mathias and Apolonia Birg and Francis and Luella Coleman.

Cheryl will be deeply missed by her siblings, Lois (Wayne), Matt (Lorraine), Bryon (Irelva), Doug (Elsie), and Donald; her bonus sister, Kathy (Roger); her nieces and nephews, who held such a special place in her heart; her mother-in-law, Stephanie Youzwa; and her sister-in-law, Tracy (Robert) Ullmann.

Mom was born in Regina, SK, and grew up on the family farm in Ogema, SK, where she learned the value of hard work. She excelled in sports throughout her school years, cherishing those memories as highlights of her youth. After graduating, Cheryl moved to the "big" city of Regina in 1978, where she proudly joined the Navy’s summer reserve program.

It was while working as a cashier at IGA in Regina that she met Doug, and their workplace romance began. They were married in Bengough, SK, in 1980, celebrating with a second wedding reception that fall in East Selkirk, MB. The following year, they moved to East Selkirk, where they built a life together and were blessed with three children.

Mom quickly became an active member of the community, fundraising for the East Selkirk Rec Center, volunteering at our schools and sports teams, and supporting the Selkirk & District Ukrainian School of Dance. She formed many friendships throughout the years, especially with her beloved “Peeps.”

Mom and Dad started by cutting meat in the garage before turning their business dreams into reality with the opening of New Frontier Meats. Mom stayed home with us until Dalyce was in school, then joined Dad at work. In 2004, they started a new venture by opening Custom One Cycle. They worked side by side for most of their lives—a partnership that was admired by their children, friends, family, and customers.

Cheryl took immense pride in caring for her family, always ensuring there was a homemade meal, cakes for special occasions, and an overflowing pot of soup—no matter how big the stock pot was. Sometimes, the occasion was simply that it was Saturday. Mom loved spending all day in the kitchen. By 10 a.m., she would often have a batch of perogy dough and filling prepared, pie crusts ready, and a pot of soup simmering. There were always scones or cinnamon buns to enjoy while out back cutting wood together. Cheryl could often be found on her John Deere or tending to her garden, where she found peace and joy.

In 2013, we lost Jared and Ngan. Through this tragedy, Mom showed remarkable resilience and grace, never wavering in her love and care for our family. In 2017, she was blessed with her grandson Jared—no one was meant to be a Grandma more than Mom.

Our home was always filled with laughter and playful teasing, a tradition we tried to continue at the hospital in her final weeks. Paolo has lost his main supporter and backup—he's truly outnumbered now. Mom always said all she needed was her family with her, and that’s exactly who she was—she never wished for material things, only time together. She led by example, showing us how to be grateful for the life she and Dad built for us and to never sweat the small stuff.

Thank you, Mom.

And thank you to all of the wonderful nurses, health care aids, and rehab therapists at Selkirk Regional Health Center.  You were all truly remarkable, showing us such care and compassion.  Should you wish to make a donation in Cheryl’s name please consider the Selkirk and District Community Foundation’s Palliative Care Fund.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Cheryl's life will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Selkirk, Manitoba.

A private family interment of Mom’s ashes will be held at a later date at East Selkirk Cemetery.

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