Stella Chorney

Stella Chorney

(nee Pidwinski)

December 10th, 1937 - March 12th, 2023

We are profoundly saddened to announce mom's passing, at the age of 85, on March 12th, 2023.  Peacefully and with family by her side, mom left us to join dad, Orest Chorney.  Left to cherish her memory are her children Brian Chorney (Carolyn), Ken Chorney, Linda McMurtry (Ray), and Gail Souch (Bill); grandchildren Scott McMurtry (Susie), Kyle McMurtry (Shannon), Daina Codville (Matt), Leanne Souch and Davis Chorney; great-grandchildren Evan McMurtry, Emily McMurtry, Breanna Codville, Shay Codville, Claire McMurtry, Abby McMurtry, Leo McMurtry, and Arianna.  Mom was predeceased by her mother Anne Pidwinski; father William Pidwinski; brother Mike Pidwinski; brothers-in-law Ed Chorney, Mers Chorney, John Chorney. and Ed Luschinski; sisters-in-law Marrianne Chorney, Elise Chorney; and lifelong best friend June Miller.  She is survived by sisters-in-law Julie Rosolowich, Mary Luschinski, Violet Chorney, and Jean Pidwinski, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mom was born on December 10th, 1937 at the Pidwinski farm near Fraserwood, MB.  For a short time, she moved to Winnipeg to go to school at Isaac Newton where she also babysat for a family in West Kildonan.  After coming back to the farm on weekends and going to Crabby Steve’s for the Friday night dances she met the love of her life Orest.  She was married on July 31,1954 at the age of 16 and moved to Edmonton until 1958 before deciding it was time to head back to Winnipeg with 3 young children in tow.  Together they bought their first home on Selkirk Avenue and added baby number 4 by 1960.  Mom worked full time caring for her 4 children and managing the duties at home while dad worked long days to make a better life for them.

In 1963 mom got her drivers license and found out that the city was much larger then she thought!  She loved bingos and found many of them in the area. On weekends the family spent all their time in Gimli and the farm in Fraserwood. During summers, her favourite past-times were berry picking, mushroom picking, and gardening with her mom, her sister-in-law Marianne, and her best friend June Miller. (They also usually found a bingo hall or VLT to add into the mix.) Mom also loved to cook and everything she made was amazing! Mom loved kids…not one child, grandchild or great-grandchild will ever know a softer chest to sleep on, or have anyone so competitive to play cards, checkers and scrabble with, and of course to be totally spoiled by.  Mom was a listener…she usually wasn’t too much of a talker except when asked. She will always be remembered for her lovely smile and her little giggle. 

Mom suffered a major brain aneurysm back in 2000 but she battled through a very difficult recovery and went on to live for 23 more years.  Unfortunately, mom developed vascular dementia a few years ago and her life changed forever.  Even through the difficulties of losing her independence, she would tell us that she was so lucky to have such a caring family but, in reality, we were the one’s who were lucky to have her in our lives.

The family would like to thank all those who took time in their busy lives to visit and reach out to check in.  A very special thank you to the staff at the Maples Personal Care home who provided extremely attentive and loving care in the final weeks. 

Rest in peace…We love you. Vichnaya Pam’yat.

Funeral service to be held at 12:00PM Monday, March 20th at Gilbart Funeral Home in Gimli, MB with interment to follow at St. Basil Cemetery near Fraserwood, MB.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Stella’s name to The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.