Elsie Elizabeth (Musey) Hrabluik

Elsie Hrabluik

September 6, 1930 – February 20, 2016

In the early hours of Saturday February 20th, Elsie (Baba) Hrabluik passed away peacefully after a short stay at Portage General Hospital, surrounded by family. She joins her husband Steve, and the many friends and family who made the journey before her. Their reunion celebrations will certainly include dancing, stories, and much laughter. 

Elsie was born and raised on a farm in Venlaw, Manitoba, the oldest of three children. She had a close relationship with her Mother, from whom she learned life skills, Ukrainian cooking, and the important balance between sternness and love. Elsie’s incredible strength and spirit were rooted in the hardships and joys that came with farm life before “modern technology,” and “not having two pennies to rub together”.  

Elsie went on one date in her life, with Steve Hrabluik, a handsome and outgoing man to whom she was married for over 50 years. Elsie and Steve farmed and logged in Venlaw, before moving to a farm in Rossendale, Manitoba in 1961, where they remained for the rest of their lives.  

They raised five boys together: Morris, Peter, John, Ron, and Don, who continually tested the limits of their patience, and who, along with their families, remained the center of their lives. To say Baba loved her eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren would be an understatement.  

Elsie was a family matriarch and dear friend to many. Her directness was legendary; she never minced her words, openly sharing her opinions of everyone and everything. People were drawn to Elsie for her incredible generosity, sense of humour, and excellent cooking. One never left Baba’s house on an empty stomach, and her two enormous freezers were always full food.  

Elsie spent most of her life helping to run the farm and raise her children. She also worked at a Tasty Bakery and Em’s Delicatessen in Portage making her famous pierogi and cabbage rolls. With her financial independence, she loved to shop, both for herself and others. She knew how to enjoy life, and later in life, lived for her Bingos. She often said: “Spend your money now, you won’t take it with you”. 

There was an artistic side to Elsie, and she was well known for her delicate cross-stich work and intricate Ukrainian Easter Eggs. Her mastery of detail and steadiness of hand produced stunning works that inspired awe when displayed in her home and at church celebrations. She was also an avid gardener and loved flowers, especially roses and gladiolas in the summer. Her garden was beautiful. 

Elsie and Steve enjoyed many years of visiting with friends and family, camping, playing Canasta, listening to Ukrainian music, and going to dances before Steve had a stroke in 1994. Elsie was determined to care for Steve at home. For eight years, she took incredible care of him, relying on support from Amelia and Peter, Coreen and Ryan, who shared the farm. The great care she gave Steve was a source of pride for her. 

Elsie’s faith was important to her. She was raised in the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox church and shared many memories of Christmas and Easter ceremonies and traditions. Later in life she became a member of the Rossendale United Church and developed a close relationship with the minister Wilma Shirriff.  

Elsie talked openly about death and dying. In doing so, she prepared us for life without her. She taught us that time is limited and it is important to treat people well, and spend time with them while you are here. She always said “Whether you are rich or poor, God made one good thing: when it’s your time, you have to go”. We will miss you dearly, and love you always. 

Celebration of Elsie’s life was held at Omega Funeral Home on Thursday, February 25, 2016 officiated by Wilma Shirriff. Candles were lit by Allison Hrabluik, Sandra Hrabluik, Cheryl Green and Danielle Hrabluik. Musical selections were “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Coat of Many Colors”. Words of Remebrance were given by Gerry Musey. Honorary Pallbearers were Shuri, Allison, Sandra, Cheryl and Danielle. Active Pallbearers were Steven Hrabluik, Shawn Hrabluik, Coreen Hrabluik, Danny Hrabluik, Ryan Hrabluik and Jonathan Dionne.

Internment followed at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Rossendale United Church, c/o Connie Sylvester, Treasurer, Box 79, Edwin, MB, R0H 0G0.

Condolences may be sent to the family c/o Omega Funeral Home, 83 Royal Road South, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, R1N 1T8, 1-800-303-4621 or friends may leave a message of sympathy on our web site www.omegafuneralhome.com “Dedicated to those we serve”.

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