Lavinia Anne Sytnyk

We are saddened to announce the sudden passing of Lavinia Anne Sytnyk (nee Katchen), on September 21, 2024, at her home in Oakburn, Manitoba at the young age of 76. Lavinia was born on April 17, 1948, in Russell, Manitoba, first child to proud parents Michael and Stella Katchen (Yacuk). They later welcomed Lavinia’s two brothers: Robert (Bobby) in 1952 and Dennis in 1955. They all grew up together in Angusville. As a child, Lavinia loved everything about music – whether it was playing the piano or dancing to her favorite tunes. She enjoyed her time in the rink both curling and figure skating, swimming with her brothers at the beach and sneaking around smoking cigarettes with friends. She had made a lot of close friends in her early years, many of whom she remained friends with for life. After high school, Lavinia continued enrolling in beauty school, becoming a hairdresser where she had her own hairdressing shop first in Angusville and then in Rossburn. She welcomed her first daughter, Tammy Lynn, in 1968. Lavinia then married the love of her life Larry Sytnyk the following year on November 15th. It was a beautiful day for a wedding, the weather was lovely for November. The newlywed couple moved to Winnipeg right after their wedding where they resided for a year before moving back to the Oakburn area. In 1970, they welcomed their son Mark Michael and in 1972 they completed their family with their second daughter Shawna Leah. The family moved to Thompson in 1973 where they lived for 6 years. While living in Thompson, Lavinia became the head cashier at Safeway. They had re-met friends from home, as well as made many new friends in their time here. Weekends were spent camping and fishing at Paint Lake in the summer and ski-dooing and ice fishing in the winter. In the end of June of 1979, Lavinia and her family moved back to the Oakburn area, when her husband was left the family farm. Once back in Oakburn, Lavinia got everything she had wished for in a farm. Larry ran his grain and cattle operation while Lavinia got her ducks, geese, laying hen, meat chickens, dairy cows and pigs. The only thing missing was turkeys, as Larry was not a fan of their demeanor. Lavinia would separate the milk and sell the cream in Rossburn at Manco and sell the eggs to locals – graded, they had to be graded, or she would not use them in any capacity. She would make five course meals for Larry and his “hired hand” Mark while in the field. If the boys ate something at lunch, it would not be warmed up for supper, it was a new meal every time. Lavinia had a very large garden; it was in a field by the pasture, the yard was simply not big enough. Lavinia canned everything, from crab apples to potatoes. Lavinia’s friend, Lillian Prosak stopped by one day for coffee. Lillian had asked Lavinia if she would be interested in going to Brandon weekly for a health care aid course, to which she agreed not really knowing the full extent of what she just signed up for. In 1989, Lavinia had graduated from the Assiniboine Community College as a health care aid. She began her career at the Morley House in Shoal Lake. While working full time as a health care aid, Lavinia decided to go back to school to become a paramedic. While studying for her EMS exams, her first grandchild, Christopher, was born to daughter Tammy in 1995. Lavinia passed her exams and became a paramedic the same year. Over the span of 3 years, Lavinia had 3 great losses. In October of 1995, her brother-in-law John, in April and May of 1997, her brother “Bobby” and her father all tragically passed away. She decided to retire from being a paramedic but continued to work at the Morley House for a few more years. The next 5 years Lavinia was kept busy, between working full time and her new grandson, she never had a moment to rest. In 2000, she gained another grandson, MacKenzie, her daughter Shawna’s first son with son-in-law Mike. Later that year, Lavinia’s daughter Tammy married Sandy, gaining her another son-in-law. Lavinia knew that she could count on the three sons in her life, both in-laws and her own. Her grandsons kept her on her toes for two years. In December of 2002, her first granddaughter, Carly, was born to Tammy and Sandy. Lavinia was excited to finally be able to buy girly clothes and toys. In 2003, Lavinia and Larry decided it was time to move into a smaller home in Oakburn, where they called home for the rest of their lives. The same year, Mark got together with Tammy, at which point Lavinia gained a daughter-in-law. Lavinia gained 2 bonus grandchildren – Jennifer and Sean. Lavinia was happy to have two more grandchildren born in 2005, Cailee in May and Connor in September. She spoiled her grandchildren with baked goodies, sleepovers and the best Christmas and Birthday gifts. Lavinia had two grand-pups from Mark, Dude in 2007 and another, Molly, quite a few years later in 2023. She spoiled all the dogs in her kids’ lives as if they were her own. In 2007, Lavinia was forced to retire early due to a shoulder injury, but that didn’t stop her. Once retired, Lavinia and friend Phyllis Hnatuk took on a job in Shoal Lake at the motor inn, they were the two housekeeping ladies. Phyllis was a lifelong friend; they would have coffee often and go on little excursions together. Once they had decided housekeeping was no longer for them, Lavinia graciously decided to help Bruce Manuliak behind the scenes, pinching perogies in the kitchen for his catering business. Even though Bruce ran the show, Lavinia would always tell him her two cents and kept all the workers, and Bruce, on their toes. Lavinia became close with her mother over the years; she was a cherished individual in everyone’s lives. When she fell ill, Lavinia had taken her into her care. Unfortunately, she passed away on November 26, 2013. Lavinia had also lost her two in-laws, Nellie and Peter between 2011 to 2013. Lavinia was always active with the church, both in Oakburn and in Angusville. She was the vice-president of the Ukrainian Women’s Association for many years. On November 15, 2014, Lavinia and Larry had celebrated 45 years of marriage. They reminisced about the life they had built, the good and the bad, with their close family. Her later life was full of love and laughter. In 2015, Lavinia was blessed with her first great-granddaughter Zoey, who received “Lavinia” as her middle name. They spoiled this little girl for as long as she can remember. Unfortunately, shortly after Zoey was born, Larry was diagnosed with Kidney cancer. From this moment on, their perspective on life had changed. They realized that life is too short. He had one kidney removed and was in remission, a joyous moment for the family. Tragically, on September 13, 2019, Lavinia’s husband Larry unexpectedly passed away. From this point on, her life was never the same, as there was an empty void that would never be filled again. In the years following, Lavinia had kept herself busy. She had witnessed all her grandchildren graduate, some twice and her great grandchild start kindergarten. She continued baking, helping Bruce in the kitchen and maintaining a garden. She always supported her grandchildren’s endeavours and always made it a point to be present. In 2023, Lavinia was blessed with two more great-granddaughters; Ryleigh in March, grandson Christophers second, and Wrenley in September, granddaughter Carly’s first. Lavinia had spent the last year of her life visiting family, enjoying time with her great grand babies, continuing with teaching her valued traditional ways and enjoying every moment she had. Lavinia is predeceased by her husband Larry Sytnyk, her parents Mike and Stella Katchen, in-laws Peter and Nellie Sytnyk, brother Bobby Katchen, brother-in-law John Wasylyshen, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. She is survived by her children Tammy (Sandy), Mark (Tammy), Shawna (Mike), grandchildren Christopher, Carly (Wyatt), Cailee, Jennifer, Sean, Mackenzie (Kara), Connor, great granddaughters Zoey, Ryleigh and Wrenley, brother Dennis, sisters-in-laws Lil (Mel), Lynda, Joan (Jim), Uncle Wally as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family wishes to thank the Emergency First Responders – the RCMP members who arrived efficiently to Lavinia’s house as well as the Paramedics for attending to Lavinia and aiding the family during this difficult time. We appreciate and acknowledge both parties’ professionalism. We would also like to thank the individuals who had found Lavinia and called 911, we are unsure who you are, but we send many thanks your way. Special thanks to Phyllis Hnatuk for making that difficult call to family, letting us know that something was wrong, as well as all the individuals who showed up to Lavinia’s house to show support that tragic day. We thank the staff at Rae’s Funeral Services for aiding and assisting in Lavinia’s arrangement. We would also like to thank everyone who took the time to stop by and reminisce about Lavinia’s life, we appreciate everyone’s kind words and deliveries. We will always remember her having her strong opinions, whether you liked it or not, she let everyone know exactly what she was thinking. Lavinia would want us not to cry and be sad, she would want us to cherish every moment as you never know if it is your last. Rest easy Lavinia, you will never be forgotten. Vichnaya Pamyat.