Phyllis Hapko (Nee Solinsky)

1939 ~ 2013

It is with heavy hearts we mourn the passing of our sweet lady, Phyllis.  After a valiant battle with cancer and with her family by her side, Phyllis has gone to join the love of her life, Walter, on October 26, 2013.  Those left behind to cherish her memory are her brothers Ted (Donna) and Don and her one and only (she’s a brat) sister Jo-Anne (Marcel) along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Phyllis was born in Riverton, MB in 1939 to Mary and Andrew Solinsky, then moved to and grew up in Bissett, MB.  She became a teacher and taught at Goodlands, Manigotogan and Newcombe School near Lac du Bonnet.  She met her future husband Walter Hapko in Lac du Bonnet.  After their marriage, they purchased the Lac du Bonnet Shell Station and Phyllis began her new career in the Cozy Corner Café where, among other things, she served the best French Fries in the area.  After selling the business, she and Walter continued with farming, trucking, and topsoil businesses.

Phyllis was a kind, soft spoken and generous soul who found the good in everyone.  Her time was your time.  She had a way of making people feel special and for this reason both adults and children took to her.  There were many who called her ‘Aunty’ and there were many, both young and old, that over her lifetime, she nurtured and cared for.  She took great pride in the accomplishments, big and small, of all those she loved.  Nothing made Phyllis happier than sitting around a pot of tea with family and friends and sharing a laugh.  Food from her massive garden and her constant baking were always on hand.  Phyllis was the family ‘historian’ for both the Solinsky and Hapko families.  She also had a great love for her four legged friends and there was always one in her home getting terribly spoiled.  Her cat Zoey now cries for her.

Phyllis’ illness took its toll on her body and mind.  It brought a sense of peace to our family to witness the Lord, who Phyllis was so devoted to, begin his healing process here on earth shortly before she passed.  We know that she now sits whole, with a big grin on her face, as she celebrates reuniting with those she loved.  We have one more angel in heaven looking down on us.  Rest in peace sweet lady-we will never forget you.

The family is grateful to those who lent a helping hand to Phyllis over the past few years.  A very special thanks to Dr. Hanna and the Pinawa Hospital Staff for their kind care in helping Phyllis pass in comfort and with dignity and peace.

Prayers will be said Wednesday, October 30 at 7:00 p.m. at Sobering Funeral Chapel, 1035 Park Avenue E., Beausejour.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 1, at 10:00 a.m. at Notre Dame du Lac Roman Catholic Church, 63 McArthur Avenue, Lac du Bonnet, MB.

Flowers are gratefully declined.  Donations may be made in Phyllis’ memory to Notre Dame du Lac Parish Church toward the installation of a chair lift for those, who like Phyllis, have difficulty walking and using stairs.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

Offer Condolence for the family of Phyllis Hapko (nee Solinsky)