Obituary of Willa Melnyk

Willa Margaret Melnyk, beloved wife of Orest Melnyk of Calgary, passed away on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at the age of 87 years. Willa Margaret Turner was born in Halifax, NS. She met her husband Orest, when he was stationed in Halifax during World War II. He proposed before he left for overseas, and on his return, they were married in Halifax. They moved to Cadomin where David and Mona were born, but settled in Edmonton. Willa was president of the I.O.D.E. for numerous years and is remembered for her beauty, her wardrobe, her spectacular hats and her mink stole. Willa and Orrie enjoyed travelling and spent many winters in the Ilikea Hotel in Hawaii. Las Vegas was another favourite trip. In 1993, Orrie and Willa moved to Victoria where they spent twelve wonderful years. In 2005, as Willa’s health was failing, they moved to Calgary to be closer to Mona and Gordon. They settled at McKenzie Retirement Home where Willa lost her battle with pulmonary fibrosis on February 2. Besides her loving husband Orest, Willa is survived by her son David and her daughter Mona Tansowny. Her son-in-law Gordon Guenette and her daughter-in-law Laurel became two of her favourite people. Her grandchildren Todd and Kari were the delight of her life. Attending their ballet lessons, soccer, basketball and volleyball games were an important part of her life. Seeing Todd marry Randi and having three of her great-grandchildren made her very proud. Watching Kari grow into an amazing, strong woman was one of her greatest sources of pride. Her four step-grandchildren, Dan, Chris, Ann, and Kate added more enjoyment to her life. It could have been soccer games, Christmas concerts or Kate’s music concerts, but they were all enjoyed. With Dan marrying Asanna, two more great-grandchildren were added, Bralen and Rhea. A Celebration of Willa’s Life will be held on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the “Recreational Room” at 30 Cranfield Link SE in Calgary. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Lung Association, P.O. Box 4500, Station South, Edmonton, AB T6E 6K2 Telephone: 1 (888) 566-5864. www.ab.lung.ca. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at the McKenzie Retirement complex. Their superb care, deep affection and concern was greatly appreciated. In living memory of Willa Melnyk, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.