By François Biber

Saskatchewan’s newest millionaire says she won’t change a thing

Feb 5, 2013 | 5:35 AM

Things happen for a reason, said Saskatchewan's newest millionaire.

“I just started a new job, I was let go in November, so when this ticket happened and this money happened, it's like someone is looking out for me up there and I'd like to say that's my mom,” said Bernice Stefaniuk.

The 57-year-old Saskatoon resident said she played the Western Lotto 649 four-dollar quick pick religiously for the past year.

Bernice Stefaniuk steps into her personal limo after a media conference at the Sheraton Cavalier Hotel on Feb. 4. She won $1,000,000 playing Western Lotto 649 Quick Pick, Francois Biber/News Talk Radio.

But on Jan. 19, like all lottery winners, she had no inclination that six numbers (9-18-28-19-33-43) would land her a million dollars.

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“I just sat there, looking at the numbers and then I'm looking at the ticket … I was totally overwhelmed and a little scared. Nothing prepares you for that feeling,” said Stefaniuk, at a media conference on Monday to announce her win.

The biggest challenge for Stefaniuk was keeping the news a secret.

“I wanted to tell my best-friend, I wanted to tell him so bad, but he would tell everybody,” she said.

“Family is first so I told them and I swore them to secrecy.”

Stefaniuk said she's lived in Saskatoon all her life and has no plans on moving south or anywhere warmer. Reflecting on the day she found out she was one million dollars richer, she said she couldn't fathom the idea.

“I kept thinking to myself there's got to be two winners and then the next morning I went online and I saw one single ticket (winner) sold in Saskatoon.”

With a brother in Dublin, Ireland and another in Hay River, NWT, Stefaniuk said she plans to see both of them soon, adding she won't be sending money just yet.

Despite winning a million dollars, Stefaniuk said she still took a job working part-time as a domestic aid. Having worked for 40 years, she said it's difficult to simply walk away from that. She's not planning any trips or big purchases, although she alluded to wanting to attend more concerts.

“I really haven't thought of anything along that line. I'm laid back person. I take each day as it comes. That could change,” she said.

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