The family of Jeannette Mishak are deeply saddened to share the sudden and unexpected passing of their mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Mom was born and raised in Northern Manitoba and often shared endearing memories of living in Lynn Lake. Her most cherished stories were of her school days and friends. One story that always brought a smile was the time she took her blind friend for his first bike ride. “I will be your eyes” she told her friend as he peddled and worked the brakes. This story is so special to us as it embodies who mom was. Mom always looked to help others. Mom was a very special person who would give whatever was needed. That is who mom was, a giver.

Mom met dad while he was working on road construction around Thompson and The Pas, MB. They were married on  June 27, 1964. That summer they moved to Winnipeg, MB. Mom loved living in the city but was painfully lonely. Mom often spoke of how her friend group made all the difference as a young mom alone in the city. Mom smiled when she talked about taking the bus to Polo Park to shop with Patti as a baby.

Within a few years they moved to Henribourg, SK to help Dad’s family grow the family farm. Mom and Dad with Patti and little Karen purchased their own family farm in the RM of Paddockwood, SK, the place we all call home. Shortly after they settled into their new home, they welcomed their third girl, Brenda. Though mom was young, and farming was new for her she embraced her life and poured herself into her family. We welcomed our little brother, Joey, and our family was complete.

Mom was our greatest cheerleader. She attended all of our sporting events from track and field, baseball, hockey, ringette, curling, rugby, band, even overnight field trips. Mom and Dad always strived for more opportunities for girls in Paddockwood, SK. She was instrumental in getting ringette started serving as manager, Karen coached, and Brenda played. Those were some of the best days.

Mom was our heart. She loved each one of us with all her heart and yet with each grandchild and great-grandchild she made more room to love each and every one. As young moms, she came to help each one of us. Whether she took the bus to Calgary, Saskatoon, or La Ronge, when we needed mom, she was always there for us.

Mom worked on and off the farm. For a time, she ran her own restaurant, “Jeannette’s Kitchen”. The days were long, and we all had role to play. As usual, we worked as a family to get the work done. Mom loved her time at the Forest Center working with trees and saplings. She spent many summers working at Waskesiu, SK and eventually retired after working at Northside, SK. Mom enjoyed the freedom and social interactions working afforded her.

Mom was open to change and evolving.  She loved gardening and gaming. The grandkids reminisce about how they had the coolest grandma who packed video games to play with them. Mom was also a great card player. On Monday and Thursday evenings mom played cards with her condo friends. She would have your hand counted before you would even start to add things up. She could look at your hand and tell you what to peg. Over the years moms love for gardening transitioned from farmers market to earn income to flowers and enjoying the time puttering. Her last messages were that she had planted tomato seeds and cheerfully spoke of spring seeding. Mom could grow a beautiful plant from a nipped leaf!

Mom was open to adventure and trying new things. After Dad passed in 2017, Mom started to travel. She enjoyed flying, travelling and sightseeing. Mom saw her favorite player, Jennifer Jones’ final game at the 2024 Scotties in Calgary- that was a highlight indeed.

Mom was so proud to tell everyone that she was a great-grandmother to 14. She went further to ensure the listener knew she held every one of the babies – her grandchildren loved her so much; they made sure she held their babies.

Mom loved every day. She taught us to care for others, look to be helpful, cheer for the underdog, to be happy, and to lead with our heart.

Left to celebrate her life and continue her legacy of love are her children, Patricia “Patti” and children, Ryan (Erica), Todd (Laura), Brad, and Sara (Brayden); Karen and children, Trent, Megan (Kelly), Matthew (Amanda), and Amy (Chance); Brenda (Darrell) and children, Josh (Whitney), and KayLyn; and Joey and children, Braeden, Eithen, and Macy; great-grandchildren, Ty, Zyla, Wyllow, Aurora; Brandon, Axel, Cooper, Chloe, Adeline, Elias, Emma, Bryn; Knox, Stevie; as well as her friends and family, including Darrell’s children, Jesse and Sydney (Tannin).

We would like to thank the physicians, nurses and social worker at the Royal University Hospital, Cardiology Care Unit for their exceptional care. As Mom said,” your hearts are really in it”.

Mom’s interment will take place in her favorite season, harvest. Mom will be laid to rest next to Dad in the Henribourg cemetery.

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Jolissa Trudel, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322

 

 

• Date : 2025-05-15
• Location : Prince Albert, SK