1936 ~ 2011
It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Jo Chelack; wife, mother and grandmother. She died peacefully on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer.
She will be terribly missed by her husband Bill, her children Brian (Rosanne), Pat, Colette (Greg Pool) and Stephen (Donna) along with her grandchildren Shannon, Eric, Domini, Tashia, Kaitlin and Connor. She was predeceased by her parents Magdalena and Steve Matsalla, her sisters Jean and Ann and brother Ed. She is survived by her sisters Blanche Mazurkewich and Agnes (Paul) Gottslig and her brothers John (Sheila) and Willie (Halina) and her many nieces and nephews.
Jo was born in Okla, SK on September 15, 1936. She attended school in Okla until she went to work in Saskatoon where she met Bill in 1954. They were married in 1956 and lived in Saskatoon for 2 years before moving to Winnipeg in 1958. In 1964 they moved to Pinawa where they established their home and where Jo was an active member of the community. She found time to manage a catering business as well as comfort others through Home Care. Jo was a wonderful cook and at family gatherings was deferred to as the “Alpha Baba”. She had a competitive spirit and enjoyed watching and playing sports. Over the years she was actively involved in curling, softball and was an accomplished golfer. She enjoyed gardening, travelling and living the life of a winter Texan for the past 20 years.
Jo was a devoted wife, married to Bill for 55 wonderful years, and mother committed to raising her family. To the very end she continued to live as an example of love, strength and courage to us all.
Cremation has taken place and prayers were held on Friday, September 23 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Francis of Assissi Catholic Church in Pinawa, with Celebration of the Eucharist on Saturday, September 24 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Jose Montepeque presiding. Interment will follow in the Pinawa Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pinawa Cancer Care, Box 339, Pinawa, MB R0E 1L0 or St. Francis of Assissi Building Fund, Box 119, Pinawa, MB R0E 1L0.
Special thanks are extended to the staff at Pinawa Cancer Care, NEHA Home Care and Pinawa Hospital as well as Drs. Spence, Van Gend and Bruneau for their compassionate care.
Sleep well tonight
All your love is here
A home tried and tested
Journey on without fear
We’ll try to pay back
Every lesson learned
Sleep well tonight
Your title you’ve earned
We will never forget
Everything you are
We can rely on each other
No matter how far
So sleep well tonight
In our hearts you’re held dear.
Love, your grandson Eric
Offer Condolence for the family of Josephine (Jo) Chelack
Print This Obituary & Condolences
Judy Isaac ( Annes daughter)
October 9, 2011 at 12:35 amI wish I had known my Aunty Jo more, the few times I had met her she had a twinkle in her eye and she was so into life. I wish to send my condolences on behalf of the rest of my moms family. Please know our sympathies are with you.