In Loving Memory: Stella Rose (Chernik) Lasecki – Memento Funeral Chapel Ltd

Stella Lasecki

Nov 16, 1924 ~ February 7, 2023

With grateful hearts for a remarkable life well-lived, the family of Stella Rose Lasecki announce the passing of their beloved mother, grandmother & great grandmother on Tuesday, February 7, 2023.

Stella is lovingly survived by her son, William (Myrna) Lasecki, grandson, Loren (Abaigeál) Lasecki; granddaughter, Erin (Richard) Whiteley; great grandchildren, Avery, Maggie, Ryder & Ivy Whiteley; sister-in-law, Lily Chernik; as well as thirteen nieces and nephews.

Stella was predeceased by her husband, Paul in 2003 and two infant daughters, Faye & Rose-Marie Lasecki in the early 1950’s. Her other family members who went before were her parents, Walter & Rosie Chernik; brother, Paul Chernik; sisters, Mary Zajac and Sophie Chernik.

Born in Bokinka, Poland in 1924, Stella accompanied her parents, Walter and Rose Chernik and brother, Paul as they came to Canada and homesteaded near Vilna, Alberta. Life was very hard for the family to eke out a living there, including carrying milk pails of blueberries 10 miles in bare feet to sell in town. With strong backs and strong faith, they made it though.

When Stella was a young woman, she caught the eye of a young man named Paul Lasecki from Rife – whose family had moved to Ardmore. They were married in January, 1944 and began farming near Ardmore. Their marriage was blessed, with one son, William and two daughters who sadly passed as infants. Stella’s motherly love knew no bounds, and that love was evident with every child she met.

Stella worked hard as a farm wife, managing to stretch the scarce groceries by raising chickens, growing a huge garden, harvesting truckloads of potatoes and cabbage, making endless sauerkraut and pickles, and of course, being the wonderful maker of Ukrainian food that her grandchildren attest to. She and Paul built a cabin at Crane Lake and loved to go fishing there.

She waved goodbye to William when he went off to University and became a teacher. She and Paul proudly welcomed him home to teach in Ardmore after graduation. Stella couldn’t be happier than when William married another Ardmore teacher, Myrna Massing and they lived in the same yard. Her two grandchildren became the light of her life.

In 1978, Paul and Stella moved into Bonnyville, where Stella continued cooking, crafting, gardening, volunteering and getting together with friends. They attended the United Church until Paul’s passing in 2003. When Stella could no longer care for the yard, house and huge garden, she moved to Bonnylodge where she lived for many years. When her health dictated that a move was required, she moved to Extendicare and brought her unique personality with her. She was well liked and well cared for by Extendicare staff. Stella’s strong farm background kept her going through any health problems to the amazing age of 98! Stella will be missed by her family, including her precious grandchildren and great grandchildren, and all who knew her.

Funeral Service, Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s United Church, Bonnyville, Alberta with Reverend Charles Reid officiating. Final Resting Place, Duclos Memorial Cemetery, Ardmore, AB.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Stella can be made to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal by Canada – Ukraine Foundation https://www.cufoundation.ca

Respectfully submitted by the family

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