It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother. Jean Werestiuk passed away September 13, 2010 at the age of 59 with her family by her side. Jean was born on June 17, 1951 to Peter and Mary Verestiuk. She was one of 13 children growing up in Sarto, MB. At a young age mom was unable to complete school because she was very much needed on the homestead to help with cooking, cleaning, caring for younger siblings and general chores on the farm. These were tough times but in those days it was sometimes necessary for a family to thrive. Mom was a painter. She and her partner Lena painted many houses old and new. She took pride in her work and it didn’t take long before people started to notice how good this duo was. Mom was a wonderful cook. We enjoyed many of her homemade apple pies, perogies, cabbage rolls and many other baked goodies. We were fortunate to have her long enough to pass on some these precious skills to us. Her pride and joy were her three children and two granddaughters. She spent a lot of time making crafts, drawing and painting pictures and picking wild mushrooms which is a family tradition that stems back a couple of generations. Jean will be lovingly remembered by her son Eugene Martens, daughter Michelle (Kevin) Mehling, son Kelly Dorvault and granddaughters Melissa and Kayla Mehling. She also leaves behind her mother Mary Baker of Calgary; siblings in order by age; Bill Verestiuk of Selkirk, Mary Ann Martens of Calgary, Olga (Nick) Varketi of Winnipeg, Rose Ralakhek (Frank) of Winnipeg, Peter Verestiuk of Selkirk, Johnny Verestiuk of Prince Albert, SK, Patsy Pelletier of Calgary, Joannie (Paul) Still of Petersfield, Richard Verestiuk of Calgary, Sally (Peter) Poels of Winnnipeg, Michael Shoren of Kelowna, BC, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father Peter and brother Ronnnie. Today we say goodbye to her but our hearts are aching tremendously. Your struggles are over mom. God be with you and with us. We love you. Rest in peace. The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the emergency department at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach for their endless caring and support. They provided us with coffee, juice and our own personal space so that we could be with our mother when she died. Thank you Dr. Curtis Krahn for being there for mom and our family right till the end. Thank you Chaplain Larry Hirst. There are no words to describe your generosity. The funeral service will be held Friday, September 17, 10:00 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach with interment at Heritage Cemetery.