Justinia Soames
November 2nd, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Justinia Soames on November 2, 2024, at the age of 98. Justinia was born on September 25, 1926 in Montmartre Saskatchewan, to John and Annie Hewalo.
‘Tina’ (Mom, Sister, Nana, Aunty, Friend), touched many lives through her spirit of generosity and was most thankful for family, especially grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by 4 sisters, 1 brother, 2 sons, 9 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. We have shared much laughter and many experiences with Tina, our memories of her will be cherished and remembered.
Messages:
Thank you for all the memories growing up with yummy food from the kitchen, warm hugs and a cheerful smile always on her face. You will be missed Tina.
Tina was such a good friend and neighbour. I enjoyed our visits and drives to spot the first signs of spring and the first colours of fall that gave her such delight. I will miss her good nature and welcoming smile. Loved her lots.
I was so fortunate to Auntie Tina in my life. I have so many lovely memories of her and her very generous spirit. She laughed so much and love so many. My memories will keep her in my thoughts
Aunty Tina was my godmother and I loved her very much. I have many good memories of her, especially spending summers at her place when I was on vacation from school. And I also loved having Ukrainian Christmas dinner at her house. I will always have fond memories of her. I love her and she will be missed.
Tina has always welcomed us into her arms, home, and kitchen like we were family. I have so many fond memories, many of which involve being overfed. My heart is with all of those who she loved so fiercely. Miss you, Nana.
We remember all the lovely Ukrainian Christmases we had at her place with my husband, Ian and my daughter Solana. We love you and you will be greatly missed.
We are thankful that both Tina (and Tom) were our friends for the past 43 years. Tina is a fitting symbol of an era that, perhaps, is gone forever ---a more noble and kind era. Who can forget her stories of the great depression and the years of struggles during the 'dirty' '30's. She told of her classmates eating lard sandwiches for lunch but that her father gave his children butter sandwiches and spoke the stalwart resolution, "My children will not eat lard but they will have butter." It seemed the Ukrainian settlers built their barns, houses, and their church almost simultaneously and Tina spoke of doing carpentry on the inside of the church as a small child. Her work ethic was built from the example of these strong settlers and no one can question her amazing work ethic. We were particularly amazed when she painted the whole outside of their house in Victoria by herself. We learned much from Tina's priorities of providing abundantly for their children, creating a warm home that included a display of the Ukrainian Easter eggs she crafted, and her abundant warmth for friends. We shared a common love for our mutual grandchildren and I will miss talking with Tina about them.