Anna Joyce Pollock

Following a brief illness, Anna Pollock, passed away on May 25, 2026 peacefully and with such grace, at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 91 years.

Anna is survived by her loving daughter Jo-Anna (Steve); grandchildren Ryan (his and Nicole’s daughter, Cloe), Nicole (Gerry and their children Nevaeh & Brooklyn) and Kaella (Andrew and their children, London, Sonoma and Henderson); her only brother Dr. George Wawrykow and her brother-in-law Don Pollock; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Walter “Sonny”; son Daniel; parents Michael George Wawrykow and Francis Jean Wawrykow (Kretowski); sister Jean (Walter Krisko); in-laws John and Doris Pollock; sisters-in-law Carolyn Wawrykow, Deanne (Ray Rose), and Bonnie Pollock.

Anna was born and spent her childhood, on a farm, outside of Gimli Manitoba. Her parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles, raised a happy and curious child.

For over 50 years, the Winnipeg Free Press greeted her daily and a political vein ran through her blood, where she adjudicated many elections and her Uncle Joseph Wawrykow, was a Member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly.

Anna attended school in Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, then Success College in Winnipeg. Working for the Department of National Defence, at Portage’s Military Air Base, she secured her charm with the Commanding Officer, when she ordered “eye balls,” instead of “eye bolts,” being unable to read his illegible handwriting!

Anna possessed a life-long dedication to her Church and Faith and was proud to be one of the 1949 founding parishioners, of Portage’s Ukrainian Catholic Church of the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She loved singing soprano in the church choir, where, she met her future husband, Walter “Sonny”, whom she married in 1955 and they remained together, for 68 years.

Anna was very proud of her Ukrainian heritage. Becoming President of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League (UCWL) and a member for 66 years, in addition to Chair of the Church Council and a which allowed her to utilize her Ukrainian speaking, reading and writing skills. Her confidence built, after inherently leading their organization in the planning and execution of many provincial and regional conventions. She also took great pride in her Auntie Mary A. Wawrykow, who was the first woman of Ukrainian origin, to practice law in Canada.

From 1963-1976, Sonny and Anna co-owned The Bruinswick Hotel in Moose Jaw, with cousins, Ted and Jean Jaworski. The family then returned back to Portage, following the purchase of The Portage Hotel. Anna’s warmth, grace and culinary skills were frequently called upon, as their Fine Dining Hotel hosted both local and international dignitaries, Weddings, Anniversaries, Mother’s Day and New Year’s Day brunches, as well as their renowned Sunday Brunch, featuring “Anna’s Dessert Table”.

Anna’s love for her community and willingness to help, found her in presidential positions for Xi Delta Theta & Beta Sigma Phi, Portage’s La Reine Ladies Curling Club, the UCWL and 7 years as Chair of Portage’s Music and Arts Festival. She dedicated countless hours to the Portage Figure Skating Club, including sewing many figure skating outfits & costumes and driving thousands of miles to ice practices and competitions. Her dedication and love were immeasurable!

Throughout her life, Anna’s joy was never greater, than around children! When Jo-Anna and Danny arrived, both Sonny and Anna dedicated their lives to their children’s happiness. Even in her 90’s, “Baba,” Anna felt the desire to bring treats for her “grandchildren,” in Church, making them feel loved and cherished.

Anna’s parent’s Cottage at Clear Lake, MB was her favorite vacation spot, because memories were made with both families and friends. She also loved an adventure, so enjoyed trips across Canada, USA, England and Europe, with the most recent, “trip of a lifetime,” involving her and Sonny, accompanied by Jo-Anna and Steve, travelling to London, England. Favorite highlights of the trip included staying in a centuries-old Lord’s Chateau and being serenaded by the pianist at The Savoy Hotel, on her Birthday. She also bravely conquered her claustrophobia, speeding through “The English Chunnel,” to Paris, while dining on wine, cheese and a baguette!

Anna’s full and joyful 91 years will leave us all remembering her kindness, warmth and classic sense of style. She often giggled about her faux pas, stating that, “you have to be able to laugh at yourself!” Her delicious perogies, cabbage rolls, perishke and Easter Paska will be missed. Feeding others fed her soul!

A funeral Mass will be at The Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in Portage la Prairie, at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba, 1160-675 McDermot Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com