Mabel "Ilien" Boyachek (nee Vinek)

Peacefully on December 24, 2025, Ilien Boyachek passed away, surrounded in love, at the Westview Lodge in Boissevain, MB at the age of 88 years.

She leaves to mourn her children: Debbie (Ken), Patty (Brad), Danny, David (Valerie) and daughter-in-law Edith Kovacs. Grandma Ilien was so very proud of her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren and here we go with the list of 10 + 13! Breeana (Brad), Hudson, Archer, Graeme; Nathan (Robyn), Emmersyn, Atley, Mabel; Lindsay (Kevin), Riley, Stella; Landon (Kirby), Monroe, Fallon, Ledger; Dustin, Haley, Cole; Kaitlyn (Derek), Hanna, Tenille; Mary, Vincent, Brother Wayne Vinek and Sister Doreen Musial, as well as many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by: her husband Bob Boyachek, Mother Myrtle and Step Dad John Cummings ,Father Hans Vinek, Sisters Viola Hillier & Sandra Johnson and Sister-in-law Mary Vinek, Brothers Richard Vinek & John Vinek and Brothers-in-law Russel Hillier and Terry Johnson, Parents-in Law Nick and Lil Boyachek, Brothers and Sisters-in -Law: Frank and Betty Boyachek, Dorothy and Wes Thompson, Betty and Gus Finnson and Irene Brown.

Ilien was born on February 18, 1937, in Bengough, Saskatchewan. Mom attended Ipsley Mound School until Grade 3 and then it was off to Big Beaver School.

After graduation, Mom headed East to Winnipeg and worked at the Bank of Commerce on Main Street. It was at this time she met Doug McInnes and was married in Coronach, Saskatchewan on December 15, 1956. Living in Portage la Prairie Mom started her family with Debbie in 1957 and Patty to follow in 1959. With a newborn and toddler in tow, Mom’s little family took the voyage overseas on a ship called the Ivernia. Living in Belgium with language barriers all over the place, is what we would call “a challenge” today. Her family flew back on the last trip of the Comet A/F plane. Upon returning to Canada Mom lived in Moose Jaw where she was blessed with her first son, Danny and returning to Portage she welcomed her last child, David into this world.

Ilien enjoyed old time dances at the West End hall and it was here she met Robert Boyachek. She described Bob as tall dark and handsome and they were married on August 9, 1980. Bob and Mom lived in town but soon moved to the South Ridge district where they built a beautiful home together.

Mom and Bob grew in their faith together. They were confirmed at Trinity United Church in Portage and became valued members supporting the congregation and ministers through the years.

Great friendships were developed through square dancing in Carman and so many small towns in Manitoba. Mom loved her camper and between seeding and harvest that rig put on some miles and stopped at many golf courses along the road.

Through the years Mom and Bob hosted many a holiday supper and Mom’s roast beef was the very best. Maybe it was Bob’s tender care of his cows or maybe it was Mom’s touch in the kitchen … who knows! Boyachek’s and McInnes’ alike would savor the Yorkshire pudding she was famous for serving.

Mom had a great garden, and Bob would be sure the rows were far enough apart to till in between. Mom’s pickles were delicious and she grew a great pea patch. In all her homes, Mom loved her flower gardens, the space may have gotten smaller, but Mom always enjoyed the flowers, the lights, always pretty lights and the birds!

Two Caribbean cruises with good friends and an Alaskan cruise with the Boyachek siblings created lasting memories. But most of all, Mom loved to travel to Bengough where both Christmas and New Years suppers were a feast, and Thanksgiving or Summer family reunions were a blast with the Vinek clan.

When Bob was slowing down the decision to move to town was a big one. They enjoyed their years living at Soloman’s Four-Plex suite. Upon Bob’s death Mom made the decision to move to Boissevain where she was closer to her daughter Patty and son-in-law Brad.

Mom was fortunate to have the support of Home Care, allowing her to stay in her own home for many years. When increased care was required Mom knew Westview would be her new home.

We would like to thank the staff at Westview Lodge for their care and attention to Mom’s many needs. Four months wasn’t long enough but an impact was made! Thank you to both Portage and Boissevain Home Care staff for your care and friendship. Thank you to Boissevain Palliative Care Committee in true Mom fashion she wanted both quilts presented to her! She chose the Peacock design! And the bag of comfort and delicious treats were greatly appreciated. And finally, thank you to Dr. Lewis at Portage General hospital for your many years of care for Mom. She spoke fondly of you always. And to Dr. Nell for your care and support over the past 3 years, Mom knew you were the best.

Funeral Service will take place at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 1:00 pm. Burial to follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. The service will be livestreamed, to register and view click below.

As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made in Ilien’s memory to Trinity United Church, 15 Tupper Street South, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1W7 or Boissevain Palliative Care, Box 899 Boissevain, MB R0K 0E0.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021.