Yvonne "Iwanna" Puchalski

Peacefully, on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Portage District General Hospital, Yvonne “Iwanna” Puchalski of Portage la Prairie passed away at the age of 78.

Iwanna is lovingly remembered by her sister, Elizabeth of Nanaimo, British Columbia, and family from Calgary, Alberta. She will also be deeply missed by her housemates, Tanis Roberts and Debra Pott, and by her friends Wade Wheeler, Jordan Richard, Patricia Lachance and Annie Pinchuk. Iwanna leaves behind many caring staff, both current and former, who supported her with compassion and remained close to her heart over the years.

She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph Puchalski and Henrychka (Krasnicka) Puchalski, as well as her roommate Corrine McDiarmid and friend Irene Martynowicz.

Iwanna’s life journey began in Germany, where she was born to parents originally from Poland. At 14 months of age, she moved with her family to Winnipeg in 1949, where she lived until the age of 10, when she moved to MDC. During her time at MDC, she formed many meaningful connections, including a close and lasting friendship with her roommate, Darlene MacPherson. Iwanna often showed her gentle affection by sitting beside Darlene, softly touching her, patting her head, or placing a kiss on her forehead. Their bond reflected her kind and caring nature.

Iwanna cherished the time spent visiting her mother. She especially enjoyed going for drives, listening to music, and spending time with her mother’s beloved cats, Rudy and Felix. She delighted in her mother’s homemade meals, and outings with her nephew, who enjoyed taking her for drives, brought her great joy.

In 2023, when MDC closed, Iwanna transitioned to her new home in Portage la Prairie, supported by Visions of Independence. Living on Bridge Road, she embraced her new surroundings, enjoying walks, drives and getting to know her neighbourhood. She found joy in music, especially when Peter visited to play her favourite songs, and she loved spending time outdoors on her swing on sunny days.

Iwanna had a playful spirit and enjoyed throwing her favorite stuffed toys to her roommate Tanis and to staff who supported her. She formed especially meaningful connections in her home, with Tanis becoming a close companion—often seen sitting side by side, holding hands. The staff supporting Iwanna became an extended family. One staff member, Norberto, made her favourite smoothies, and her sister Elizabeth shared that he brought a comforting, fatherly presence to Iwanna’s life.

Iwanna had a love for clothing and took pride in her appearance—often described as the best-dressed “diva” in the house. She was cared for deeply by those around her and, in turn, brought warmth and joy into their lives. Elizabeth expressed deep gratitude for the care Iwanna received and the meaningful connections she experienced in her home.

Iwanna had a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege to know and support her. She will be remembered for her gentle nature, her joyful spirit, and the deep connections she formed throughout her life.

Iwanna, may you have your boots on for your next journey. Rest in peace.

A funeral service will be held at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 1:00 pm. The service will be livestreamed, to register and view click below.

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