1923 ~ 2017
After a full and active 93 years of life, Katherine (Katie) Warren died on Friday, February 3, 2017 at East-Gate Lodge in Beausejour. Katie was born on November 26, 1923, to Norman and Axana Cass of Tyndall, where Katie spent most of her life. Katie loved school, excelling even after being struck with tuberculosis as a child. She graduated during the war years, and declined a scholarship to become a much-needed permit teacher for Sebright’s one-room schoolhouse, where she taught grades 1 – 8. She rode her bicycle to school every day in fair weather, and remembers loving the sound of the meadowlarks.
She loved teaching, even commandeering her brother Oley (al Cass) to be Santa at Christmas, and at the same time, she wrote scores of letters to the boys overseas, saving every letter they sent her back, Especially prized were the ones from Archie Wawryshyn, the boy she married in 1947. They opened Archie’s Hardware, and ran it six days a week as their 7 children grew up, until 1988. Those were busy years, with plenty of family drama – including bridge nights with Bob and Audrey. And when Archie enlisted for some years in the RCAF, she ran the store and post office largely on her own, with long-term help from “Aunty” Thelma (Smolinski), who was family.
Memories and family were all- important; she was a saver and chronicler, compiling 97 scrapbooks of family and community photos and news. Once her children were older, Katie went back to the classroom she loved, studying at the university, substitute teaching for two decades, and running the high-school essay program. She and Archie edited local history books, and once they finally retired, moved to Beausejour and travelled south every winter with their wonderful friends the Middletons. Once Archie died in 2002, Katie decided to take the extended family on an annual family reunion to Florida – all 19 of them. Katie spent her final years at Stony Plains and then East Gate Lodge, where “the Queen” enjoyed regular outings with her excellent friend Steve and many others.
Katie was predeceased by her brother John Cass, son-in-law John Yakubchak, and a brother, Maurice, who died in infancy. She leaves to mourn her 7 children: Judy (John Watson), Reginald, David (Jan), Brenda Yakubchak, Timothy, Wesley (Sherie Mazur), and Grant (Lauren Dyck). Also her cherished grandchildren: Garret Warren (Kimberly), Jake Watson, Matt Watson, Marisa Warren, Selina Warren-Papineau, Christian Balagus Warren, Brett Warren, Derek Warren, Alex Warren. She also leaves her brother Al Cass (Beth), her sister Phyllis Johnson, sister-in-law Evelyn Moroz, Kathy Balagus, and their families.
The family would especially like to thank Steve Cesmystruk for his years of friendship with Katie, her United Church family, Crystal Mahoney for her affection and care, and the many many wonderful care-givers at East-Gate Lodge whose warmth and calming care were so important to her.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 28 at Sobering Funeral Chapel, 1035 Park Ave. E, Beausejour, MB.
In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to consider donations to the East-Gate Lodge Personal Care Home’s Recreational Department, Box 1690, Beausejour, MB R0E 0C0.
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Virginia Kubish
Sincere Condolences to Dave an Jan and all the Warren family, my thoughts and prayers. Are. With you all.
Rhonda Nagam
My condolences to all the Warren family! I remember as a little girl growing up in Tyndall and one of my favorite things was to go check the mail. She was one of the kindest people i ever knew. Heaven has gained an angel! My thoughts and prayers to all family and good friends.
Bob and Cheryl Shaw
To the Warren Family:
Deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother Katie. I remember having her for a sub in school. She was a gentle spoken lady. My parents, Helen and Lawrence Hamende, enjoyed having her for a neighbor in the condos. And my mom continued to visit it her when she could, at the hospital or at EGL. Rest in peace.
Sandra Frain
Dear family and friends of “Katie the Great” ,
What an honour it was to be believed in and loved by Katie. We basked in her care and interest.
Thank you Katie for including me in your kin. Thank you for radiating your love to wherever we lived .
My love to you receiving condolences . I hope you will feel Katie’s presence always.
Thank you Reg and Judy.
Sandra ( Marisa ‘s mum)
Donna Hlady
I wish to offer my heart-felt condolences to the family of Katie Warren. Having grown up in Tyndall, I remember her with fondness as the Tyndall “postmistress” in our local hardware store, which she owned and operated with her husband Archie for many, many years. Her kindness and friendship continued throughout my childhood and into adulthood, and eventually into parenthood; then carried on with my own children. I will always remember her caring and thoughtful ways. Katie will always hold a dear place in my heart. May you always treasure special memories of her and keep them close.
Marlane Mazur
My deepest condolences to the Warren family. Katie and I have had many good visits over the years and my last fondest memories of time with her was her visit out to Gimli . It was a wonderful day and I was so blessed to have had all of you over for a visit and time at the beach together. She was a special lady and I always appreciated her sense of humour and outlook. Hold your many memories close to your hearts and remember always how dedicated she was to her family and friends. Thinking of all of you at this time.
Brent & Tina Kardashinski
Dear Warren Family:
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your mother Katie. We had the privilege of knowing her through our nephew Christian Balagus Warren. She was a warm, kind and generous lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Brent & Tina Kardashinski
Joe and Bonnie Bukoski
Joe and I are very sorry to hear of Katie’s passing. Joe has many fond memories of those days in the Warren household in Tyndall and especially those band practices in the basement. Katie was a very patient and special lady and will always be remembered as “Mom”. Our condolences to all her family. Rest in peace “Mom”.
Bonnie Nagam
Condolences to Mrs. Katie Warren’s family .
She was a very sweet and caring woman.
When we first moved to Tyndall , it was her and her family that made us welcome . We will be forever grateful for all their kindness.
She was always such a busy lady and never seemed to tire , even when Skindog Arizona was loudly practicing in her basement .
So many good memories.
Such a sweet soul
Karen Kisiow
Growing up in Tyndall, I remember very well going to get the mail at “Archie’s Hardware” with my late Mom and Dad, John & Bella Kisiow; Katie Warren was always behind the counter!
My condolences to the family on the loss your mother and grandmother.
Carol Hunter
Mrs. Warren was always kind, considerate, and patient. She always treated everyone with respect and dignity no matter the trials and troubles that they had to endure. In turn she was highly respected and a mainstay of the community. My condolences to all the family.