Tillie (Karlicki) Rystephanuk

With broken hearts but deep gratitude, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Tillie Rystephanuk, Tillie left this world Friday May 9, 2025, at the age of 100, with members of her family by her side.

She was predeceased by her husband Peter, son Raymond, by her parents John and Barbara Karlicki, her brothers Steven and Walter and sister Ollie. Left to cherish her memory is her daughter Patricia, granddaughter Hayley (Dale), brother Bill Karlicki and family, daughter-in-law Maxine Rystephanuk, Brett (Jen) and family as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Tillie was born on February 14, 1925, into a family of five children, of which she was the second eldest child. Tillie grew up on the family farm in the High Plains School District, five miles west of Poplarfield, in Manitoba’s Interlake Region. Obtaining an education was not an easy task in those days and in order to obtain a high school education she had to attend a boarding school in Teulon.

Tille then attended Normal School in Winnipeg where she obtained a teaching certificate. Her teaching career spanned fifteen years of which eleven were spent in Sandy Lake, Manitoba. While teaching in Sandy Lake she met her future husband, Peter Rystephanuk. They were married in 1949 and were blessed with a daughter Patricia.

Peter decided that farming was not the life for him and ventured into the hotel business. Their first venture was in 1960 in Whitemouth, Manitoba with his brother-in-law Bill and Bill’s wife Anne. Later, Peter purchased the Gladstone Hotel. Tillie was a partner in both of these ventures. Upon the sale of the Gladstone Hotel in 1970, Peter and Tillie retired in Gladstone where they were blessed with a granddaughter, Hayley.

Tillie was a member of the Royal Purple and Ladies’ Legion Auxiliary for many years. She treasured her family, friends and neighbours who often stopped by for one of “Tillie’s Teas.” She was an avid gardener, fabulous cook, nature enthusiast and loved to feed her crows who would not leave for the winter. Her secret to a long life was patience, kindness and to never stop moving.

Tillie will be dearly missed by all whose lives she touched.

In accordance with Tillie's wishes

cremation has taken place and no services will be held.