Wojcik's Funeral Chapel and Crematorium

Wojcik's Funeral Chapel and Crematorium Wojcik's is a locally owned funeral home providing a full range of funeral and cremation services.

When Hearses Had HorsesOne hundred years ago, the curtain was coming down on the age of the horse-drawn hearse. Horses h...
04/27/2026

When Hearses Had Horses

One hundred years ago, the curtain was coming down on the age of the horse-drawn hearse. Horses had pulled hearses since the 18th century but with innovations of the day it was simply a matter of time before the automobile hearse would gain acceptance by the undertaking profession.

Most hearses from this period were drawn by two horses often draped in somber black netting. Sometimes four horses were used when hauling massive domed hearses at state funerals.

By 1900 even the term ‘hearses’ was being less frequently used, disparagingly reserved for antiquated domed styles with oval windows and plumed roofs. The ‘modern’ horse-drawn funeral car rolled on dignified rubber tires and had a smooth, unadorned roof. Carved drapery panels framed a large plate glass window through which the casket could be seen.

The top-hatted driver sat on a lofty seat flanked by ornate carriage lamps. As it was a long, slow journey to the cemetery, especially in winter, a lap robe was often required.

Motorized funeral coaches would soon replace these horse-drawn hearses though they were still present in some small towns and villages well into the 1920s.

© Wojcik’s Funeral Chapel/CFHC Online

04/25/2026

Michael Shane Whiteside It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Michael Shane Whiteside on April 11, 2026, at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Shane was born in Calgary, A

04/24/2026

Saying, “I’m sorry for your loss” is a bit like saying, “Have a nice day,” to the cashier at the convenience store.

04/24/2026

STEPHEN DANIEL PAUL (PAUL) DEVIAENE JANUARY 28, 1953 – APRIL 19, 2026 Sadly, Paul’s family is announcing his unexpected passing on Sunday, April 19th. Left to mourn are sisters Barbara, Donna

04/24/2026

Michel (Mitch) Francois Dubé It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden death of Michel Francois Dubé, beloved father, grandfather, husband, son, brother, uncle, godfather, and friend. A

04/23/2026

ALMA JUNE FOWLER It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Alma Fowler. She passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026 at Calvary Place Personal Care Home. Alma left be

04/22/2026

GORDON AYOTTE March 19, 1939 – April 16, 2026 It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Gord on April 16th at the age of 87. Gord was born in Apsley, Ontario, and joined

What are Funerary Rituals?Rituals are defined as any stylized and repetitive actions, words, or performances that are do...
04/22/2026

What are Funerary Rituals?

Rituals are defined as any stylized and repetitive actions, words, or performances that are done within a group or by an individual. Some will visit the grave of a loved one each year on the anniversary of their death; sometimes families will set aside time to honour one of their own on occasions such as Christmastime. Rituals can also be based on religion, honouring practices from the past.

Funerary rituals are based on saying good-byes and paying tribute and are used when it comes to mourning a loved one. One common ritual is wearing certain tones of colour, which in Canada is typically black or other muted colours. Other present-day rituals involve singing particular songs, reading certain passages, displaying photos of a loved one and gathering for refreshment after the service.

What is the importance of ritual and why do we perform them? Rituals typically involve very pro-social behaviour, which means, they bring a community together; this holds many intangible benefits for all in attendance, especially during tough times. Funerary rituals provide a setting to remember and grieve someone special, and an opportunity to express emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Lastly, these rituals help mourners to come to terms with a new reality, one where a beloved is no longer there. This is especially significant when it comes to mourning the loss of a spouse, parent or child.

In conclusion, with shared actions and words, rituals provide an essential space for collective mourning, emotional expression, and remembrance. They not only provide an opportunity to honor the deceased but also allow the living to find support in times of grief.

© Wojcik’s Funeral Chapel/CFHC Online

04/21/2026

PATRICIA (PAT) MAKSYMCHUK Patricia (Pat) Maksymchuk, aged 71, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, passed away suddenly on April 15, 2026. Pat was born on July 12, 1954, in Arborg, Manitoba, to Fred and Pauline Zu

04/20/2026

HELEN IVEY GITTEL (NEE LAWSON) 27 JUNE 1934 – 17 APRIL 2026 Helen’s Faith became Sight as she died peacefully following a short stay at Oakview Place Personal Care Home, early on the morning of

Answering Questions about Funeral PlanningLet’s Talk about Prearrangements Sometimes families prefer to have their funer...
04/20/2026

Answering Questions about Funeral Planning
Let’s Talk about Prearrangements

Sometimes families prefer to have their funeral arrangements in place by prearranging. Having choices made beforehand lessens the burden on surviving family members and avoids awkward decisions at an emotional time. With this in mind, the decision to preplan a funeral has gained more and more acceptance by today’s families and individuals.

A file is prepared which contains everything from vital statistics to hobbies and what music is to be played. Even a draft of the obit can be prepared in advance. The plan is kept in safe keeping and is made available at the time of the passing of the individual.

Regardless of what one’s wishes may be, from funeral planning, cemetery arrangements, the casket and urn, or favourite poems and scripture… these details can be talked about, decided on and recorded in advance.

We have been assisting local families with their preplanning decisions for many years. We work with them in a variety of ways… by listening, gathering information and providing professional advice, we are able to arrive at an option best suited to the family’s needs.

Many also make the decision to prefund their funeral. With a paid plan, any services paid for in advance will be unaffected by the effects of inflation… an option which more and more people are choosing.

If you have requests about preplanning or would like to talk with us our number is (204) 897–4665. We would be happy to meet with you, discuss your funeral plan and answer any questions you may have.

Louise Penny
General Manager and Owner

Inset Photo: Rachel Wojcik, Funeral Director

Families First and ForemostSociety’s definition of what constitutes a family has changed dramatically in recent years an...
04/17/2026

Families First and Foremost

Society’s definition of what constitutes a family has changed dramatically in recent years and not too long ago, the term ‘perfect family’ was a commonplace expression. The term traditional family or nuclear family is now joined by others such as blended family, single parent family, foster family or modern family. A succinct definition of family no longer has the common reference points of the past, and it’s ok if no family is perfect. Perfection, after all, is in the eye of the beholder.

There are times however, when family life is ever so important, first and foremost a family provides an environment for children where they are a part of something; they’re not alone. It is the original club or group they are raised in, where they first laugh, where they first cry and where they first share. The family ties that are established at a young age with immediate and extended family members, form bonds which last a lifetime.

The notion of family is never more present than at events such as weddings and funerals. A time for gathering and sharing, for comforting and remembering, a time for being with those who care for us and love us, not for how we can make their lives better, but rather, just for who we are.

“Other things may change us, but we start and end with family.”
-Anthony Brandt
“A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it.”
-George Moore

© Wojcik’s Funeral Chapel/CFHC Online

Address

2157 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB
R3J0L4

Telephone

+12048974665

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Wojcik's Funeral Chapel and Crematorium posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category