Michelle Matechuk

Michelle Joy Matechuk and her unborn daughter Grace Joy Matechuk-Sliziak passed away unexpectedly in Brandon, Manitoba on November 2, 2024. Michelle was born at St Anthony’s General Hospital in The Pas, Manitoba to Craig and Joy Matechuk on June 18, 1992. She spent her early years in The Pas and graduated from Margaret Barbour Collegiate in 2010.

During this time, she enjoyed many extracurricular activities including Roadrunner swimming, figure skating, tae kwon do, and dance in which she did both jazz and ballet. Michelle’s favorite activity was gymnastics where she competed in both tumbling and trampoline. She was always teased that she was collecting uniforms since she tried out so many activities. Michelle also took part in girl guides and volunteered with the adopt a grandparent program during junior high which is where she developed her deep love of working with the residents in care homes. Once she moved, she volunteered with One at A Time Rescue in Brandon.

Shortly after graduation, Michelle moved to Brandon where she lived until her passing. She worked at a few different jobs, but her favorites were her times spent at the care homes working with the residents as a dietary aide. No matter how busy she was, she always made time to chat with them or stayed late after to work to visit with the ones that were lonely. She always found a way to make them feel loved and to make them laugh and smile. Her personality also shone bright when she worked in the customer service industry where she was always smiling and willing to assist however she could.

Michelle really loved Clearwater Lake, and this love first started when her Grandma Marge used to take her to Carpenters Lodge to spend some time together. After she moved to Brandon, she made regular trips back home to visit her family and of course to stay at the lake. It was one of her “happy places” and she was very much looking forward to bringing Grace here next summer to play in the water.

Anyone that knew Michelle soon learned of her deep love for animals, especially dogs and cats.  It wasn’t a surprise to find her rescuing any that she thought were strays and bringing them home. Michelle’s first pet was her beloved dog Max, who she found while working at the care home. At one time she had 6 cats, and each one was her favorite. She loved orange-colored cats the best, but they were all precious to her.

Michelle had a huge heart and could make anyone feel loved and special. Her smile lit up a room and her laugh was infectious. She was always quick with a hug and an “I love you”. It all came very naturally to her. Michelle was also stubborn, and any family or friends could agree she could be very strong willed. She will be dearly missed by so many people especially her family and closest friends.

She leaves to mourn her Mom, Joy Matechuk (Brian), sister Tara (Chris) Geringer, Uncle Perry (Angie) Nikolychuk and cousins Roger (Jordan) and Stephanie (Mackenzie), Auntie Melanie (Dave) Thompson, and cousins Erica and Kara, Auntie Sheila Matechuk, and her boyfriend Anthony Sliziak. She also leaves her precious cats Doomagedon and Sylvester whom she loved very much.

She was predeceased by her grandparents Steve and Marge Nikolychuk and Julie Matechuk, her Dad, Craig Matechuk and her uncle Rick Whitehead.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Michelle’s memory to One at a Time Rescue in Brandon, The Pas

and Area Animal Shelter, Simonhouse Bible Camp or a charity of choice would be greatly appreciated by Michelle’s family.

Honourary pall bearers are all Michelle’s family and friends that she leaves behind to mourn her passing.

Manitoba Addictions Helpline – call or text to 1-855-662-6605