Obituary of Caroline Margaret Onishenko

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Caroline Margaret Onishenko, our beautiful mother, aunt, sister, grandma, best friend, and mentor on Friday July 14^th, 2023, at 73 years young.  She is predeceased by her loved ones, parents, Lillian and Jack Chapman, sister Jackie Haight, son in-law Jeff Funnell, granddaughter Abigail Funnell.

Caroline was born in Regina, SK on May 12^th, 1950. She resided in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan where she attended Saskatoon Technical Collegiate.  In her early 20’s Caroline met Ed Onishenko, they created two daughters Kimberley Dawn Funnell and Karen Nicole Onishenko, whom were her biggest treasures. Caroline and her girls moved to Edmonton in 1989, where she found her calling in logistics transportation with Day and Ross Transportation Group.  Here she thrived for 35 years, excelling in sales, and achieving presidents club status multiple times. She was passionate about her work and maintained connections with her ‘work family’ well after retirement. She shared special bonds with, Brad Zimbaluk, Dave Golas and Darmin Pike, and was highly respected by her colleagues.

When Caroline was 19 years of age, she bought land and built a cabin at Loon Lake, SK. Her girls would go on to spend their childhood summers loving the lake, water, nature and skies.  She instilled a love of lake life from the time they could walk.  Many incredible memories were shared over the years with her loved ones in her favorite spot.

Caroline’s granddaughters Hannah and Caitlyn were her absolute world, and she assisted greatly in their upbringing. She accompanied them to dance, swim and drama classes year after year, she taught both girls how to drive and provided comfort, care, support, and encouragement in all ways possible. She cherished them dearly as she did her niece Tracy Millman with whom she had a special relationship.  She also adored Justin (her granddaughter Hannah’s partner) and ensured he became an honorary member of our family.

Caroline maintained many dear friendships over the years, specifically Clara Hidinger and Janita Kohlruss.

Caroline spent the last year of her life living with her daughter Karen and as such grew close to Ed and Debbie Onishenko, Wendy Robinson, Heather Salisbury and Chloe Corcoran.

Caroline leaves behind her daughter Kim Funnell, granddaughters Hannah (Justin) and Caitlyn Funnell;  daughter Karen Nicole Onishenko; brother in-law Bob Haight; nieces Tracy (Morgan) Millman, Lisa (Troy) Perry; Ed and Debbie Onishenko as well as numerous friends, colleagues and extended family.

A very special and heartfelt thank you to the following for assisting Caroline and her girls manage the daily challenges of her illnesses: her long-term doctor and friend, Dr. Turner, Dr. Shruthi Kodad, her personal care nurse Brittany Rodger with whom we became quite close, Dr. Dimitrios Coutsinos, Dr. Woloschuk, Dr. Fenske, Chantal H. and all the lovely staff on the palliative care unit at St. Paul’s hospital. Dr. Lillian Thorpe from the MAID (medical assistance in death) program and her home care nurse Clay with CPAS.

Mom, you lived to love us, and we thank you for that.  You were our everything and we miss you every day.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Palliative Care Unit at St. Paul’s hospital, Saskatoon, SK.