Ill-fated casino trip was first excursion for senior after 2022 injury

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This article was published 26/06/2023 (845 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Donna Showdra was finally able to walk again after almost a year of therapy in which her family’s love had motivated her recovery.

The 79-year-old, who had been run over by a truck in Dauphin last summer, was about to go on her first excursion after the mishap — to a casino near Carberry June 15.

“Baba was determined and strong to overcome all of the challenges that came with dealing with this accident,” her grandchild, Cortney Prytula, said on Monday as she stood next to a large photo of Showdra, at a memorial service to honour her.

She was one of 16 seniors, on a day outing, who died in a tragic collision with a semi-trailer as their van crossed Highway 5 at the Trans-Canada Highway, north of Carberry, around noon June 15.

“She proved to us that when things get hard, stay focused on what is important, which is family. Baba was determined to see Jolene become a mother, to watch me get married this summer, and to celebrate her 80th birthday in July with all of her loved ones.

“She was motivated to overcome the challenges and work each day showed progress. Her final picture in the video, that we will be watching today, is Baba very proudly walking around the co-op just a few weeks ago,” Prytula said at the funeral.

RCMP have said the semi-trailer had the right of way.

Nine others who were injured, including the driver of the minibus, are still in hospital, four in critical condition.

RCMP said on Monday they had no further information to release about their investigation.

Showdra grew up in Grandview, the youngest of 11.

Prytula said after Showdra’s husband died in 1995, just before they sold the farm, she moved to Dauphin to be near her children and grandchildren. In 2000, she found love again, until he died in 2017.

As her health began to decline, Showdra had to give up her garden. She later moved into a seniors home.

But Prytula said she didn’t give up everything.

“Baba was proud and driven to gain some independence,” she said. “June 15th was her first trip in a long time. She was independent, proud and happy.

“She was excited to spend the day doing what she loved — spending a day at the casino.”

Prytula said the loss of their beloved grandmother has been hard on her entire family.

“This tragedy is beyond loss of a loved one,” she said. “It has been surrounded by media, tragedy beyond measure, and a lot of questions. We will navigate this together. Today we are celebrating a life.

“Baba, we will miss you. We will cherish all of our memories with you and we love you so much. We know you will be with us in your own special way.”

Families of two other seniors who were on the minibus, Helen Kufley and Patsy Zamrykut, both 88, have published obituaries.

Kufley, along with her husband, John, who died in 2010, farmed in Venlaw. Not only did she work on the farm, but her family said she also worked in Dauphin at the Peoples Store and Agnew Shoes.

In recent years, Kufley had lived at Spruce Manor and appreciated daily get-togethers with other residents.

“Helen was immensely proud of her children, their accomplishments and adventures, but was equally passionate about her community,” her obituary said.

“If you needed help, call Helen. She was always set to roll up her sleeves and pitch in.”

Kufley is survived by two sons, one daughter, six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Zamrykut farmed and taught school in the Horyn district. After retiring from farming, she and her husband, Alex, who predeceased her, lived in Dauphin for 22 years. They travelled around the world and visited family.

She volunteered at the Ukrainian Catholic churches in Horyn and Dauphin and “was an active volunteer making perogies and cabbage rolls for church events and was proud to make communion bread for many years.”

Zamrykut is survived by four children, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca

Kevin Rollason
Reporter

Kevin Rollason is a general assignment reporter at the Free Press. He graduated from Western University with a Masters of Journalism in 1985 and worked at the Winnipeg Sun until 1988, when he joined the Free Press. He has served as the Free Press’s city hall and law courts reporter and has won several awards, including a National Newspaper Award. Read more about Kevin.

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