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Cailie Rae Bodnarchuk Church passed away tragically on Sunday, August 8, 2010 in Flin Flon, MB at the age of 15 years. Cailie was born in Flin Flon on August 31, 1994. Cailie is survived by her parents, Edna and Bruce Smith, brother Ian (Mandi); sister Denee (Sean) Johnson; brothers Donovan Smith and Robbie Bodnarchuk; niece Ashlee; nephew Brayden; grandmother Louise Church, grandparents Linda and George Selman, grandpa William Smith; baba Linda and grandpa Andy Gray; great baba Olga Bodnarchuk, great grandma Laura Williamson; as well as NUMEROUS aunties, uncles, cousins and extended family. Cailie was predeceased by her grandpa Charlie Church and infant cousins Adam Brown and Brody Church. Celebration of Cailie's Life was held Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 1 p.m. at St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church with Captains Shellie and John Kirschman officiating. Active pallbearers were Cailie's uncles: Nelson Church, Gordon Church, Walter Church, George Church, Murry Church, Oliver Church and Chett Brown. Honourary Pallbearers; Krystal Kozar, Brayden Kosar, Nadja Renard, Megan Davis, Amanda Anderson, Kylee Foster, Amy Bradt, Jordan Hyndman, Whitney Nattress, Braden Buhler, Jenna Klause, Brianna Parthenay, Ben Kinsley, Sam Dufour-Jarvis, Jesse Deans, Siobahn McKenna and Robbie Unruh Memories of Cailie: Auntie Nellie Brown and Auntie Tammy Fisher Ushers were Cailie's cousins: Charles Whitbread-Brown and Tyson Fisher Memorial Register Attendants: Katie Kawerski and Donna Perkins These memories of Cailie were compiled by many family and friends who loved her very much and will never forget her. Cailie Rae Bodnarchuk Church was born August 31, 1994 to Edna and Barry. Her big bro Ian adored her from the beginning and was so helpful. Denee became the big girl overnight as our family now had a new "baby girl". It didn't take Cailie long to find her way into the hearts of our family, friends, and neighbours. She was a beautiful baby girl with colic and allergies, which made it hard for her to settle. Often after everyone was exhausted and Cailie was still unable to settle, along would come a special person to rock her in her arms. There were many a night, at four in the morning when Cailie's mother threatened to throw her out of the window into the snow bank and let her cry. It was Auntie Donna who would swaddle Cailie and rock her to sleep. Auntie Donna often wondered why Cailie could sleep at her house and not at home. This would happen night after night and Auntie Donna was a life saver. Big sister Denee had her own theories about why Cailie would cry all the time. She felt that Cailie would cry just to "grab the spotlight." In September 1994 Edna was in a ball tournament and wind-up. She needed someone to look after three-week-old Cailie Rae. After asking many others, Edna's friend Janice was the last resort. Janice and Brian took Cailie while Edna went to the wind-up. She came back to claim her baby, but she couldn't find her in the front living room where she was supposed to be sleeping. Panicking, she went flying down the hall to the master bedroom where Brian and Janice had placed baby Cailie Ð Peanut as Brian called her Ð between them so she was safe and didn't roll off the bed. Brian called Cailie Peanut because when she was all wrapped up in her blanket she looked like a peanut. When Cailie was about six months old she travelled to Winnipeg when her sister Denee was in the hospital. Uncle Nelson got the honour of babysitting Cailie. Uncle Nelson had to drive Cailie around so she'd stop crying. If he stopped for anything, even a red light, she would scream again. So Uncle Nelson and Cailie Rae cruised the big city. Cailie was a beautiful baby girl, who grew into a beautiful young woman. As she grew she formed her own personality and mannerisms; she definitely had a mind of her own. She was able to achieve most of her little goals with her big smile. She had her big bro wrapped around her little finger in no time. A new man entered her life in 1997 when Bruce married her mom. Cailie was always the little diva, as you can see in the pictures; but her first starring role in a production was when she was a flower girl for her mom and Bruce's wedding and she stole the show. Cailie was so happy to have a full-time dad, it didn't take her long to wrap him around her little finger too; but she also quickly learned that when he put up his finger, it was time to listen up. With this union of families came another blessing for Cailie. Bruce's son Donovan became her new big brother. Donovan clearly remembers Cailie as three things. He says, "She was spoiled, smart and stubborn. But then again she deserved to be spoiled." He remembers her always taking a lot of abuse from people who cracked jokes at her size, but it taught her how to dish it out. Donovan remembers when he and Cailie ganged up on the newest member of their family, the new brother-in-law, Sean. When Sean first got Facebook and put something geeky on his status, they would feed off each other and bugged him so bad that he deleted his account. The smart and stubborn part of Cailie made her dangerous. She could make anything go her way. Donovan says, "She had the most potential to have whatever she could dream. He says, "I will miss that smile and that snarky grunt too, I suppose." Being the product of a "Blended Family" she was loved by all who knew her. She often came home excited, yet confused when talking to friends about one cousin or another. They asked, "How does that get to be your Uncle Wayde?" Once she got to Hapnot she ran into cousins Becky and Natasha and had to explain that connection; as the family continued to grow and marry; more and more cousins came out of the woodwork, eventually she told her mom, "I give up trying to keep it all straight. There is just too much family; I'll just say I have a big family." She was so lucky to have six sets of grandparents and three grandmas and a grandpa. Cailie was always grateful that Baba Linda and Auntie Monica accepted her as part of their family. In 2008, Cailie had the privilege of meeting her little brother Robbie for the first and only time. She was a very "accepting" person and that one visit meant the world to her!! Many friends became extra aunties, uncles, and cousins; her legacy will live on in the hearts of hundreds. Cailie was always a bright and active child. When she started a new activity or a new skill, she had such determination to master the skill or activity. She persisted until things were done to her standards. It was easy to see Cailie's frustration with imperfection. Mr. Weseen recently mentioned it was easy to see this determination of hers when she kept doing her Taekwondo routines. Eventually she won gold and broke her board. Cailie's mom is a very creative, organized and energetic person. She was able to inspire Cailie and keep her on schedule. Cailie looked so much like her mom, but she didn't want to be called "Little Edna" or "Mini Me". She was very much an independent and free spirit. Cailie's mom was very instrumental in starting the local Nemihitowok Hoop Troupe. Cailie became a hoop dancer not by choice but by circumstance. Cailie was following her mother and sister and the troupe from practice to performance, so at the very young age of two years, Cailie started hoop dancing using only two hoops. As she grew up she learned more and she progressed up to 30 hoops. I remember her getting a lot of help and guidance from her big sister, Denee, in learning this skill. Cailie recently told Gramma Church she was going to teach Ashlee how to hoop dance. Edna, Denee, Cailie, Aunt Carrie and cousin Dayle were all very active with the hoop troupe. They travelled and performed in many different places. The first large trip was to the Panam Games 1999, where they taught hoop dancing to the athletes from Brazil and Cuba. It was amazing how the music of the drum bridged the cultural and language gaps of these 6 feet tall athletes using "mini hoops" to get through. Then the opportunity of a lifetime came along when they were chosen to perform for Queen Elizabeth II on her Royal visit to Manitoba in October 2002. Cailie was so amazed with the thousands of people watching them practice waiting for the "Queen"; she was totally over-whelmed when the Queen began her walk about at The Forks and the crowd grew by the thousands more. After this Cailie knew that she was a celebrity and if you didn't know it, you just had to ask her! Cailie always did very well in school; she learned to work hard in order to achieve her goals. Cailie did many extracurricular activities for school. She participated in the Student Council, the Girls Club, Dance Committee, science fair, 30 Hour Famine, Dinner Theatre, Jazz Band, Band, choir and most recently "Glee". Despite her busy schedule she was able to maintain high academic marks. She was on the honour roll for the last several years. This year her mom and dad presented her with a Blackberry for all her hard work. Cousin Charles recalls how proud Cailie was of her new Blackberry. Edna and Bruce always participated in all aspects of Cailie's education; whether it was helping with home projects, fundraising or helping out at school. Cailie kept busy in class to make sure she had no homework and then could spend lots of time hanging with her friends; Cailie loved hanging out. If she wasn't gone to Subway with Ben, she was at Walmart in the hat section with Megan. Cailie and Amanda were always in her private hair shop, experimenting with wild and exciting doos; up doos, down doos and side doos!!! Brayden and Cailie were always doing something crazy, like the time the whole group went for a dip in the Legion fountain. Mom told Cailie, "When you're going out with friends don't do anything you don't want us to know about." Cailie couldn't figure out how her mom always knew about the things she did before Cailie told her. Her mom reminded her, "Because everyone loves to tell on someone else's kids!" Cailie's dad remembers how she hated mornings; she thought they should start at noon. She spent so much time getting ready to face the day, things had to be just right and that included hair, eyelashes, and makeup. The girls reminded me of that at the prayers so Nadja and Mandi helped her out as best they could with their limited makeup supplies. Bruce said, "For the last couple of years, me and my daughter had a funny kind of joke. She would say that she was going to stay with us at home forever and I used to tell her that when she graduated we were selling everything and going on the road and that the only way to find us would be by email." Bruce also recalls all the times they went fishing, which fishhook they used, and what they caught. He also fondly recalls how, lately when they went fishing how Cailie lay in the bottom of the boat and read her book. Just remember family time is family time, whatever you do just treasure your memories. Cailie's mom always said that the two of them rubbed shoulders a lot over the years because they we so much alike. When people saw them together they thought that Cailie was Bruce's daughter, right from day one. Bruce doesn't remember if he ever told her, but he was very proud of that and always will be. Cailie started her first real job at McDonald's in March of this year. The other day there was a commotion in the morning when Cailie went tearing into her parents' bedroom. She said, "Dad come and give me a ride to work; I'm late!" And off she ran to the bathroom, so up jumped Bruce, he grabbed his clothes and watched her tear out of the bathroom. "She was not a morning girl by any means." Soon she came out and her and her dad jumped into the car and headed for McDonald's. At the parking lot her phone rang and it was her boss; Cailie talked to her and hung up. She complained, "Three minutes late and they called me. Other people are late by hours or don't even show up and never get a call." Cailie's dad told her, "That is because you are never late and always dependable and can be counted on." As she stepped out of the car Bruce told her, "If they give you any static Sweetheart, tell them they are hiring at Chicken Chef!" Ronald McDonald visited the Flin Flon site for a promotional photo shoot. Since Cailie was the littlest employee she was dubbed "Nugget"; her size finally paid off! Cailie was so proud to be called "Nugget". When the chip fryer was broken at McDonald's Cailie offered her father's services. Cailie was so proud of her dad; she bragged that he could fix anything. Evan was to give him free food to fix the fryer and they were in the process of negotiating how much food it would be. After the accident, Cailie's dad said, "Everyone says that I can fix everything, but I can't fix this." Cailie has always been a performer. She participated in the Sunday school concerts where she usually had a part out front since she didn't mind being in the spotlight. Captain Shellie remembers that Cailie was always in the spotlight; always demanding the lead role. Cailie dreamed of being an actress and got involved with drama. She had parts in Dinner Theatre at Hapnot and the Ham Sandwich Productions in the Community. This year at Dinner Theatre Cailie had the part of Marie Antoinette in "The Night at the Wax Museum". With Ham Sandwich Productions she had the role of Nancy in Oliver Twist. Cailie worked hard on all her parts and performances. It was very easy to see her as a rising star. Cailie had huge dreams and she was always looking to the future. She planned to go so far. She dreamed of going to New York. She always said that when she was in acting school, she would call her mom for money and then when she made it BIG, she would keep her mom and look after her since Ian planned to put her in the "Best home money could buy." Cailie had loads of musical talent. She became interested in music at a young age, and worked very hard to get to the level she was at. In May 2010, she received a Certificate of Excellence for contemporary piano music grade 5-6, from Fran Labarre. She also received a performance leadership award in the Hapnot band instrumental section in June 2010. In band Cailie played the trumpet, then this year she joined the percussion session. She was always up to a new challenge. She taught herself guitar from You Tube, jammed with Uncle Gabe and received lessons from Doug McGregor. She also sang beautifully and planned to take voice lessons. Cailie met Mandi when Ian brought her home to meet his family in 1999. As Ian and Mandi's relationship grew, Cailie and Mandi formed a special bond. Cailie now had another big sister. Until Brayden was born, Ian was out numbered, 3:1. Mandi fondly remembers Cailie when she was upset. She says, "Everyone knew when Cailie was upset. She made it well known; especially if there were stairs around for her to stomp down." Mandi also remembers many family meals with Cailie. Being lefthanded it made it difficult for seating at the family table; Cailie would always make a point of jabbing Mandi with her elbow while eating. Another fond memory of Mandi's was the trick they played together on Cailie's friend Brayden Kosar. Mandi had a cold and couldn't stop coughing. Both Cailie and Mandi ganged up on Brayden and told him that Mandi had H1N1. Mandi says that they had quite a laugh once Brayden went home. Brayden does make the girls laugh. When Ashlee was born, Cailie Rae was so excited that she slept in Edna's van in the parking lot of the hospital until Ashlee was born. Now she had a new role to learn, she was an aunt! She took a babysitting course to officially learn her job but the best experience was gained first hand, even diapers. She spent as much time as possible with Ashlee.She taught her so many things; we can see the next Diva now. Cailie's joy was doubled when her nephew Brayden was born. Now she really had her hands full. She could always be counted on to visit, play or babysit the kids. One of the pictures shows Cailie teaching Brayden to kiss. She loved them dearly and they will have a giant hole in their hearts. Cailie's sister Denee married Sean Johnson July 24. Cailie was very proud to be her big sister's Maid of Honour. She took her role as the MOH seriously and worked very hard. She made a very beautiful Maid of Honour; she looked and felt grown up. Cailie now had another brother and Sean considered her his little sister. At the wedding she played duets on the guitar with Uncle Gabe, as Denee and her mom danced. She also played the guitar while she sang a duet with Denee. They sang "Tim McGraw" by Taylor Swift. It was very beautiful to hear them singing together. As Cailie's "Auntie Tammy" did not have any girls as her own she considered Cailie Rae and Denee as stand ins for any of the "girlie things" she wanted to do. Cailie went to Brandon for spring break in her grade 8 year so that she and Auntie Tammy could go "grad dress" shopping. This is a great memory, among many, that Tammy is honoured to have of Cailie. I had a hard time fitting Cailie's life on a few pieces of paper. Her life and what she stood for had the potential to be so big. She was going places and she told me this often enough. I just didn't realize she was leaving so soon. We all thought we had more time. This is a tragedy, it's not a play and there is no "happy ending". Now we have our memories and we have to hold them close in our hearts and try to fill the hole. When I think of all the times we went to shows, concerts and performances, and sat there as proud as any aunt and uncle could be. Of course, we would walk to the front and take pictures and stand there taking pictures until I got a good one. Cailie learned quickly to smile and let me get a good one right away so that I would go and sit down. Just ask Charles about that. Cailie was a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, a great-granddaughter, a niece, a cousin, an aunt, a friend, a student, a volunteer, a musician, an actress, a singer, a diva, a co-worker and definitely, a mover and a shaker. In her short and full life she filled many roles. She was a passionate, vibrant, helpful, determined, stubborn, intelligent, loving, generous, compassionate, sensitive and beautiful YOUNG LADY. She will be remembered and missed forever by those who knew and loved her. When we look to heaven we will see our bright and shining star, pretty in pink. On behalf of Bruce, Edna and the Family of Cailie Church we would like to thank all our family, friends, co-workers and neighbours for their love, caring, guidance and support during this most tragic time. Special thank you to our children, Ian, Mandi, Denee, Sean and Donovan for their love, strength and support in the loss of their sister. Thank you to everyone who stopped in, sent prayers, cards, emails, phone calls, on-line condolences, flowers, gifts, pictures and food donations. Special thanks to Denny and the Hyndman family at KFC, Monica, Baba Linda and the Bodnarchuk family and Vi Coe for the suppers provided to our large family. To Captains Shellie and John Kirschman for travelling such a distance to be with us during this very difficult time and officiating Cailie's service for us. Also, Captains Krista and BJ Loder for all their prayers and support. Thank you to Auntie Donna for her poem, Auntie Merry for reading the Scripture, Auntie Nellie and Tammy for reading of the eulogy, Uncle Delbert for the video clips, Charles and Sean for the music CD, and Ashley and Denee for the beautiful power point presentation. Thank you to Doug Peterson for his "memories of Cailie" highlighting her involvement with the various Ham Sandwich Productions and all her close friends for giving us picture CDs of their lives with my daughter. McDonald's and Cailie's family would like to thank the community at large for their donations to the fish bowl collection in memory of Cailie which has been deposited to her Memorial Fund at CIBC. Thank you to everyone who has made donations directly to the Cailie Church Memorial Fund, funds to be used to present an annual bursary within the Flin Flon School Division in memory of Cailie. Thank you to Denny Hyndman and family for the memorial candle, Lora Richard for the bouquets of roses, Walmart for printing all the photos for Cailie's memory boards, Dave Gunn for the use of the tent and sound system and the boys at Alexanders. Special thank you to all those who donated their time and shared their talents during the prayers and Cailie's Celebration of Life, it takes a very special kind of person to push through their grief and still be able to share their talent. Doug McGregor, Anne Ross, Gabe McKay, Mark and Crystal Kolt, Fran Labarre, Kim Jones, soloists Justine Williamson, Jordan Hyndman, Krystal Kozar, Carley Belfry, Kylee Foster, Sam Armstrong and Kelsey Loder, Hapnot Community Choir and Kyle Whitehead for the wonderful trumpet solo, Cailie would have loved the upbeat tune and I am sure she would have given you "a passing grade" . To everyone at the scene of the accident, all of the neighbours and passersby, including the EMS that attempted to help Cailie, thank you. We know that this type of tragedy is extremely traumatizing at any time, but even more so in a close knit community such as Flin Flon where everyone knows everyone. To Darren, Dana and Rhonda of Dadson Funeral Home, thank you so much for all your professionalism in the care of our daughter Cailie. To all of Cailie's family and close friends, thank you for hosting Cailie's "Sweet Sixteen" birthday party, and making it one that we as parents will never forget! To anyone who travelled from a distance, contributed to the potluck, chocolate fondue, gifts and balloons, it was wonderful! To Cailie's special friends, who continue to help me get through these days, thanks for the scrapbook you created, the framed pictures and gifts, they will be treasured forever. Nadja and Anita, thank you for the Sweet Sixteen Cake, it was delicious and I know Cailie would have loved it!
