It is with heavy hearts the family of Jaylene announce her passing on Thursday June 11, 2026, at the age of 31 years.

Jaylene leaves behind her mom Gloria, her aunts and uncles, Shirley (Ralph) Herlick, Wendy (Brian) Gambrel, Randy (Joan) Woloshyn, Darryl (Denise) Woloshyn and Kevin (Paula) Woloshyn along with many cousins and friends.

She was predeceased by her grandparents, Nellie and Jerry Woloshyn, aunt Judy Woloshyn and cousin Michael Woloshyn.

Jaylene was born at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg and presented with severe low muscle tone. Her obstetrician stated that of the 10,000 babies that he delivered over the years this was the first time he witnessed this. She was transferred to Children’s Hospital intensive care. The first 3 months of her life was sustained through tube feeding. Followed by many months at the Child Development Clinic with the hope that her problems may dissipate in time until she was 30 months of age and finally received a diagnosis.  Prader-Willi Syndrome (Low muscle tone, learning disabilities and more). Plus, the worst symptom, being that she would always feel hungry. It was a difficult start, and she endured many continuous challenges along the way. But despite her challenges she possessed determination, compassion, loyalty and ambition which allowed her to participate to fulfill her zest for life to the best of her abilities. 

She completed her Grade 12 in the Seven Oaks School Division where she was included in mainstream education with the help of Educational Assistants.  Next, an opportunity to attend RRCC for two years in a pilot project for persons with disabilities where she studied in the Administrative Assistant Program.  She so loved being a college student.  Her hours in college were from 8am to 4pm and then she did homework for a few more hours per night. Her mother witnessed stamina and determination she did not know her daughter held.  Although at times stressful, Jaylene loved the college experience. 

After college came participating with agencies for job development, work experience and recreational activities.  Jaylene loves children and a few of her work experiences were as a day care assistant, but her favourite was working with Grade 1 and 2 Children. She loved to help them learn by assisting them with arithmetic, spelling and having them read to her. She would beam as she would tell me a story of how she helped a child until they would “get it”   

In the program, Jaylene spent part of her days in work experience and on alternative days participated in recreational activities.  She was a member of Manitoba Possible Recreational Program and enjoyed bocci ball, cooking lessons, and much more.  As a member of the YMCA she spoke highly of her instructor and of a few persons that she enjoyed chatting with while in aqua Zumba classes. Additionally, she participated in land Zumba and swimming lessons with the City of Winnipeg Leisure Guide programs and bowling with Special Olympics.  

Jaylene had a few longer time friends that she spent time with on occasion, making meals together and hanging out. Hailey was her longest friend as Hailey stayed loyal and committed to their friendship since they were in kindergarten together.  In the recent years, Jocelyn became a close friend. While with Jocelyn, Jaylene was full of giggles and had a smile on her face.  Jocelyn was energizing for Jaylene.

Jaylene was born into a large family and enjoyed activities and celebrations often.  Her Mom loved to travel, and Jaylene developed the travel bug and sometimes on their own and at other times with Aunty Judy and cousin Terilyn, they enjoyed cruising and travelling to many places.  One of Jaylene’s items on her bucket list was a Disney Cruise and once the Covid Restrictions were lifted this dream was achieved.  The excitement and tears she expressed as she entered the ship and they announced her name was an event that can only be described as a feeling of warmth to a mother’s heart that her child is so in awe. 

Another important part of Jaylene’s family was her cat Zoey of 6 years and her cat Mickey who predeceased Jaylene.   Zoey was so loved by Jaylene and in return Zoey stuck to Jaylene like a wood tick.   She is looking so sad and missing Jaylene, that it is heart breaking to watch.  Zoey was a blessing for Jaylene when she moved into her own apartment.  Zoey was Jaylene’s companion, friend and tremendous support during this new experience and throughout their lives together. 

Jaylene also acquired a love for dolphins after she experienced their beautiful energy during a trip to Bimini in the Caribbean where she was able to snorkel with dolphins in the wild for an entire week. 

Jaylene was a determined, thoughtful, sweet, loyal, loving and caring person. She will be missed by all of us. Rest in Peace Jaylene. We will always have your memories in our heart and feel your presence. 

Thanks to all the staff at St. Boniface Hospital, SCE Lifeworks and EPIC Opportunities for their continued support. A special thanks to Joanne Poitras Pistun and Brittney Lavallee for their friendship and ongoing loving support of Jaylene.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday June 17, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Gilbart Funeral Home, 309 Eveline Street, Selkirk, Manitoba. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed via the following link https://youtube.com/live/77iR7YmJV8Y?feature=share

Pallbearers will be the following uncles: Randy, Darryl, Kevin, and cousins: Russ, Jeff, Jason, Trevor, Bryce, Braeden and Honorary Pallbearers, cousins: David, Kevin, Darren and Connor.

Officiating will be Father Isidore Dziadyk. We will have lunch at the funeral home followed by the interment at the cemetery in Saint Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Rossdale, Manitoba, 530 Donald Road.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research  https://www.fpwr.ca/?utm_source=chatgpt.com