Tia Leann Filewich

   It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved sister, aunt, daughter, niece and friend, Tia Leann Filewich.

   Tia was born on October 22, 1967 to Paul and Frances Filewich of Coleman.  Complications at the time of her birth left her paralyzed, but that didn’t determine her life story.  Her stubbornness, determination, courage and zest for life kept her going through countless major operations, body casts, health tests, hospitals and doctors.  It was more than one person should have to endure, but she kept positive and always had a smile on her face.  Tia did not consider her medical problems a disability.  She learned to adapt to be able to ride a two wheel bike, vehicle with a manual transmission, quad, motorbike, horses, snowmobile and even a skateboard on her butt.  Her accomplishments were truly amazing.  She enjoyed camping, fishing and generally being outside.  She loved to see new things and was able to visit California, Alaska and destinations in Canada and the United States.

   Tia’s love of animals meant she could always be found with a furry, four-legged best friend.  Her dogs, Cheyenne and Oscar meant the world to her and she spoiled them rotten.  Any shopping trips to Lethbridge or Spruce Meadows meant that there was going to be lots of treats for them when she returned.

   Tia was a loving and giving person and made many friends throughout her short life.  She was especially proud of the young people in her life; her nephews, niece and her cousins and friends’ children.  She always had kind words and great advice for them and was always there to listen to them if they had problems.  Plus, she was a fun aunt!  They have said that she was, and always will be, their hero for the way she lived her life.

   From a young age, Tia had a love of makeup, fashion, fine jewelry and handbags.  She had a real talent for creating new hairstyles, makeup and nail art.  She always left her house looking like a million bucks.  In 2009 she took a nail esthetics course and found that she was very talented at it.  Even when she was home bound, she would always make sure that her nails were done and painted.

   In 1995, Tia suffered renal failure and had to endure dialysis until 2001 when she finally received a kidney transplant.  This was a major boost to her independence as she was not tied to a dialysis machine anymore.  She was able to do some travelling.  She travelled to Mexico with her friends, to the States, B.C., and was able to now visit her sisters.

   In 2010 her health started to decline and she was now faced with new challenges.  Through no fault of her own, she again endured renal failure, the loss of her legs and many other major health issues.  Even though she was now faced with major complications, she still wanted live independently and on her own terms.  This was a new learning curve for her and she had to adapt all over again to new challenges.  She bought herself a pink electric wheelchair, and with some help from the Ricky Ryp Foundation, was able to purchase a hand-controlled van.  Again, this was a tremendous boost for her well being.  She was able to keep her independence and enjoyed being able to go shopping in Lethbridge, visit Tracey in Wyndell, BC, attend Spruce Meadows jumping events and be able to get to her doctors’ appointments without help.

   Tia endured a lot over her short life, but her last battle was too much for her body to handle, and she passed away with her family by her side on January 21, 2016 at the age of 48 years.

   Next time you want to whine, complain or feel sorry for yourself for the little things that go wrong in your life, please remember Tia and her guts, determination, resilience and attitude.  Smack yourself upside your head, smile, suck it up and get on with it.

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.

   Tia was predeceased by her mom, Frances; her dad, Paul; her Uncle Laddie Beranek; and Dustin Lemire.

   Left to mourn her passing and celebrate her life are her fur baby, Oscar; her sisters, Toni (Darren) Daniel of Chauvin, AB and Tracey Filewich (Aaron Grant)of Wyndell, BC; her niece, Kelsey Billey (Anthony Podrasky) of Lethbridge, AB; her nephews, Jackson and Kyle Daniel of Chauvin, AB and Colter Billey of Sparwood, BC.

   There will be no service at Tia’s request, but we would like to invite family and friends to the interment of cremated remains at a later date.

   We would like to thank our family and friends for all of the support, meals, beds and errands during this very difficult time.  A special thanks to A.J., Trina and Christi for staying with Tia at the hospital until we could get there.  To A.J. and her family for helping watch over Tia for many years.  To all the neighbors who helped her whenever she found herself in a pickle.  Thank you to all the many doctors, nurses, lab technicians, renal nurses, ambulance attendants and hospital staff that cared for Tia throughout her life.  Thank you to Cory Benson for making the beautiful urn, and to Darrell Sydora of Fantin’s Funeral Chapel for his kindness and professionalism.

   Donations in memory of Tia will be gratefully accepted by the CNP Health Foundation “Dialysis Unit” (P. O. Box 510, Bag 1, Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0), S.T.A.R.S. (1441 – Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary, AB T2E 8M7), or the Alberta Children’s Hospital (2888 – Shaganappi Tr. NW, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8).  Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Toni and family

Tracey and family

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements.  (403) 562-8555

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