Obituary of Mary Dzogan

Mary Valerie Dzogan (nee Ominski) It is with great sadness that we inform our family and friends that our beloved mother and grandmother passed away on Monday, October 27, 2008 at the age of 86. She died in the arms of her daughter, still courageously fighting a battle with ovarian cancer. Mary was born on August 13, 1922 and grew up on Pritchard Avenue in Winnipeg, the third daughter in a family of nine. She graduated from Isaac Newton High School in 1939 and was employed by the T. Eaton Company Mail Order as a stenographer - quite a feat for a Polish, Catholic girl from the North End! Upon marrying Nick on July 10, 1948, she was required to relinquish her job because office policy dictated that she now had a husband to support her, and therefore didn't need a career. But true to her spirited and determined personality, Mary turned being a stay-at-home wife, and later mother, into a very special career indeed. In 1951, Mary and Nick bought the Dzogan family dairy farm, which was located where the new Meadows North subdivision is today. The city born-and-bred girl jumped in with both feet to become a farmer's wife, rising to the tasks of feeding the pigs, gathering the eggs and chasing the cows out of the grain fields. Her nurturing and generous personality turned the farm into the centre of her extended family's social activities until she and Nick sold it in 1965. Fortunately, Mary lived long enough to see the naming of "Dzogan Cove," a new city street located on the former farm site. Upon leaving the farm and moving to the city, she and Nick built their dream home on Burrows Avenue, where she resided until this past July. Granny had many talents, interests and passions to keep her life full. She and Grandpa traveled extensively in their motor home, taking their annual Florida vacation for many years. She took great pride in her vegetable garden beneath the power lines on Burrows next to her house, and equally great pride in her flower gardens, always insisting that the grass be cut, trimmed, and the clippings removed. Her devoted grandchildren were always happy to oblige. During the winter months, her focus turned to knitting and - of course! - to cooking. Granny was the greatest cook and took great pride in her preparations of the Easter, Thanksgiving, and traditional Christmas Eve dinners. We all benefited from the care packages that she sent home - and from the abundant home-cooked contents of the freezer. Feeding one and all was her way of showing her love and affection. In her 60's, Mom joined the North Centennial Seniors Club and, after a lifelong fear of water, she acquired her lifesaving certification. After all, she reasoned, she had to be able to save her grandchildren if they fell into her backyard pool. After Dad passed away, Mom devoted her time to volunteer work at Fred Douglas Lodge - and what a sight that was, to see her wheeling people younger than her around the nursing home! In 2005, she received a Certificate of Recognition from the Manitoba Council on Aging in recognition of her "outstanding contribution to the seniors of Manitoba." Even during her battle with cancer, she continued to give of her time, sometimes as much as 30 hours a week, feeding, portering, comforting and visiting the residents of her "Lodge," where she was affectionately known as the "Hugger." When she was diagnosed with cancer, Mom met the challenge with the resolve and dignity that characterized her life, never questioning why or pitying herself, but instead, accepting it as God's will. Now, instead of her praying for all of us, it was our turn to pray for her - and we hoped that our prayers would benefit her, just as hers had benefited so many of us. She was the spiritual and mental force in our lives that was calming and always constant, and we will miss her beyond words, although we are comforted by her reassurances that she will love us always and will be watching over us. She leaves behind to mourn her passing and cherish her memory: her daughter Donna and husband David Machula, and their boys, Brent and Colin; her son Gary and wife Shirley, and their children, Spencer and Tess; and her son Raymond and wife Darlene, and their daughter Kristen. She is also survived by her sisters and brothers, Vicky Kreger, Ted Ominski (Gladys), Wanda, Irene, and Ron (Bev) Ominski, sister-in-law Jean Ominski, brother-in-law Joe Cook, sister-in-law Nancy Knoblock of Florida, and brother-in-law Dave Dzogan (Ollie), as well as numerous nieces and nephews, many who affectionately referred to her as "Auntie Mimi." She was predeceased by her husband Nick in 1999, her father and mother, Alex and Louise, sisters Jean and Hedy, and brother Eddie. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Garry Krepart, the staff at CancerCare Manitoba, and the 5th floor staff at the Women's Hospital. Prayers will be held on Thursday, October 30 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 31 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, 172 Worth Street, with Msgr. M. Comeault, P.H., officiating. Interment will follow in Holy Ghost Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if friends and family so desire, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3V 0E9. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044