Obituary of Marie ULICKI

Marie Ulicki December 18, 1923 - November 15, 2009 Marie passed away peacefully on Sunday November 15, 2009 at St. Boniface General Hospital at the age of 85. She is survived by her three sons Tom (Ft. McMurray), Don and Greg. She was predeceased by her husband Phillip in 1987, her twin sister Jean Bell and older sister Wanda, both in 1997. Marie was born in Broad Valley, Manitoba, and moved to Winnipeg in 1929. She lived in the North End of Winnipeg before marrying Phillip in 1947. East Kildonan became her home in 1952 and she resided on Helmsdale Avenue until her passing. Marie was employed by Canada Packers during World War II, later working for the River East School Division, and finally the Manitoba Association of Urban Municipalities, until her retirement in 1988. She loved to volunteer with St. Alphonsus Church, Citizens for Crime Awareness (CFCA), and Neighbourhood Watch. Work was only a sideline for Marie's other activities in life. Her real passion was gardening, and her efforts always resulted in a gorgeous back yard. Fifty years of growing prize winning roses, along with numerous awards for her floral designs and arrangements made Marie's name stand out in the gardening community. She was a founding member of the East Kildonan Horticultural Society, holding many executive positions there. The beauty of her many flower beds she worked on around the church and local parks throughout East Kildonan were strong evidence of her creativity and her love for gardening. Countless friends and neighbours have been the recipients of her perennials, as Marie loved to share her garden bounty with others. She made Winnipeg a much prettier city to live in. Marie was closely involved with many activities and clubs within the church. She devoted much of her time to the Catholic Women's League, holding several executive positions with them, including President. She spent numerous hours at the church, either fund raising, organizing senior's church dinners or making perogies. With her special attention to detail, the altar decorations at Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving were a pleasure to behold by all members of the parish. Marie's love of life carried her to the shores of Hawaii where she travelled almost every winter. It was like a second home for Mom, as she loved the beautiful weather and the lush flora that Hawaii provided. Her last trip to Hawaii was an Island cruise in 2008. Mother was a real survivor. Although burdened by many illnesses and ailments later in her life, she never complained or let any of them slow her down. She was a cancer survivor, although finally succumbed to it in the end after an absence of more than 20 years. Marie touched many lives, and her never-ending generosity, caring, and love of life made for a great mother, aunt, friend and colleague. She always maintained high spirits throughout her illness, due in great part to her dog Bailey. Thankfully, God left her with little pain in her final days. The family appreciates the many daily home care trips and dedicated attention by Home Care Services workers, which allowed her to remain at home until recently, as she had wished. Many thanks also go to the St. Boniface Hospital staff on the 6A floor, along with the nurses and doctors of the Palliative Care unit on the eighth floor. They made her last days as comfortable as possible. Prayers will be said at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. on Friday, November 20, at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, Monroe Ave. and Brazier Street, on Saturday November 21, at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Mariaraj Irudayam, OFM, Cap as celebrant. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marie's memory to CancerCare Manitoba. Cropo Funeral Chapel 586-8044