Obituary of MAE EVELYN MARGARET SPRYSZAK

MAE EVELYN MARGARET SPRYSZAK It is with great sadness that we announce the devastating sudden loss of our most precious Mother and Grandmother, Mae Spryszak, on March 17, 2014. Mom leaves to mourn her son Glen (Marilyn), daughters Lynn (Paul), Judy (Kevin), and the loves of her life, her grandchildren, Natalie, Meredith (Eric), Laura (Paul), Christopher, Chad and Alexa. She also leaves to mourn numerous relatives in California, Massachusetts, and Kenora. Mom was predeceased by her husband Joe, parents, Alex and Eva Michaluk, sister Julia, brother Albert and brother-in-law Art. Mom was born in Kenora, Ontario, the youngest of three children in 1932. She was gifted with an incredible alto voice, and participated in all of her High School musical productions. Mom also possessed every quality necessary to lead her to her chosen profession as a grade school teacher, including patience, kindness and compassion. She attended North Bay Teachers College in Ontario, where she obtained her teaching certificate. She still kept in touch with many in her graduating class, travelling to Ontario every few years for a "Butterfly Club" reunion. It was during this year away to college that Dad wrote to her, updating her of news from home. Upon returning to Kenora for her first teaching job, their friendship blossomed to love, and mom and dad married in 1954. Three children quickly followed in the next four years. A move to Winnipeg was necessary when Dad joined the Winnipeg Police Force. Mom was hired by Winnipeg School Division #1 and taught grades 1 & 2 for a total of 37 years before retiring. We are very proud of the fact that mom returned to University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1984. Mom's unconditional love was what helped us through the very sudden loss of "Papa Joe" 29 years ago. She always was there for us - always. Throughout her life she exhibited great strength of character and a never ending love and commitment to her children and grandchildren. Her greatest joy and happiness was preparing Ukrainian food and entertaining the family gatherings at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mom attended every school play, musical recital and graduation ceremony for her grandchildren. She sat through football games in blizzards and soccer games in rain and cheered without complaint. The sparkle in her eye and her glowing smile was so very easy to spot on the sideline. Mom was a deeply religious person and believed everything happened for a reason. She was a member of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church for the past 55 years. She taught Sunday school, and was an integral member of the church choir with her beautiful voice. She had the opportunity to travel to Rome to sing for the Pope and was thrilled to have had the chance to see the Vatican. Mom was a dedicated "perogy pincher" on the assembly line and looked forward to the monthly gathering with her dear friends. It should not be surprising that she had many friendships develop along the way because of her warm heart and infectious charm. She treasured these friendships and held them next to her heart to the end. "When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, my angel came and called my name and took me by the hand. They said my place was ready, in God's heaven up above, and that I'd have to leave behind everyone I love. So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me please know I'm in your heart.” The family would like to thank the nursing staff on Unit 5, 3rd floor at Seven Oaks Hospital for their incredible compassion and kindness towards Mom in her final days. Divine Liturgy will be sung Friday, March 21 at 11:00 am at the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church; 965 Boyd Ave. Officiates will be Father Volodymyr Bashutskyy, The Rev. Mitred Archpriest Michael Buyachok and cousin, Father Mark Filips. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish or to a charity of one's choice.