Obituary of EDNA TOPOLNITSKY

EDNA TOPOLNITSKY (NEE KOWAL) January 11, 1940 – April 18, 2015 It is with heavy hearts that the family of Edna Topolnitsky announces her peaceful passing on April 18, 2015 at Riverview Health Centre. Edna leaves to mourn her beloved children Steven (Darlene), Stuart, Susan, Scott, Shane (Janet), and daughter-in-law Penny, along with grandchildren Kyelani, Jade, Ryan, Dylan, Chayce, Jenna, Bret, and Chelsey, sister June Derhak, and special friend and companion Bob Buchannon. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents William and Mary Kowal and sisters Shirley Jadick and Loretta Young. Mom was born in Shoal Lake, Manitoba to very loving and caring parents. Her early years were spent enjoying life on the family farm just on the outskirts of town. Here she helped with the maintaining of the home and garden and along with her four sisters just did what kids did…had fun and enjoyed being young. When Mom was twelve the family moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba where she attended Lord Nelson School followed by St. Mary’s Academy. In 1958 she married Mike Topolnitsky and they welcomed their first child in 1959. Together they had five children and it was then that family became the focus of mom’s life. She was a stay at home mom, only returning back to work once her youngest was school aged and even then she worked nights at the hospital so she was still able to make sure all us kids were safely tucked in for the night. Mom also took extra courses so she could be the best in her field and would be able to help provide for her family. Mom believed in the Liberal Party of Canada and Manitoba and supported it always. When the doctor she was working for at HSC Children’s Hospital ran for public office in the federal election she worked tirelessly on his campaign. Upon the successful completion of the election Mom chose to leave her many years of service to the hospital and joined Manitoba’s newest MP in his quest to make Manitoba a better Province. Mom ended her working career at Credit-aid and started her retirement where she enjoyed planting and growing roses in her yard and having barbeques and bonfires with her kids and grandkids. She especially enjoyed going to Detroit Lakes with Bob and her dog Mitzi where she relaxed; spent days out on the lake, shopped and simply enjoyed the serenity of the surroundings. Mom was a friend to all, including to her own children and grandchildren. If anyone ever needed someone to talk to or just a shoulder to lean on mom was there day or night. She was always proud of all our accomplishments, no matter how big or small and she encouraged us to follow and pursue our dreams. But she was also not afraid to gently (and sometimes not so gently) steer us in the right direction if she saw us getting off course. She knew that everyone has their flaws but she didn’t care about those, she accepted all as is and loved everyone equally. Mom’s love was a true example of unconditional love. Mom had very strong beliefs and convictions, particularly in her catholic faith. She was active in St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church Women’s League in her younger years and enjoyed and found comfort in Sunday services in her retirement years at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. The family would like to extend their profound gratitude to the nursing staff at Riverview Health Centre particularly Kate, Jennifer, Barb and Paul for taking such excellent care of Mom in her final weeks. May God Bless You All. In accordance with mom’s wishes cremation has taken place and a prayer service will be held at 7:00 pm on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church followed by a Celebration of her Life mass on Monday, April 27, 2015 at 10:00 am at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, 748 Keewatin Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mom’s name to Cancer Care Manitoba or Riverview Health Centre.