Obituary of MARYANN SZCZEPANSKI

MARYANN (MANIA) SZCZEPANSKI October 8, 1928 – August 4, 2015 At River East Personal Care Home, Maryann Szczepanski passed away peacefully at the age of 86. She is survived by her sons, Greg (Maureen), Tom (Joy); grandchildren, Lucas, Cassandra; step grandchildren, Ashlee and Justin as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband (Edward) of 59 years in May 2011; her parents, brother and two sisters in Poland during World War II. Mom was born in Poland. At the beginning of World War ll at the young age of 12 years, mom and her family were taken from their home and put on a train bound for the Siberian Work Camps. During this journey both parents and her siblings lives were lost, leaving her an orphan. In 1942 mom was sent to orphanages in Persia, India and finally in Santa Rosa, Mexico where she spent four years. During this four years mom was a caregiver to the younger children of the orphanage. In 1946 a group of nuns from Chicago travelled to Santa Rosa, Mexico to sponsor mom to further her education in the USA. Mom came to visit her best friend (Stella) in Winnipeg where she was introduced to her husband to be (Edward). They were married August 7, 1952. Mom took up employment in the garment industry until she started her family in 1956. Returning to work after her children started school, Mom later retired spending countless hours at the cottage which the family built in 1974; gardening and picking the bounties of the forest with her husband, family and friends by her side. Mom was an excellent cook and homemaker. Her grandkids looked forward to her making them their favorite meals-perogies and crispy toast. Any friends that came over never ever left hungry. Mom spent a huge part of her time at the Polish Club 13 volunteering with running the weekly bingo and all the events hosted by the Polish Club. Mom was a devoted NANA and looked forward to spending countless hours with her grandchildren nurturing and spoiling them with anything and everything. She took interest in anything her grandchildren did and was a very proud NANA. Mom was devoted to her children and was a long standing member of St John Cantius` Church. She belonged to SPK Club 13 and was an active member of the St John`s Seniors Club. Those closest to mom knew the fear of being alone really bothered her. After dad passed mom would constantly have to be assured that she was not alone and that family and friends would be with her. This was a fear that she carried her entire life. She would be happiest with people around her. This fear has now subsided as she is reunited with her husband and family in Heaven. What a reunion!! The family would like to extend to the staff at River East Personal Care Home (Courage Bay) a heartfelt thank you for their kind and compassionate care for mom. Prayers will be said on Tuesday evening on August 11 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. at Luxton Ave. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 12 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John Cantius` Roman Catholic Church, 846 Burrows Ave. with Rev. Fr. Yolando Gamallo officiating. Interment to follow at Holy Ghost Cemetery. In lieu of flowers if friends wish a donation may be made to the Alzheimer`s Society or to a charity of one`s choice in Maryann`s honour. We love you Mom and Nana. You are sadly missed and never will be forgotten. “Wieczny odpoczynek racz jej dac Panie.”