STEFANIA KUSIAK

Obituary of STEFANIA KUSIAK

STEFANIA KUSIAK 1925-2016 Our dear mother went to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on January 8, 2016 surrounded by loved ones. We are saddened but thankful that she is now at peace. Stephanie (Stefcia) was a devoted wife to her husband Czeslaw who predeceased her in 2004, a beloved mamusia to 12 children (9 daughters and 3 sons; her son Joey predeceased her in 1960) and the best babcia ever to 22 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and counting! She was loved by many, especially her children. Mom was born in Lwów, Poland on April 5, 1925. She was orphaned by the age of two and raised by an aunt and uncle. When she was 12, German trucks picked her up along with other Polish youth to work in Germany during the Second World War. She never saw her relatives again, but in Germany she met Czeslaw, got married, and they had four children. In 1950, Czeslaw came to Canada to work and save enough money to bring Mom and the children across. It took a year and a half. This was a very difficult time for her, living in camps and caring for four young children alone. In January 1952, Mom and the children travelled by plane to Montreal and then by train to Winnipeg where she was joyfully reunited with her husband. Mom was an exceptional cook and baker. Without recipes, she cooked amazing Polish food for her family, too many delicious things to mention. Countless guests enjoyed her wonderful hospitality; if they needed a place to stay, her door was always open. Whatever task Mom set for herself, she did with all her might. Her house was always spotless, and so was the garden. She loved nature, dogs (especially Eddie), birds, and flowers—she loved to dig in the dirt and watch out if she was near the hose! Mom’s flair for design and fashion was reflected in her elegant appearance and home. On more than one occasion, when Daddy went on trips, he came home to a house that had been renovated. In her 50’s, Mom got her driver’s licence and a car. She loved the independence it gave her. She was so resourceful, she even fixed the car by sticking a pencil into the choke when it wouldn’t start! Over the years, Mom worked various jobs to try to bring in extra income for the family: sewing at Victoria Leather, cleaning offices, catering, looking after children at home and caring for seniors at nursing homes. Holy Ghost Catholic Church was an important part of Mom’s life. She joined the Catholic Women’s League in 1978 and served as its president from 1992-1994. There, she shared her love of cooking with the other women as they made perogies and cabbage rolls en masse to sell for church bazaars. After a hard day’s work, she enjoyed “special” coffees with her friends. In 2006, she began attending St. John Brebeuf Parish as it was closer to home. The death of her husband in 2004 was very hard for her. She moved several times before settling in a condo near her daughter Susan. For the last nine years as Mom’s health declined, Susan devotedly cared for her, taking her into her own home when Mom couldn’t manage on her own anymore. We owe Susan a debt of gratitude and we thank her for caring for Mom so lovingly over all these years. Susan’s daughter Brook was a big help to Susan and we thank her too. Mom will be greatly missed by her children: Genevieve (Ron), Sabina (Don), Ziggy (Joanne), Teresa (John), Susan, Elizabeth (Ed), Tony (Lori), Joanna (Mike), Angela (Peter), Reanne (Gord), Katherine (Jean-Claude). She was a wonderful babcia and she will be missed and honoured by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Debbie (Teph) Natalie, Karli; Tammy (Craig) Blake, Marshall; Rob (Paula) Jacob; Mark (Heather) Allyson, Nate; Michael (Andrea) Scarlett, Chloe; Josh (Sarah) Riley, Zoe; Jennifer (Jason) Hayden, Isaac, William, Georgia; Anna-Marie; Kevin (Natalie); Brook (Jason); Christa (Scott) Lilah, Anistyn; Nicole (Adam) Kaleigh, Mila; Steven (Stacey) Noah; Leanne (Greg) Brady, Taylor; Kyle (Jessica); Andrea; Ryan; Zachary; Tess; Maxine; Marcel; and Chloe. Mom will also be missed by her good friends: Emilka, Doug, and Kwame. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 13 at 10 a.m. preceded by the Rosary at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Ghost Church, 341 Selkirk Avenue with Fr. Mark A. Tarrant (St. John Brebeuf Parish) officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Ghost Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimers/Dementia Society of Canada. Mom/Babcia, we love you and miss you. You will remain forever in our hearts.
Wednesday
13
January

Rosary

9:30 am - 10:00 am
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Church
341 Selkirk Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Wednesday
13
January

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 am - 11:00 am
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Church
341 Selkirk Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Wednesday
13
January

Interment

11:30 am
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Cemetery
4387 Main Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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