Obituary of CONNIE LYNN DZIEDZIC

CONNIE LYNN DZIEDZIC Surrounded by her family and friends, Connie Lynn Dziedzic, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend, passed away peacefully Thursday, October 20th, 2016 two days short of her 68th birthday. Connie spent only a half day in HSC before her battle with ‘the beast’ (as she termed her cancer) ended. Left to mourn Connie’s passing are her mother, Olive Dziedzic, brother Richard Dziedzic (Romka), sister Janice Wautier, nieces Pam Perreault (Mo), Lisa Dziedzic (Chris), Veronica Wautier (Dale), nephew Andrew Wautier (Tearislee), great nephews Kieran and Devin Perreault, along with numerous relatives and friends. Connie was predeceased by her father Walter Dziedzic and brother-in-law Lee Wautier. Special thanks to the CancerCare Manitoba team and to her faithful friends and relatives, who visited, drove her to and from chemo and medical appointments, went shopping, cooked chicken soup and borscht, sent meals and were always only a phone call away. Special recognition to ‘healing companion’ bichons, Candy and Rocky who stayed at her side 24-7 in this journey. Born at home, Connie lived her whole life in the North End. She attended St. Nicholas and Aberdeen Schools and was a proud graduate of St. John’s High School. She received degrees in Arts and Education at the U of M. Her teaching career commencing in 1967 included working in Catholic Schools, Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate and at Brandon Univ. as a Faculty Advisor to teacher candidates. Connie loved hearing about the accomplishments of former students. She was known for her patience, devotion to her students, diligence in promoting literacy and her support of fellow educators. Connie was a distinguished literacy leader in the Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg for over 30 years. One of her joys was initiating the distributing of the book Love You Forever to babies born in February. May ‘16 she received the RCGW Lifetime Membership Award. Connie was a driving force within the RCGW and worked to show how literacy could transform lives and foster resiliency in young people. She was a lifelong member of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church and served as Religious Coordinator for 38 years. She was a valuable collaborator with those in the ministry. Most recently she organized and ran the Christmas Memorial Angel program. Connie loved her family and friends dearly. She cared for her elderly mother at home. She was the family historian and a delightful travel companion whether in Europe, USA, across Canada or just in her own city. Her attention to detail will be missed from replacing flowers at family graves, custom cards for all occasions and offering a helping hand to complete projects. Connie was there for everyone. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 737 Bannerman Ave with Rev. Isidore Dziadyk, OSBM, officiating. If possible wear an orange item or accessory to celebrate Connie’s life journey. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations can be made to the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter and/or Immaculate Heart of Mary School Student Bursary Fund c/o Lubov SSMI Foundation. Love you forever!!!! Vichnaya Pam’yat!