Obituary of ANNE KUFLOWSKI

ANN KUFLOWSKI Ann, Annie, Grandma Kuflowski so peacefully slipped out of this life for some much needed rest on August 23, 2012. She was 89 years old. In her last days she had prayed to move on. Ann lived a good and full life and we are relieved that she will no longer have to feel so unsettled. Ann leaves much family who will cherish her memory dearly. Granddaughter, Melanie Zarrillo (Cameron) and great-granddaughters Zoey and Abigayle – both of whom we are so thrilled that she was able to meet! Grandson, Dean Zarrillo (Melanie); son-in-law, Joe (Betty) Zarrillo & Frances and Mike Drapala. Ann also leaves many friends and acquaintances with fond memories of enjoyable times spent together. Ann is the daughter of Antoinia and Joseph Kirsko. As, the baby of her family, she outlived all of her siblings by many years; sisters Jean Kirsko and Frances Passalis. Joe Kirsko ("Uncle Joe"), Ann’s beloved brother and great friend, passed away in 2004 and this left a great emptiness in her that lasted the rest of her life. Ann’s husband, Ludwig, predeceased her in 2009. And although, they had been a part due to health reasons and living circumstances, they had been married for 62 years and his passing also impacted her greatly. Ann’s beloved daughter, Lois, predeceased her prematurely in 1982 and this left a huge void in Ann’s heart and life. However, this tragedy was the basis for a strong bond that formed between she and her grandchildren, Melanie and Dean. She provided the maternal love and support needed at a time when the kids needed it the most and, in turn, they were her happiness and joy in times of great sadness. Over the years, the bond she had with her grandchildren strengthened as she continued to provide her ongoing love and support. She has left with them many a cherished memory and her spirit will live on within them. Ann lived a simple life that was exceedingly full of laughter and fond memories. She often mentioned how she would lie in bed at night and just reminisce about the good times of days gone by. She was a true North End gal – born and raised and very comfortable in her surroundings. The majority of her life was lived in homes on Alfred and Aberdeen Aves. She was raised by only her mother and had tremendous respect for her. In Ann’s last years, she remembered her mother fondly and asked so frequently to be reunited with her. "I need to get home to my mother." She enjoyed the company of her siblings and had a close bond with her brother, "Uncle Joe". He would check up on his little sister by popping in for a visit, which would usually end up in an outing to Assiniboine Downs to take part in the horse races or to do some shopping at Zeller’s – two past times of which Ann was EXTREMELY fond. The career woman in Ann had her working at Neiman’s furs making hats and, later on, at Eaton’s in the mailroom. During a good time span in between these two jobs, Ann fulfilled the role of a homemaker and took great pride in raising her sweet, smart, and beautiful Lois. She and Lou gave away their daughter at age 19 to marry her high school sweetheart, Joe. Lois worked on her teaching degree and her career so plans for grandchildren didn’t occur until 10 years into the marriage! Ann was delighted to be presented with another girl – a granddaughter, Melanie. And two years later, the excitement of the first boy - Dean! Ann was the quintessential grandmother: sleepovers, special breakfasts, lunches and dinners, trips to the park and wading pool, shopping adventures, heart-to-heart talks, and lots of laughter.