Obituary of ANN WALETZKY

ANN WALETZKY (nee TITYK) On Friday, November 23, 2012, our world lost a beautiful person, wonderful mother, fantastic friend, and beloved wife - Ann Waletzky. After a heroic battle with cancer that far exceeded an initial prognosis, Ann passed away in Winnipeg, MB at the age of 69. Ann was born on January 1, 1943 in McCreary, Manitoba, where she grew up on the family farm. In her late teens, Ann moved to Winnipeg where she later met her husband to-be, Larry, via a chance phone call while working at the Manitoba Hospital Commission. They married on August 15, 1964, and after purchasing a home in Winnipeg, started a family, and decided to dedicate her time to her children. She later discovered a passion for helping others with tax preparation, and managed a Liberty Tax office until health issues decreased her capability. Ann possessed many admirable characteristics, including her dedication, love, and passion she showed to her children. From making school easier for them by tirelessly making their lunches, to saving family allowance cheques since birth to pay for their education, her children were always top priority. Ann was a great friend to many, and truly cared about others. In fact, many tax customers would make repeated visits year-after-year because they trusted "Annie" to take care of their taxation needs. She helped the less fortunate, took in a stray cat, "K.C." that became a 16-year family member, cared for "Grandma" in her elderly years and continually put others' needs above her own. All that had the gift of knowing Ann were truly fortunate. That is her legacy, and one that will never be forgotten. Ann is missed by many people, most notably her immediate family including her husband, Larry, son James (wife, Julia; forthcoming grandchild), and daughter Stacey (partner, Steve; children, Bailey and Tayden). Throughout her battle with cancer, and throughout her life, she was surrounded by loving friends and family, including her two brothers, Mervin Tityk (wife, Oksana) and Walter Tityk (wife, Shirley), sister, Marge Wawryn (husband, Ron), and numerous nieces and nephews. They provided love and encouragement, feeding her extremely positive attitude, right to her final days. Our family would like to thank the staff at CancerCare Manitoba and Seven Oaks General Hospital for their care, and in particular, Dr. Tunji Fatoye and Lisa Malzensky. They truly set the gold standard for empathetic healthcare. Ann has requested a private memorial service. Please consider donating to CancerCare in Ann's memory at: CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 1160-675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9, or online at http://www.cancercarefdn.mb.ca. Alternately, consider donating to Ann's favorite charity, Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 0R3, or online at http://www.winnipeghumanesociety.com. Finally, visit someone you know that has had, or is battling, cancer. Rest in peace, beloved grandmother, mother, wife, aunt, sister, and friend. We love you and miss you.