VERA (VICKY) OKALUK (NIEMSZON)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

VERA (VICKY) OKALUK (nee NIEMSZON) It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Mother and Baba on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the Concordia Hospital. Mom was born on October 10, 1928 and immigrated to Canada from Poland in 1939 with her parents and brothers when she was 11 years old. The family settled in Okno, near Arborg, Manitoba. She married her husband Mike on October 15, 1949 and together they raised their family of four energetic boys on Charles Street in the North End of Winnipeg. Mom was a hardworking woman, not only looking after her children but also other family members who lived with them. She was known for her excellent cooking skills. She made the best perogies, holopchi, chicken soup and borscht. Her freezer was always filled with homemade goodies for her children and close friends to take home at the end of a visit. Heaven now has a top notch perogy maker! When the boys were grown, Mom and Dad bought a cabin at Elma, Manitoba and spent almost every weekend there enjoying good times with family and friends. Mom will be lovingly remembered by her three sons: Jim (Shelley), Roy (Bernice) and Rick (Julie). Baba will be sadly missed by the grandchildren she treasured: Richelle (Derek), Meaghan (Cody), Morghan (Holly), Kristyn (Darren), Kyle (Stephanie) and Cody. She adored her two great-granddaughters; Charli and Mazie and her great-grandson Dawson. Just the mention of their names was enough to put a big smile on her face. Mom was predeceased by her husband Mike in 1990, her son Kenny in 2015, her parents, Leon and Basa, her brothers, Adam and Tony, and her sister Lisa. In September of 2010 Mom suffered a stroke and was no longer able to live in her own home but she was still able to maintain a good sense of humour and reminisce about days passed. We heard stories of her life as a young girl before she immigrated to Canada as well as adjusting to a new life in Manitoba. She would recall times when she worked in the circus and travelled to different locations. There were countless memories (mainly good) of her boys during their childhood days. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Kildonan Personal Care Centre for the care extended to Vicky. Flowers are gratefully declined. Family and friends wishing to make a charitable donation in her memory may select a charity of their choice. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Monday, September 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St., Winnipeg. Pallbearers will be her sons: Jim, Roy and Rick as well as her grandsons: Morghan, Kyle and Cody. A private family interment will take place at the Holy Family Cemetery. Those whom we love go out of sight But never out of mind. They are cherished in the hearts Of those they leave behind.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 15, 2018