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LORRAINE (LAURIE) MOCARSKI Obituary pic

LORRAINE (LAURIE) MOCARSKI

Date of Passing: Jun 30, 2019

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LORRAINE (LAURIE) MOCARSKI

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Lorraine (Laurie) Mocarski, 58, after a short, well-fought battle with colon cancer on June 30, 2019 at the Selkirk District Health Centre. She was surrounded by those who loved her until her last breath.
Laurie is survived by children, Alexandra (Evan) and Daniela Wenger (Sean), and husband Ihor Wenger, of 32 years. She leaves behind her nieces, Serena and Dione Kolodka, and brother-in-law Wacek Kolodka in Alberta. She is also survived by her cousins, Andy (Lila) Bogdanowicz and family in Chicago and Bob (Madeleine) Bogdanowicz and family in Virginia. She was predeceased by her parents, Daniela and Eugeniusz Mocarski and sister Regina Kolodka.
She will be missed by her sister-in-law Mary Wenger and father-in-law Andrij Wenger. She will also be missed by Chris Verhoef (Ashley) and his daughter Willow, Bob Verhoef, and Dan Verhoef (Vanessa) and his daughter Isabella.
Left also to mourn are her many girlfriends: Teresa, Darlene, Barb, Arlene, Irene, Virginia, Diane, Dianne, Debbie, Ruth, Linda, Jaclyn, and the many others she could count on for a good chat over lunch or coffee.
Laurie was a strong, determined woman who came from humble beginnings, raised by her loving Polish immigrant parents. Her early years were spent hanging out with friends and participating in activities at Saint Mary's Parish. She enjoyed her high school years at West Kildonan Collegiate playing basketball. Her love of sports continued, playing volleyball on Thursday nights, going to the Wellness Institute regularly, and cheering for the Blue Bombers.
Laurie graduated from Social Work at the University of Manitoba in 1982. She started working at the Children's Aid Society of Winnipeg, and then moved to Marymound, where she excelled in child-focused treatment. After the birth of her two children, she transitioned to being a stay at home mama with a private practice for court-ordered family assessments. With her specific skill set, she returned back to the workforce, first with Seven Oaks Hospital and then became a Supervisor with Family Conciliation. She enjoyed her years working there, helping countless families and being a support to her staff. She would eventually accept a new challenge as Service Manager of Emergency Placement Resources, where she helped children in need of shelter and support. One of her favourite things to do was buy stuffed animals to give to children in care.
Laurie's pride and joy were her two daughters who brought her so much happiness. She was known as "Mama Bear" and would do anything for them. Laurie loved all babies, regardless of where they were from. She was passionate about animals, having three golden retrievers, a chihuahua, and a "Chiweenie" in her home over the years. She adored her Rosco and Lucy in her final years.
Laurie loved to travel across the world enjoying Egypt, Poland and Italy to name a few. One of her favourite trips was exploring Greece with her lifelong best friend Teresa. She continued to travel with Ihor to Cuba, Mexico, Jamaica and Dominican Republic during the winter months for a warm getaway. She enjoyed cuddling with her puppies and the Fargo Blues Festival every summer. She enjoyed reading books and was the designated proofreader in her house. Hope this reads well Mama!
Cremation has taken place with a memorial service planned for July 5 at the Saint Mary's Polish National Church, 365 Burrows Ave. at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to CancerCare Manitoba or charity of your choice.
Her family would like to send a special thank you to friends and family with well wishes and support through this difficult time. Her family would also like to thank the staff at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre on the surgery ward and those at CancerCare Manitoba for their support. We will always be appreciative of your compassion.

Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 03, 2019

Condolences & Memories (30 entries)

  • There isn't enough words to describe how loving and caring Lorraine was. Amazing is an understatement. She was a beautiful soul, inside and out. I met Lorraine back when she was one of the supervisors at Family Conciliation. No matter how hard things got at work, she always had a smile on her face, and an open door to her office. We always laughed, and shared travelling experiences together. Once, I shared with Lorraine how I went to Cuba and lost my camera on a bus, which meant I lost all of my pictures. That same evening, I had an email with all of her Cuba pictures from the month before, so I could still have some memories of the common places we had gone. We had the travelling bug inside of us, we couldn't seem to shake off. She was truly the definition of "mamma bear", in and out of work. My most sincere and deepest condolences goes out to Ihor, Alex & Danni - Posted by: Nathalia Garzaro (Friend / Co-worker ) on: Sep 30, 2019

  • I am devastated to hear about the passing of Lorraine. I was lucky enough to work with her for just over a year. She was one of the kindest, most understanding, exceptional woman I've ever met. I wouldn't be where I am now without Lorraine giving me the opportunity to work alongside her team. Condolences to her friends, family and co-worker. You will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Zachary (Former co-worker) on: Jul 17, 2019

  • Ihor and family, so sorry for your loss. Laurie was such a wonderful person, I will miss her dearly, Fargo Blues will never be the same. - Posted by: Bob Belheumer (Friend) on: Jul 08, 2019

  • Dear Ihor and family, it was with shock and great sadness to learn of Laurie's passing. I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that God bestows upon you peace and comfort during this difficult time. - Posted by: Don Malinowski (Childhood Friend) on: Jul 08, 2019

  • I am so sorry to hear about the passing or Lorraine. She was a beautiful person and her passion and dedication to her work was admirable. My thoughts and prayer will be with your family. - Posted by: Daphne Penrose (Friend) on: Jul 08, 2019

  • So sorry to the family. Lorraine always spoke with much love for husband and so proudly of the girls. She also gushed over her puppy dogs :). She was a sweet woman and will be missed. - Posted by: Mark Hewins (Co worker) on: Jul 05, 2019

  • Ihor, Alex and Dani, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. I've known Laurie a long, long time, since we were five. I have a lot of good memories of my friendship with Lori, mostly from the earlier days. One memory that really stands out for me is flashback 50 some years to the beach at Traverse Bay. Laurie and I were making clay dishes ...that beach had tons of clay and lots of rocks..suddenly we were surrounded by these huge dragonflies! We started screaming and holding on to each other while these dragonflies circled around us. Lo and behold, here comes my dad! He's running down the path in his flowery swim trunks reminding me of Tarzan and scooping us up in his arms! He'd saved us and saved the day! There are so many memories...remembering the Monkees! Sonny and Cher! Years later going out and listening to bar bands..just a lot of awesome memories are all we have left to cherish! Rest in Peace Laurie! It was an honour being friends with you! Love, Theresa - Posted by: Theresa Plischke (Family friend ) on: Jul 05, 2019

  • Lorraine, the short time I knew you, you managed (no pun intended, she was my supervisor) to have a special place in my heart! I enjoyed hearing your happy memories/stories of your husband and children. Your loving, happy spirit will be missed around the office. Rest in peace and thank you for being you! My condolences to all who loved Lorraine. - Posted by: Roberta (Staff/friend) on: Jul 04, 2019

  • We were so incredibly shocked to hear this news of Laurie's passing! We were neighbours 30 years ago, before Alex and Dani even came on the scene. I remember that Laurie was so very excited to be pregnant with her babies. They moved from our street when the girls were still quite young, but when I bumped into either Ihor or Laurie, we were always anxious to catch up. In fact the last time I saw Laurie was at Costco about 1 1/2 years ago and we must have stood over our carts for more than an hour catching up with each other. I can't even imagine how difficult this is going to be on Ihor and the girls. Sending much love your way! Marli and David Lerner - Posted by: Marli Lerner (Former neighbour) on: Jul 04, 2019

  • Dear Alex and family, how we are saddened to hear of the loss of your beautiful Mom. She was so very proud of you girls, and as happy as she was to share stories of you, she was also genuinely interested to hear the stories and accomplishments of other young people. Her love of life, family and learning will live on through you and Dani. We are sorry that we will not be able to attend tomorrow’s service. Thinking of you, Dani and your Dad. Emily Hector and her Mom, Laurie Gingera - Posted by: Laurie Gingera (Friend and Emily Hector’s Mom) on: Jul 04, 2019

  • Lorraine was a kind hearted and down to earth person who was always exuded warmth and acceptance. I would come away from our conversations feeling positive and a little bit wiser. I'll smile whenever I think of her, and feel a twinge of sadness that she left us far too soon. - Posted by: Jeanette Kimball (Collegue) on: Jul 04, 2019

  • I am so sorry to hear of Lorraine's passing. I will remember her sense of humour, intelligence and compassion. She helped so many children. - Posted by: Liisa (Friend/co-worker) on: Jul 04, 2019

  • I owe Lorraine so much. She supported me and fought for me, multiple times. It is not an exaggeration to say I would not be where I am right now if not for her fierce advocacy. I can only hope to live up to the standards and ideals she exhibited each and every day. She was an excellent role model, both in her professional life and as a parent. I will miss her terribly. My deepest condolences to Dani, Alex and Ihor on their incomprehensible loss. She made all of us better. - Posted by: Jesse (Co-worker) on: Jul 04, 2019

  • Ihor, our hearts go out to you and your daughters during this most difficult time. Stand strong together and share your memories. Our prayers are with you. - Posted by: Terri & Tim Steinhauer (Friends) on: Jul 03, 2019

  • Dear Ihor and Family, I am so very very sorry and saddened on the passing of your dear wife Laurie. I only met her on a few occasions and she reminded me of an angel. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. God Bless you all! Barbara Palmer (friend of Helen's from St. John's High) - Posted by: Barbara Palmer (Acquaintance) on: Jul 03, 2019

  • I first met Lorraine 30 years ago when we both worked at Marymound. We stayed in touch over the years, getting together for lunch or having a good gab over the phone now and again. One of those great connections where, regardless of how infrequently we got together, we easily slipped comfortably back into each other’s lives, swapping stories about our pets, careers, travel adventures and loved ones. Lorraine always had a sparkle in her eyes, always spoke passionately about her work and with the greatest admiration and passion about her “girls” and family life. I could always count on Lorraine to give an honest opinion when asked, offer sage advice when I was looking for it and always laugh at a bad joke. I’ve heard it said that a friend is someone who makes you feel like the person you want to be. By that measure, she was one of the best. An extraordinary Mensch. My deepest condolences to all that loved her. - Posted by: Sabine Bures (Friend/Coworker) on: Jul 03, 2019

  • Shocked and saddened to hear this news. I and my spouse, Hilary, offer our deepest condolences to the family. I worked with Lorraine off and on when she was with FamCon and when she was the DR Coordinator for the province. Lorraine would often call me or meet with me about a matter to which she was seeking a resolution or trying to understand more fully, or to share updates on our kids who were about the same age or our families. When I was working for the Province, it was always a great pleasure to hear from or meet with her and have a chance to chat. Others obviously had a similar experience. We are all lucky to have known her. Her energy, strength, compassion, sense of humor, and intelligence will no doubt be sorely missed by all who knew her. - Posted by: Paul (Colleague) on: Jul 03, 2019

  • I have known Lorraine for ten years that I worked with Family Conciliation. I had the privilege of having an office next to hers. She has been very helpful to me professionally – I will not be in my current position if not for her excellent reference. I miss her dearly. On a personal side, Lorraine was a very family-oriented and loving mom to her two daughters – Alex and Dani. She will never get tired of telling stories about her precious daughters – the new job, the new course they are taking, etc. etc. She said to me one time we are the same when it comes to our children. She loves her dogs. She loves to travel and I got some tips from her every time I go to places she has been to already. She always have a perfect hair and I really admire her for that. One day I asked which salon she normally go to and she gave it to me right away. There was a time I discussed with her about some issues I had with my dentist and without hesitation gave me the name of her own dentist. She was a very good person, kind-hearted and very loving and she was gone too soon. I will truly miss her. My heartfelt condolences to the family - Ihor, Alex and Dani. May her soul rest in peace. - Posted by: Estella Kasala (Former co-worker) on: Jul 03, 2019

  • We are shocked & saddened to hear of Laurie's passing & offer our sincere condolences to her family. We knew Laurie mostly in her early years as we were neighbours & good friends of her sister Regina & family. We watched Laurie blossom into a beautiful, smart & caring young woman. We were witness over the years to her love & compassion to her nieces Serena & Dione, so it comes as no surprise that she was a devoted mother & advocate for children in need. She will be missed by many. We will be unable to attend her celebration of life as we have a family memorial on the same day, but will be thinking of all of you. RIP Laurie. - Posted by: Sharon & Bill Harris (Friend) on: Jul 03, 2019

  • I am so sorry to hear of Lorraine's passing. She was a rare gem who will be missed by all; a powerful advocate for children's rights and services and and a wise and wonderful woman. She was also an avid Blue Bomber fan. I think of her whenever I watch a game. My heart goes out to Ihor and family. I know she will be missed by all who had the privilege to know and work with her. - Posted by: Rosie O'Connor (Colleauge) on: Jul 03, 2019

  • Sending our heartfelt condolences to Ihor who supported us for so many years and to Alex, our caregiver, champion and friend, so sorry for you loss. Jacquie, Jesse & Dustin - Posted by: Jacquie Wall (Co-worker/friend) on: Jul 03, 2019

  • The thing I'll never forget about Lorraine was how much she loved her daughters. She was always talking about the amazing things they did, telling Dani how beautiful she was, and encouraging her to follow her dreams. When Dani and I were travelling around Europe, going on all sorts of adventures, Dani couldn't wait to tell her mom all about the things we were up to. She called Lorraine almost every day, not out of obligation but out of genuine joy to connect with the person she loved the most - her mom. I've never met someone who loved out loud like Lorraine did. She always let you know how she felt about you. She loved to chat with us when I was at their house visiting Dani, and she loved to see my Alex around - she always said what a gentleman he was and how lucky I was to have him. I'll cherish the memories I have of Lorraine from over the years and how cheerful, positive, fiercely loyal, and motivational she was – she told us we could accomplish anything we set our minds to and you just knew she really, truly believed it. She will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know her. - Posted by: Claire McCaffrey and Alex Hagborg (Friends of Dani) on: Jul 03, 2019

  • Devastated to hear of Lorraine's passing. Such a consummate professional and fine human being. - Posted by: Victoria Lehman (Colleague) on: Jul 03, 2019

  • I worked for/with Lorraine at Family Conciliation for almost ten years. She was a loving and dedicated mom, and a great person. Lorraine was a kind and understanding supervisor who helped me through some tough times. I'm a better person for having known her, and will miss her. My deepest condolences to Ihor, Dani, and Alex. See you on the other side Lorraine! - Posted by: Josh (Co-worker) on: Jul 03, 2019

  • Ihor, Alex & Danni you are all in our hearts, thoughts & prayer!! Laurie was an exceptional woman who you have the beautiful memories of. Make sure you hold onto to those to keep her forever close. I know I will!! - Posted by: Lesley Falk (Friend/Co-worker) on: Jul 03, 2019

  • Where to begin on how special Lorraine is to us? We are heart broken and know our Thursday night volleyball games will never be the same. Lorraine was and will always be loved every time we think of her. We will miss her hugs and her amazing spirit. She could light up the entire gym just by walking through the doors! Rest In Peace our beautiful Lorraine, we’ll love you forever. Carol, Wally (and girls) Sawchuk - Posted by: Carlo & Wally Sawchuk (Volleyball family) on: Jul 03, 2019

  • Lorraine was a very good boss whom I have come to adore her style of leadership. She carry everyone along. It was shocking to hear that you are gone. You will forever be remembered. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Amina (Boss) on: Jul 03, 2019

  • I attended the U of M with Laurie many years ago, and worked with Ihor for many years. My thoughts go to Laurie’s family and friends at their tragic loss. - Posted by: Terri Settle (Former classmate ) on: Jul 03, 2019

  • I have lots of good memories. All of us sitting in our backyard, when Rob threw a firecracker near her. Laurie chasing a young girl down a back lane in the rain with her brand new expensive heels. I remember her care and dedication to “her kids”. I remember her love of the Bombers. She was a very loving, kind, caring person but at the same time have high expectations of herself and others. She will be missed. Ihor and girls, we send you all our sympathy and love. You have a wealth of good memories. - Posted by: Ruth and Brian Halldorsson (Friends) on: Jul 03, 2019

  • So sorry for the family. Lorraine is loved by all who knew her. - Posted by: Carol Jackson and Tom Wittig (Co-worker) on: Jul 03, 2019

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