EMILY SUROVY

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EMILY SUROVY

It is with great sadness the family of Emily Surovy announce her peaceful passing on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon, MB just weeks shy of her 88th birthday.

Emily was predeceased by her parents, Pearl Grienke & John Solodiuk; her beloved husband of 57 years, Walter; brothers, Steve, Peter, Paul, Andy, Bill, Mike; and sisters, Anne, Doris & Pauline.

Emily will be lovingly remembered by her son, Leonard (Roxine), and their children Ashley (Jesia), April (Marcel), and great- grandchildren, Chantelle (Darian), Katherina and Tia; daughter, Leona (Brett), children Brittany (Devin) & Fallon, great- granddaughter, Dee. Emily will also be missed by her sisters Mary and Ollie; brother, Ted; godchildren, Taryn and Don; brothers and sisters-in-law, their families and of course a lifetime of friends.

Emily was born on December 4, 1936, in the small farming community of Sarto, MB. She left the farm at a young age to seek employment in Winnipeg. It was there that she met the love of her life Walter. After a short engagement they were married in Winnipeg on September 17, 1955, and then moved to the Surovy family farm near Rackham, MB. It wasn’t long before Leonard was born, and Leona soon followed.

Farm life was modest but rich in family values and traditions. Aside from looking after two young children and the house, Emily was always busy with a big garden and other outside chores. The cellar and freezer were always filled with canning & vegetables. When the kids got older, she would do all of that and work in Clear Lake for the summer. But it wasn’t all work and no play. Many family outings were enjoyed, going for drives after church, fishing & swimming, wiener roasts, visiting with friends and neighbors, lots of fall suppers and country dances. Emily and Walter danced beautifully together; he always saved the last dance for his beloved Emily.

Emily enjoyed embroidery, reading, jigsaw puzzles and bowling, but her most favorite was when she discovered Bingo and this is when her lifelong Bingo career began. Her love of Bingo never waivered right up until her passing.

In 1976, their nest was empty, so Emily and Walter moved to Brandon. Emily worked as a dietary aide in a personal care home until health issues prevented her from working anymore. She really missed interacting with the residents. Mom’s Bingo career flourished once in Brandon with so many choices. But this is also where she met some of best life-long friends. Many summers were spent travelling with their camper even though Emily was at first hesitant but soon came to love it. Their favorite destination was fishing at Jackfish Lake. The time had come for Emily and Walter to give up their home and moved to Oddfellows Corner where Emily remained until her passing.

Sadly, after a lengthy illness, Walter passed away on January 28, 2013. Emilys love and devotion never waivered during his stay in personal care, visiting him every day possible and having supper together. After Walters passing, Emily kept busy with of course Bingo but also enjoyed attending Oddfellows activities, participating in the Community Support Services and Elderly Programs through Mental Health Services and even volunteering with some of the fundraising events. Emily was also fond of yard sales, flea markets, thrift stores and had a china cabinet to prove it.

She loved curling, especially Jennifer Jones. Emily was fortunate enough to attend the Canada Cup in Brandon when Jennifer won. She enjoyed visiting Leona and Brett’s acreage, watching the birds but was especially mesmerized by the hummingbirds, so small and beautiful but yet so mighty. She loved walking around looking at the garden and flowers, but she especially loved walking down the road with a dog and four cats following.

Mom suffered from depression and anxiety for many years and travelled a journey with many bumps along the way. Added to this were the many physical health issues. Although a stroke impaired her ability to communicate effectively and remember things she had this incredible strong will to keep going and remain independent. It took a team of amazing people to help her do this and help her enjoy a great quality of life.

Mental health programs and workers, Home Care, support groups such as Minds in Motion and the lovely volunteers at the UCT Bingo were all part of this incredible team. Her family and friends were also an important part of her life that gave her a sense of stability and familiarity. Emily’s family will be forever grateful to all those wonderful folks who made her journey easier.

We all know that Emily was a smaller person but had a mighty strong-willed personality not unlike the hummingbirds she so much loved. Hummingbirds are majestic, magical little creatures and said to be spiritual guides that carry a blessing in each visit. What a better way to remember our Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Sister, Auntie and friend.

The Ceremony to Celebrate Emily’s life took place at Memories Chapel on Monday December 2, 2024. Interment followed at Rosewood Memorial Gardens.

If friends so desire, donations in memory of Emily may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba – Minds in Motion, Unit 4B – 457 9th St. Brandon MB, R7A 1K2, Paws Cross Animal Shelter, Box 39 Site 200 RR2 Brandon, MB R7A 5Y2, UCT Council #448 Brandon, PO Box 22112 RPO Southeast, Brandon, MB R7A 6Y9 or Community Support Services - C/O Shannon Morrow – Stritz, B13 800 Rosser Ave. Brandon, MB R7A 6N5.

Condolences: memorieschapel.com

EMILY SUROVY

December 4, 1936 - November 17, 2024

The death of Emily Surovy, beloved wife of the late Walter Surovy, mother of Leonard and Leona, occurred on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the Brandon Regional Health Centre.

The ceremony to Celebrate Emily’s life will take place at Memories Chapel, 330 – 18th Street North, Brandon on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Oliver Omega as Celebrant.

If friends so desire, donations in memory of Emily may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba – Minds in Motion, Unit 4B – 457 9th St. Brandon MB, R7A 1K2, Paws Cross Animal Shelter, Box 39 Site 200 RR2 Brandon, MB R7A 5Y2, UCT Council #448 Brandon, PO Box 22112 RPO Southeast, Brandon, MB R7A 6Y9 or Community Support Services - C/O Shannon Morrow – Stritz, B13 800 Rosser Ave. Brandon, MB R7A 6N5.

Condolences: www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 23, 2024, Nov 23, 2024, Dec 14, 2024