MARY LOU DIDKOWSKI (MORGAN)

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MARY LOU DIDKOWSKI (nee MORGAN) July 21, 1941 - June 25, 2013 It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of Mary Lou into the arms of our Heavenly Father. Mary Lou passed away Tuesday, June 25, 2013 after complications of her long, brave struggle with Alzheimer's at the Seven Oaks Hospital. Left to cherish her memory are husband Stan, sister Margaret Rose Patrick (Dave), cousin Linda Dashney (Ralph), nephew Mike Patrick (Sheri), and their children Aiden and Avery. Mary Lou was predeceased by her parents James and Lily, uncle Jack and aunty Bernice Clifford, aunt Rose Dickson, and nephew Bradley Patrick. Mary Lou was a proud prairie girl having grown up in Wilkie, SK. As a high school student she immersed herself into all aspects of school life especially enjoying athletics and numerous clubs. Outside of school life Rebekah Lodge chose her to represent the organization at a United Nations seminar in Ft. Qu'Appelle, SK. She was also an active member of the Presbyterian Young Peoples. After graduating from McLung High School she enrolled in the faculty of Education at Saskatoon University earning her teaching certificate. After several years teaching in Saskatchewan she moved to Winnipeg where she joined on with the Seven Oaks School Division. She would, over the next several years, further advance her education at the University of Manitoba earning Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees. Her education career was devoted to elementary and junior high students having taught at Centennial, Arthur E. Wright elementary schools and Jefferson and Edmund Partridge junior high schools. After 35 years of dedicated service she retired in June 1995. Mary Lou was an avid 5 pin bowler winning numerous awards and trophies. As a golfer her proudest achievement was her "ace" hole in one at the Foothills Golf and Country Club in Yuma, Arizona in 2001. In retirement Stan and Mary Lou spent winter months in Yuma, Arizona residing at Desert Grove where, over the years, many friendships were cemented. Many a good time was enjoyed golfing, shopping and of course evening "happy hour". Another passion was travelling on cruise ships to different places over the world. Their journeys and adventures would take them to Alaska and the west coast, two trips to the Mediterranean, a Baltic sea cruise, a Mexican Riviera cruise and a cruise to Panama sailing through the canal. She marvelled at the architecture, culture, history, geography and friendly peoples wherever she travelled. Summers were spent at their lake cottage near Gimli. Many long hours were devoted to the meticulous care in developing her flower beds as well as helping Stan with his gardens. In her spare time she served on the executive of the cottage association. Her hands were seldom idle as she - in quiet times could often be found knitting, crocheting, sewing or doing embroidery work. Thanksgiving was a special time; family and friends invited to dinner and celebration of the event. Mary Lou was kind, compassionate, caring and never too busy to lend a helping hand or offer a kind word. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Throughout her illness the family was grateful for the care and compassion shown her by the 3 unit 10/12 staff as well as Doctors Biala and Vanderwert. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of their choice or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 29 at 10:30 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. You've fought the hard battle now you've been called home. Rest peacefully darling. Cropo Funeral Chapel, 204-586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 27, 2013