JOSEPHINE (JOYCE) SYLVIA SMILEY (KOSTYRA)

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JOSEPHINE (JOYCE) SYLVIA SMILEY (nee KOSTYRA) Peacefully with her daughter Linda by her side, with much sorrow, we announce the passing of our mom and nana on Sunday, November 10, 2013 at the age of 78 years. She was predeceased by husband William Klymuik (1980); husband Stanley Smiley (2009); dad Joseph Kostyra (1987); mom Annie Kostyra (1994); and brother-in-law Walter Burban (2002). Left to cherish many wonderful memories are her daughters, Sharlene (Klymuik) and Linda (Ed) Wilkowski; grandchildren, Dr. Skye Rousseau (fiancé Laura Scott), Randy Wilkowski, and Kris Wilkowski; sister Joan Burban; brother Richard (Lorraine) Kostyra from Naples, Florida; brother Robert (Toni) Kostyra; nieces, Andrea Kostyra (Gary Duncan) and Kaitlin Kostyra; nephew Cory Kostyra (Heidi) and their children Emma and Jordan from Alliston, Ontario, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Mom was born on February 19, 1935 in Winnipeg, MB and grew up in the North End of Winnipeg. She met and fell in love with our dad Bill and they married in 1952. They had two daughters, Sharlene and Linda. Mom worked as an Optometrist Assistant. She loved gardening, sewing, baking and cooking. She bowled, won many trophies and liked to go fishing with the family. Mom also liked playing canasta with her sister Joan and brother-in-law Walter on weekends. Mom loved children and always had treats available for them at the office. She was a very giving person who baked and cooked for family dinners and liked to set a very decorative table. After dad passed away at the age of 47, life took mom in a different direction. In 1981 she married Dr. Stan (Pops) Smiley and they were together for over 27 years. Mom and Pops travelled and enjoyed family gatherings. In 2004, Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and moved into The Rosewood Village. She transferred to Concordia Personal Care Home in 2007 where she resided until she succumbed to the illness. Many thanks to the special folks at Concordia Place. The care and compassion shown to mom as well as her family was very much appreciated. Mom was always greeted with a friendly "Hi Joyce" by all the staff and she returned a friendly smile. Donations may be made to the Concordia Foundation, 1095 Concordia Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2K 3S8 or online "concordiafoundation.ca" or to a charity of your choice in memory of mom. Memorial Service will take place at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2013. Cremation has taken place as per mom's wishes. A private interment will follow. Cropo Funeral Chapel, 204-586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 13, 2013