ELIZABETH (LIZA) ZAWADSKI (ECK)

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ELIZABETH (LIZA) ZAWADSKI
(nee ECK)
March 14, 1925 - December 4, 2019

It is with great sadness that the matriarch and heart of our family, Mom/Oma, passed away peacefully at the St. Boniface Hospital.
Liza will be dearly missed by Brownie, her husband of 65 years and her five children, Brian (Maggie), Carla (Stan), Robert (Dawn), Douglas (Sophie) and Sheila.
Oma will forever be remembered for her devoted love by her 12 grandchildren, Charmaine, Derek, Krista, Steven, Shondra, Christopher, Nicholas, Eric, Stephan, Dominique, Christine, Maija and her great-grandchildren, Letticia, Elinor, Alikammiq, Sakkataaq, Ella , Avra, Agalakti, Sukuluk and Mitiarjuk.
Liza was born in the German farming village of Sartscha, Yugoslavia. The course of her life changed drastically in October 1944 when occupied forces entered the village and her mother was killed. Liza was placed in an internment camp, where her sister perished due to starvation. Liza escaped and was recaptured. Her final escape was in January 1947, and she made her way from Yugoslavia to Germany.
Liza was stateless. She worked in a hospital there until she immigrated to Canada.
While still in Germany, she found out that her father and brother, Hans, were alive. She reunited with Hans in 1948. She did not see her father from 1944 until 1964. From then on Liza had a lifelong relationship with her brother, who predeceased her in January 2017.
Liza was sponsored by a farm family with nine children in Marquette, Manitoba. Arriving in Winnipeg by train from Halifax on December 13, 1949, Liza was welcomed as Manitoba's 10,000th immigrant, at the Canadian Pacific Railway Station. Liza moved to Winnipeg and worked for the Dr. P.H.T. Thorlakson family. Liza remembered these as some of the best years as she cared for the Thorlakson grandchildren. The family remained an important part of her life.
While visiting a friend at the Deer Lodge Hospital, Liza's life changed forever. She met Brownie, visiting the same patient. As they say, the rest is history.
At the time, Brownie worked for the Colonization and Immigration Department with the Canadian Pacific Railway and often left Winnipeg travelling across Canada. Liza and Brownie kept in touch by writing letters to each other every day. Liza and Brownie were married on October 30, 1954 and started their life together, raising their five children.
They lived in Winnipeg for a few years and then moved to Brandon until 1967. Liza won numerous first place prizes from the Brandon Horticultural Society for her flowers and vegetable garden. It was here that Liza would enjoy curling with Brownie in leagues and bonspiels.
Moving back to Winnipeg, home was living on Churchill Drive. Liza loved the view from the living room window, commenting on how the sun shone on the scenery by the river. Tending her large backyard with flowerbeds and vegetable garden was a labour of love from early spring to late fall every year.
Liza's family was her life; she ensured that the family had a healthy upbringing from her garden's harvests and family meals. Her passion for gardening provided her with many years of pleasure.
As grandchildren were born, Liza's love for them overcame Canada's vast distances as she travelled to Chesterfield Inlet, Rankin Inlet, Cranberry Portage, Ponoka and Calgary. She travelled by car, bus and plane to support her family.
Throughout her life, Liza's sense of humour was insightful and sharp. One needed to listen carefully to catch the priceless and witty reactions she had to the conversations around her. One of her quotes, "Leave the thinking to the horses, they have bigger heads."
Liza was an excellent cook and baker. Simple ingredients were turned into delicious meals. When family would gather, she would prepare their favourite dishes and desserts. Liza would create dishes from many parts of the world. She would laugh and tell us that we would leave the table with a unique accent.
Her joy of grandchildren was reflected in the many gatherings and family dinners. After the meal she would sit back and watch her family enjoy themselves in a warm loving atmosphere. This was when she was happiest.
Following her husband's retirement, Liza and Brownie enjoyed several overseas trips to Hawaii, Cuba, Portugal and Germany taking in the culture, climate and visits to extended family.
Retirement also included many trips to see family in Alberta, Nunavut and Northern Manitoba over the years.
Liza was an avid curling fan and spent the winter months following bonspiels on television.
As the children grew, Liza held many volunteer positions with the Princess Elizabeth Hospital Guild. She prided herself working for Elections Canada as a Deputy Returning Officer. Both reflected her concerns for the caring of others and of democratic principles.
Liza will be remembered by family, friends and acquaintances for her pleasant personality and manner.
Following Liza's wishes, there will be a private family interment in August 2020.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arthritis Society of Manitoba or a charity of your choice.
The family would like to extend their gratitude for the amazing staff at Extendicare Tuxedo Villa and the Emergency Department at the St. Boniface Hospital.

Liza/Mom/Oma
"I love you a bushel and a peck"
"Love Forever"

NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 14, 2019