JOYCE KOTYLUK

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JOYCE KOTYLUK

It is with profound sadness that I announce the sudden death of my mother, Joyce Kotyluk on October 31, 2020, at the Grace Hospital.
Mom was predeceased by my dad Leonard (2007), and her mother Elsie Allan (2017) and father William Allan (1998). She is survived by her loving son Darren of Winnipeg, her grandson Logan Walashek of East Selkirk, her brother Ken Allan (Lillian) and sister Donna Sale. She leaves to mourn her passing many nieces and nephews that she loved, and enjoyed so many traditional holidays she spent with them. She also loved dad's extended family in Dauphin (Johanna, Margaret, Gordon, Donna, Ernest, Lynne and Philip), as well as Dave and Doreen (Golden, BC) and their families. Her life was richer because of them, with frequent visits and trips that sealed the bond.
Mom was born in Selkirk on September 11, 1946 and lived her formative years in Bissett, Manitoba. This is where she met my father who was a handsome young man who arrived in town from Pine River to work in the mine. They moved to Selkirk in 1965 when the mine closed, and were happily married on October 22, 1966. She got a job at the Selkirk Post Office where she remained until her retirement in 1999. She continued to meet the retirees from the Post Office regularly for lunch which was always a highlight for her.
She had a group of friends that met weekly for lunch, and she spoke frequently about what they did that week. She was saddened by the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic had on her social outings, and told me that she would miss the lunches. These friends were extremely important to her.
Mom was a wonderful person, with a caring heart and amazing sense of humour. She loved her home, her family, her friends and her flower gardens. Most of all, she loved spending time with her son and grandson. Sundays were family time, and Logan would fill her day with laughter and genuine happiness. It is certain the one thing she will miss is not seeing Logan grow up to become the intelligent, wonderful young man she knew he would.
A special thank you to the paramedics, physicians and nurses in Selkirk, and the physicians and Kristi (ICU nurse) at the Grace who cared for mom so compassionately. Our family is grateful that her sister Donna was able to be with her in the hours leading to her passing. She was not alone.
Also a very special thank you to her friend and neighbour Audrey Zieroth for being with mom the night she needed her, and to her longtime friends Gloria and Les Linklater who were always there for her.
Respecting the wishes expressed by mom, cremation has taken place and a graveside ceremony will be held at a later date.
Flowers are gratefully declined. As tokens of sympathy, donations in her memory may be made to Nova House Inc., 365 Main Street, Selkirk, Manitoba R1A 2B3.

Condolences may be left on her tribute wall
at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com.

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk
in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 14, 2020