LYDIA MCGUIRK

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LYDIA MCGUIRK Lydia McGuirk of Minnedosa, MB passed away at the Minnedosa and District Hospital after a very long but courageous battle with heart and lung disease at the age of 75 years. Lydia was born in The Pas, MB on August 6, 1931. She enjoyed a most happy childhood, sneaking under the fence surrounding the family home at The Pas attempting to escape the watchful eye of her parents Steve and Julia who journeyed to Canada years before from the Old Country . In 1948 at age seventeen Lydia travelled south to Winnipeg to attend the University of Manitoba where she graduated with a degree in Home Economics in 1952. However, she also caught the eye of a handsome Engineering student James H. McGuirk. Her continuous talking and Jim's attentive listening were the perfect combination. After working for a year at Vancouver General Hospital as a Registered Dietician (and wowing the staff with her organizational ability), Lydia returned east to Winnipeg in 1954. Jim and Lydia were married in The Pas, MB in June of 1954 and took up residence in Winnipeg as Jim began his long career with the Manitoba Department of Highways and Transportation. With the birth of son Bryan in 1960 and son Collin in 1962 Lydia happily became a full time mother and homemaker. Lydia and her family lived in Winnipeg, MB until 1968, when Jim's transfer to Selkirk made a move necessary. In 1971, Jim was again transferred, this time to Minnedosa, MB where the family still resides. Before her decline in health, Lydia engaged in some of her great passions, especially travelling frequently west to Alberta and British Columbia to visit family and south to explore the United States. Another of her great passions was shopping, searching for high quality items at the most reasonable price. Curling in Selkirk and the early years in Minnedosa also satisfied her need for fun and camaraderie with her friends. More recently with her health problems she spent more time playing cards with her beloved Marathon Bridge Group and finding great bargains on The Shopping Channel. She was predeceased by her parents, Steve and Julia Kolodinsky. Lydia is survived by her husband Jim; son Bryan of Minnedosa, son Collin and partner Barry of Calgary. Also surviving are brother William and wife Dru Kolodinsky; sister Karen and husband Bill Morrison of Calgary; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. In respecting her wishes no service was held. Special thanks to the Minnedosa Bridge Girls for their kindness and concern. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Manitoba Lung Association, 8 940 Princess Ave., Brandon, MB R7A 0P6. Minnedosa Funeral Service in care of arrangements, 867-3868. A vivacious lady who loved talking, teddy bears and most of all her family. We love you forever. Rest Easy.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 26, 2006