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JOSIE ZAJIC
Born: May 17, 1944
Date of Passing: May 31, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOSIE ZAJIC
Peacefully, with her children by her side, our beloved Mom and Baba, Josie Zajic, passed away at the age of 81.
Josie was predeceased by her loving husband of 34 years, Emil, in 2000. She is lovingly remembered by her children Kathy (Kerry) Dusik, Donna Collins, and John (Leah) Zajic; and cherished by her grandchildren Tiffany (Mitchell), Bryce (Jade), Tyler, Braydon, Hudson, and Mya.
Josie’s life was defined by resilience, strength, and unwavering determination. Even in her final years, while living with cancer, she remained steadfast in spirit—never defined by her illness. She often reminded us, “Tomorrow is always another day that will be better.”
Born in 1944 on a farm near Chatfield, Manitoba, Josie was the daughter of hardworking immigrant parents. Her humble beginnings instilled in her a deep sense of perseverance and a tireless work ethic. Above all, she valued family, always putting her loved ones first.
Her life’s story is best described as that of a loving and hardworking farm girl who met an equally devoted farm boy from Gilbert Plains, Manitoba. Together, they built a life grounded in the values they had both learned on the land—hard work, love, and family.
Josie found great joy in her family and in life’s simple pleasures. She loved her many pets, her garden, cooking for loved ones, and spending summers at the lake. She devoted herself fully to raising her three children, putting her career on hold to nurture them. Of all her blessings, Josie treasured most the joy of sharing her boundless love with her six grandchildren—forever her beloved 'little people’.
Later, Josie spent many years working at Holy Family Nursing Home, where her warmth and dedication made a lasting impact on the lives of the residents she truly cared for.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the devoted and compassionate CancerCare team at Grace Hospital, especially Dr. Harris, and nurses Lesley and Andrea, who treated our mother with dignity and always believed in her. We also gratefully acknowledge the staff at CancerCare Manitoba (MacCharles), and the extraordinary team at Riverview Health Centre, including Kat, Maureen Lindsay, Carla and the many aides and Staff whose kindness and care made Mom’s final weeks comfortable and meaningful.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. A private family burial will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Josie’s memory may be made to the Riverview Health Centre Foundation or the Grace Hospital Foundation.

Publish Date: Jun 7, 2025
JOSIE ZAJIC
Peacefully, with her children by her side, our beloved Mom and Baba passed away at the age of 81.
She is lovingly remembered by her children, Kathy (Kerry) Dusik, Donna Collins, and John (Leah) Zajic; and cherished by her grandchildren, Tiffany, Bryce, Tyler, Braydon, Hudson, and Mya.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street.
A more detailed notice will follow in the Saturday edition.

Publish Date: Jun 4, 2025
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 04, 2025, Jun 07, 2025
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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Kathy, Kerry, Tiffany (Mitchel) and Bryce (Jade), Our heartfelt sympathy to all the family on the passing of your dear mother and grandmother. On many of our trips back to Oak Bluff to visit family we enjoyed seeing Josie at family gatherings over the years. Her love for her family was very evident....always present for everyone. Our wish for you all is that your memories of Josie will only be happy ones....her smile, her laugh and her great sense of humor. With our love and deepest sympathy, Aunt Jude and Uncle Vick - Posted by: Victor S Dusik (Friend) on: Jun 09, 2025
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Kathy, Donna, John and family. So sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. Take care. - Posted by: Karen Zapisocki (Friend) on: Jun 07, 2025
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Please accept my most sincere and heartfelt condolences for your great loss. Josie was a hard worker at Holy Family Home as Supervisor of the Housekeeping Department, and she was a good friend to all those who had the opportunity to know her. Rest in peace my dear friend. - Posted by: Gloria Chizick (Friend and Former Co-worker) on: Jun 07, 2025
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Our deepest condolences to Kathy, Kerry, Tiffany, Bryce and the whole family. A mother’s love is never forgotten and a Baba is a treasure to be remembered. - Posted by: Nicole & Jean Sorin (Friend) on: Jun 04, 2025