PAULINE PILAT (SAWICKI)

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PAULINE PILAT (nee SAWICKI) August 12, 1923 - December 20, 2005 It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Pauline at the age of 82 years on Tuesday at the Seven Oaks Hospital. Mom will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her sons, Eugene (Stephie) and Stan Pilat; daughter Bonnie (Ken) Mularchuk; and grandchildren, Warren (Kristy), Jeffrey, Hannah and Joseph; great-grandchild Mason; as well as her sister Nellie; and brothers, Alvin and Jim. Pauline was predeceased by her parents Nicholas and Annie Sawicki; husband Michael; sister Elsie; and brothers, Nestor and Maurice. Pauline was born on the Sawicki Homestead in Garland, MB. She attended Gonta School until the age of 16 in addition to school she helped with the chores and the supervision of her younger siblings. In 1941 at the age of 17 Pauline moved to Fort William, ON, to look for work. She started working in restaurants. In 1942 the war started and Pauline found employment at Canada Car, making airplane parts. In 1943, she took the War Emergency Training Program at a Vocational School in Fort William. In 1944, Pauline met her future husband Michael Pilat in Fort William, where they dated and were engaged. Pauline had to return to Manitoba in 1945 because her father was ill and had to help her mother look after the farm and children. They married on July 1, 1945, and lived with Mike's parents in Mink Creek. Pauline and Mike were blessed with their first son Eugene in 1946 and a second son Stanley in 1950. After having little success with the Sawicki Farm, Pauline and Mike decided to move to Stonewall and then to Winnipeg in 1952. Before purchasing their first house, Pauline worked for other people doing house cleaning as well as tending to her husband and sons. In 1956, they purchased their first house and took in boarders. Mom looked after her family and the boarders as well as outside work of house cleaning while Mike worked. 1964 brought a pleasant surprise, Pauline and Mike welcomed a daughter Bonnie. Mom was a fantastic cook; no matter the time of day or night she always had something tasty and delicious to serve her family or unexpected guests. Christmas was mom's favourite time of the year, where she was famous for her generous Christmas Eve family dinners. Mom had infinite love and compassion for her family, extended family and friends. She was there for everyone who needed help or support. In the summertime, Mom took pride in planting beautiful flowers around the house, but her favourite flowers were red roses. Mom was also a member of the Ukrainian Choir, she loved music, singing and dancing. Pauline was the life of the party with her quick wit and endless jokes. She hated to see people unhappy and tried to put a smile on everyone's face. Prayers will be held on Tuesday, December 27 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 28 at 10:00 a.m., also at the chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pauline's memory to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba. Vichnaya Pam'yat CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 24, 2005