JOSEPH MARUCA (PAPA JOE)

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JOSEPH MARUCA (PAPA JOE) August 11, 1928 - October 31, 2006 Peacefully on Tuesday, October 31, 2006 at the Park Manor Personal Care Home, Joe finally went to be with his Lord, after a lengthy illness. He passed away in his daughter's arms, surrounded in love and spirit, by his family. Joe is survived by his dutiful wife of 57 years of marriage, Alyce; his sister Maria Torchia and a brother Tony Maruca; son Greg (Susan) Maruca; granddaughter Melanie (James) Winkler; great grand children Carson and Cole; grand daughter Shawna (Cameron) Unrau; great grandchildren Owen and Eric; daughter Lori (Rick) Lind, grand sons Ryan (Sabrina) and Kyle (Melissa), daughter Deb (Bob) Goodfellow; grand daughter Vanessa Ashley (Dwayne) Goodfellow and Simon, the Yorkie. He was predeceased by his parents Angelina and Vincenzo Maruca and his brothers, Jim and John. Dad was born and raised in Winnipeg. He married Alyce Walker on August 10, 1950, spending their honeymoon in Banff. They raised their children in Winnipeg, but in later life he enjoyed time spent at their cottage in Pointe du Bois that was aptly named, Papa Joe's Junction. When Joe was a young man, he worked at the Royal Alexandra Hotel. He sang in a choir with his deep baritone voice and danced in a youth group, prior to meeting Alyce. After marriage, they both joined the Kinsmen and Kinette Club where he once served as their District-Governor. Curling and golf were two of his hobbies as a young man, while gardening and cooking occupied much of his later years. Dad went on to both work in, and manage a few hotels before switching careers. He later worked at Griffin Steel Foundries where he retired as a foreman in 1993. Since dad's stroke, three years ago, he has resided in both Deer Lodge and Park Manor Personal Care Home. It has been a struggle for dad, but his wife and children have tried to walk that road with him. As a tribute to dad, his wife and children have planned a Celebration of Joe's life that will be a walk down memory lane, enjoying a few laughs and sharing in the good times. His grand children will say a few words and serve as honorary pallbearers for Papa Joe , along with his sons-in-law, Rick Lind and Bob Goodfellow. His grand daughter Vanessa Ashley Goodfellow will read a passage, and his one and only special son, Greg will deliver the eulogy. We invite Joe's friends, family and acquaintances to join us in Celebration of Joe's life which will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2006 at 2:00 P.M. at Glenlawn Funeral Home located at 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. Winnipeg, Manitoba (across from the Mint). A light lunch will be served. The family would like to extend its sincere appreciation and gratitude to the heartfelt care that he received at Park Manor Personal Care Home. A special thank you to Julie and Rob and Michelle, who took a special interest in dad and took him on outings that meant so much to him, Dorothea, who drew dad out with her genuine spirit and music where she liked to hear dad's rich baritone voice in her choir. A day before dad passed away we found Dorothea, playing her guitar and singing, at dad's bedside, along with two of the other staff members. Thank you to dad's nurses, Theresa, Tom, Lisa and Julia, in addition to Al, Jimmy and Mary who took dad down to church. Another special thank you to Pastor John Diamond who was God's compassionate ambassador, providing not only his measure of care, but acting as a rock to dad and his family; especially in his last days. We are missing so many caring staff from Jill in the kitchen right down to the laundry staff. Every one stopped by on dad's last days and offered their love and words of encouragement. So, thanks to the CEO, Charles Toop and each and every one of his amazing staff members. Sorry if we missed anyone. Greg and Deb would like to thank Lori for being dad's own personal, Guardian Angel for all of the extra things that she has done on dad's behalf. She is the baby and we used to joke that she was the only one who could keep dad in line, and get away with it. DAD, YOU ARE FINALLY HOME-AT LAST! In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations in Joe's memory may be made to Park Manor Personal Care Home at 301 Redonda Street Winnipeg, MB. R2C 1L7 or the Manitoba Real Estate Association's Realtors Care Foundation at 2nd. Floor 1240 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB. R3G OT6. GLENLAWN FUNERAL HOME, in charge of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 03, 2006