TEKLIA (TILLIE) WERBISKI

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TEKLIA (TILLIE) WERBISKI Peacefully, and with the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, Teklia (Tillie) Werbiski died on Monday, August 13, 2007 in the early morning at the age of 83 years. Tillie was ill for a long period of time and spent her remaining last four months in Brandon at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Remaining to forever cherish Tillie's memory and to mourn her passing are her daughter Donna Marie Michaels (Brandon, MB); niece Jeanette Mardis (Don in Winnipeg), Jeanette and Don's children, Nicole and Richard (Christa); sister-in-law Elizabeth Podolsky (Jarvis) of Vita, MB; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Edward and Mary Werbiski of Rorketon, MB; sister-in-law Marg Werbiski (Tony) of Sudbury, ON; as well several nieces and nephews will remember their Aunt Tills with love and kindness. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Michael Nicholas on January 27, 2000; brothers, John and Peter; sister Ann Shewaga and brother-in-law John (Shewaga); nephew Edward Shewaga; parents, Harry and Catherine Zalubniak; mother and father-in-law, Frances and Ludwig Werbiski; sister-in-law Annette Ivanchyesko; and brothers-in-law, Tony and Peter Werbiski. Born on December 1, 1924 to Harry and Catherine Zalubniak, Tillie grew up in the small community of Fraserwood, just outside Gimli, MB. Tillie and Mike had 55 years of marriage, having begun their life together shortly after the Second World War. Mom and Dad met in a small restaurant where Mom worked in Winnipeg. Shortly after their marriage in 1946 they moved to Sudbury, Ontario where work was available for veterans. Dad joined International Nickel Co. Ltd. where he worked for 32 years, retiring in 1977. During this time their only child and daughter, Donna Marie, was born and raised in Lockerby (outside of Sudbury). It was an idyllic home on Trout Lake. Many wonderful family ventures and celebrations were held all year around. In 1959 Dad was transferred to Thompson, MB with INCO as this northern mining community was beginning to open up. Mike and Tillie were two of the earliest pioneers, helping to build and develop this community. During the next 28 years, Mom continued to dedicate her life to being the best wife and mother possible. She recently said before she died, ALL I ever wanted to do was be a good mother to you and wife to Dad. Mom excelled in both duties, making a home that was full of care, love, comfort, delicious food and laughter. Complimenting her home commitment were a number of community activities. She was a very active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Auxiliary, helping in it's establishment and many contributions to the community. Tillie is well remembered for her abilities in putting together banquets with no fuss and muss! Mom was also an active member of the St. Lawrence Parish and contributed her talents and skills to helping others. For many years Tillie enjoyed sports, being an avid baseball player in Sudbury and bowler in Thompson. Her trophies are many and capture the energy and skill of a woman very much alive and vital. While in Thompson, Mom and Dad built our superb, new home in 1962. It was a very cozy home, immaculately kept with considerable pride. In 1988 Mom and Dad moved to Winnipeg after Dad's retirement in 1977. They chose to live at 909 - 600 Setter Street in a spacious apartment. This move gave Mom and Dad the opportunity to travel to many interesting destinations including; the British Isles for an Air Force reunion, Mexico (several times), several states and Hollywood. Mom spoke frequently of these trips close to the end of her life and considered them to be part of her education. Mom moved to Brandon with me in April, 2007 when it became very apparent that her health was failing. Unfortunately we did not get much opportunity to live together as her illnesses required hospitalization almost immediately. A brain hemorrhage stroke caused her death, four weeks after it happened. My Mother was a truly remarkable woman of many talents, much humour and compassion. She loved all my various cats and animals from her earliest days on her family's farm. Tillie was a woman of impeccable honesty, courage and dedication to family and friends. Mom was a blessing to us. Now may she rest in peace with God's glorious light shining upon her. Her journey here is done and now she rejoins our Lord to live eternally in everlasting joy, free from pain and sorrow. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 17 at 11:00 a.m. in the Blessed John XXIII Roman Catholic Church, 3390 Portage Avenue at Rouge Road with Rev. Msgr. Maurice Comeault, P.H. and Rev. Msgr. Stan Jaworski, presiding. A private family interment will follow at a later date in the Assumption Roman Catholic Cemetery, 3990 Portage Avenue. Many special thanks are due to our family members and close friends during this time. Much appreciated and never to be forgotten is the support of my closest friend, Jackie Mackenzie, for her lifelong friendship, care and support (Thompson); Sr. Kathleen Tomecko for her spiritual support, assistance and kindness; Mrs. Bea Jolly who spent much time with Mom in the hospital and providing support for our family; Mrs. Liz Roberts for her time with Mom and me, providing the support to carry on; Rev. Fr. Dominic Yuen for his spiritual guidance and blessings for Mom, and to the outstanding staff at the B.R.H.A. and Assiniboine Centre. You are incredible people, so clearly dedicated to your duty of care and compassion for your patients and their families. Special appreciation to the staff of the Palliative Care Unit, you are truly Angels of mercy. Very special appreciation to Dr. Nicola Van Rensburg for his sensitive medical care and advice. Those wishing to honour Tillie's memory can make a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 200 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3L 0K6. Blessed are the Pure in Heart for they will see God Matthew 5:8 WOJCIK'S ALL BELIEFS FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM FAMILY OWNED OPERATED 897 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 15, 2007