MARY TOMCZAK (MLODZINSKI)

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MARY TOMCZAK (nee MLODZINSKI) Peacefully on Saturday, August 25, 2007, at the Selkirk District General Hospital, Mary Tomczak's journey on earth ended at the age of 89. Mary was predeceased by her loving husband Philip in 1998, her parents Mary and Andrew, brother Andrew, and sisters Annie and Katie. She will be sadly missed by her daughter Arlene Long (Calvin), grandchildren Brant (Cynthia), Kevin (Kathi) and Garett (Jessica); great-grandchildren Michael and Christopher; and daughter Connie Kolynchuk (Henry), grandchildren Jeffrey (Lindsay), Kristen Findlay (Stephen), and Ryan; great-grandchildren Justice and Carsten.) She is also survived by her brother John (Sophie) and numerous relatives and friends. Mary was born in Highland Glen, MB, on March 17, 1918, and later this was where she attended school. She worked as a housekeeper in Winnipeg before marrying Philip Tomczak - the love of her life - in 1940. They lived in Melrose and took over the family business, owning and operating the Melrose General Store, Post Office and Imperial Oil dealership for many years. Mom was an excellent cook. We were treated to homemade Italian spaghetti, pizza and Chinese food years before it became everyday fare. Even recently Mom would comment on how hectic and often difficult life had been, but she enjoyed it very much. One of Mom's greatest joys was traveling - regardless if it was a visit to Swan River or one of many trips overseas. Mary was devoted to the Roman Catholic Church. She was an active member of St. Michael's (Cook's Creek), St. Anne's (Petersfield) and Notre Dame (Selkirk) parishes over the years. Mary and Philip retired to Clandeboye, MB, in 1985. Mary never sat idle. She filled her days with gardening, quilting and crafting. Her grandchildren have fond memories of her doughnuts and jam busters. In her latter years she was grateful for the activities and companionship she found living at the Knight's Centre. She was glad to be always with the people. Prayers will be said on Tuesday, August 28 (tonight) at 7:00 p.m. at Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk, MB. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 29 at 10:30 a.m. in the St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, Cook's Creek, MB, with Rev. Fr. Diosdado Parrenas officiating. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mary's nephews: Raymond Wazney, Victor Obirek, Ken and Greg Mlodzinski, Randy Zaborniak, and Terry Tomczak. The family extends sincere thanks to the doctors and staff of Selkirk General Hospital for their compassionate care over the last four weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, Ste. 200 - 6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6. ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO HER, O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON HER. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 28, 2007