KATHERINE (KAY) BYRKA

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KATHERINE (KAY) BYRKA August 13, 1925 - September 21, 2007 Following a valiant struggle, Kay succumbed to cancer on September 21, 2007. She faced this illness like everything else in her life, without fear and head-on. Kay was born in Poland, the youngest of three children, to Antoni and Kataczina Kuriata. The family immigrated to Canada and settled in the Alonsa area. Kay was predeceased by her parents, Antoni and Kataczina; brother Walter; husband Peter; youngest daughter Shirley, and granddaughter Melodie. She is survived by her sister Mary; daughters, Louise (Ron), and Gail; grandson Brent; great-grandson Brett; step-grandchildren Robert and Lyn-Marie, and step-great-grandchildren, Dylan and Dana, and many nieces and nephews. Kay was hard-working, independent, out-spoken, and ahead of her time. Her belief was If you let fear run your life, you will never get ahead. The world was a place to be explored, and her suitcase was always packed. Her children were the love of her life, her garden was her joy. Kay's daughters would like to extend their thanks to the many friends, family, neighbours, and the care providers at Riverview Health Centre for their support and concern during this difficult period. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday September 25, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at Knysh Funeral Chapel, 1020 Main St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children's Make A Wish Foundation or a charity of your choice. I know if Mom, were here she would tell us all: I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways. of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I'd like the tears of those who grieve, To dry before the sun, Of happy memories that I leave when life is done. FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED KNYSH FUNERAL CHAPEL 582-0973

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 24, 2007