ANTONINA RALCEWICZ

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ANTONINA RALCEWICZ A Journey begun so long ago has finally come to an end. On Sunday, October 21, 2007, lovingly surrounded by her family, Antonina Ralcewicz passed away from this mortal realm into the hands of God. Predeceased by her husband Wincenty on April 13, 1970, she will be dearly missed by her daughter Dr. Teresa Ralcewicz (Brian Emms) and her son Henryk Ralcewicz (Karen). She is also survived by her sister Karolina Brzeska and nieces and nephews of Wroclaw, Poland. Antonina was born in Jezupol, Poland on August 24, 1927 and worked as a professional tailor in Lodz, Poland. Immigrating to Canada in 1961, she married in Winnipeg and moved with her husband to the northern mining community of Lynn Lake in 1963. Becoming a young widow she raised her two children on her own. Family, her church, St. Maria Goretti and her faith were the cornerstones of her life and she passed these values on to her children. She was a caring and loving person always thinking of others first. She had a friendly smile and would take the time to talk with others. Most of all she gave us the gift of time and was a great teacher. We are what we are because of our Mother - a testament to her character. She loved being driven around Lynn Lake. The scenic beauty, the rivers and lakes, the endless forests, gathering blueberries in autumn and the northern lights would put a smile on her face. An avid walker, she spent time outdoors. Her passions were gardening, singing in church and at home, reading, sewing, knitting and cooking. Our Mother had a great passion for sketching and was a great storyteller entertaining and sharing stories with people of her life in Poland and the time she was in a labour camp during the war and her trip to South Africa. Faithfully for 26 years she was the Little Lady who tended to the flag at the Royal Canadian Legion. Antonina will be sadly missed by her family and friends and all who knew her for she had touched many lives. She will live forever in our hearts and memories. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 26 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mary's Cathedral, 353 St. Mary Avenue, with Rev. Fr. Michael Koryluk, presiding. The family wishes to thank Dr. Bracken and all the doctors, nurses and the staff at A7 South at St. Boniface Hospital for the care and comfort that they gave our Mother and us during this difficult time. Thank you and God Bless.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 24, 2007