GLADYS KLAPECKI

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GLADYS KLAPECKI (nee Taras) It is with deep sorrow, yet with peace in our hearts, that we announce the gentle passing of Cicilia Gladys Klapecki, age 75 on Monday, April 21, 2008. Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband Richard, children Crystal (Mark) Kolt, Carla (Alex) Fleming and Michael (Shawna); grandchildren Julian, Katryn and Brandon; Andrew, Justin, Eric, Jared, Quinn, Rebecca, Wesley and Jennee; sisters Frances (Cliff) Rasmussen, Rose Hudzick and Caroline Upton; many nieces, nephews and friends in Winnipeg, Barrie and Mississauga, Ontario and in Vancouver. She was predeceased by her parents Michael and Katherine Taras; sister Mary; brothers Frank and Stanley; dear granddaughter Charlotte and her special friends Elsie Golis and Shirley Beauchamp. Gladys grew up on a small farm in the Pine Ridge area, the youngest of a large Polish family. When she was 18, with her father having passed away seven years earlier, she moved with her Mother to a house on Victoria Ave. West in Transcona. One evening at a CYO dance, her eyes met those of a tall, dark, and handsome fellow, Richard, and the love story of a lifetime began. Richard and Gladys married on July 18, 1959 and had three children Crystal, Carla, and Michael. Gladys was the heart and home of the family providing a welcoming sanctuary at days end. Her grandchildren were the light of Gladys' life. She rejoiced with their every triumph, problem-solved every crisis and comforted any hurt. If you wanted to be stopped in your tracks, just ask her about the kids . The pictures would come out, the stories - and very recently for her birthday, she received a grandchild's birthstone ring with all 12 grandchildren represented. She went over and over the pattern so that if any grandchildren asked her, she would say, Oh, here you are, you are a sapphire, deep and blue , or You are a Peridot, see how light green you are! She truly believed her job was to make sure they knew they were loved and to spoil them rotten, treating them all to wonderful shopping trips and great big hugs. She never said Goodbye , she always ended with I love you . Gladys enjoyed all of our big family gatherings especially the preparing of the traditional Polish Christmas Eve dinner and making Easter Paska bread. During our Thanksgiving feasts at the cottage she loved playing charades and the unique card game Pook Pook which resulted in derision, hooting and hollering at full volume. The last several months have been difficult. But Dad has been, as always, her hero. He fussed over her, made her favorite foods, and lavished her with every delicious meal and treat you could imagine. With this excellent chef, Mom even GAINED weight between chemo treatments. Dad found magazines he knew she would enjoy, gave her first read of the morning paper, found good shows to watch and even honored the sacred hours between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. everyday when Guiding Light and As the World Turns came on! Gladys was a deeply loved, deeply cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt and friend. She held us in her heart and we held her in ours. Though there is sorrow in her departure, there is joy and peace in knowing that when she left our arms, she went straight into the greeting arms of her beloved granddaughter Charlotte, her parents, her siblings, all the family that went before her, her Blessed Mother and her Lord. The family would sincerely like to thank Dr. Gary Harding and Cindy, Dr. Paul Chochinov and Arlene, and the extraordinary doctors, nurses and staff at GD4 at the Health Sciences Centre, in particular Josie, Joanna and Dr. Benji Goldenberg. Your skills, kindness and compassion were wonderful gifts to her and her family. Funeral Mass 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2008 at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 505 Brewster Street, Transcona. Father Jan Spyrka and Father Robert Polz (Gladys' godson) concelebrating. Joyfully following Gladys' wishes, all eight grandsons will be her pallbearers. A family interment will follow on Saturday at Pine Ridge Pioneer Cemetery, Birds Hill Park. Bardal Funeral Home, 774-7474 843 Sherbrook Street condolences: www.bardal.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 24, 2008