LILLIAN KOSSACK (KLIM)

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LILLIAN KOSSACK (nee KLIM) December 6, 1916 - July 10, 2008 After a journey of endless courage, dignity and strength, lots of heart and living each day to the fullest with laughter and a positive outlook, Lillian, aged 91 years, passed away on July 10, 2008 at the Selkirk General Hospital with her children by her side. She leaves to mourn and will be deeply missed by her children, Melvin (Betty), Larry (Helen), Beverly McMillan (David), Judith Bilecki, Russell (Julie), Connie Hocaluk (Eddie), Sharon Knicely (Bob), Colleen Pidruchny (Don), Douglas, Holly Goodbrandson; 23 grandchildren, Darcy Kossack (Karen), Dennis Kossack (Alicia), Kristin Kossack, Curtis Kosack, Stephen McMillan, Christopher McMillan, Maureen Cope (Steven), Gordon Bilecki (Mary Grace), Gail Bilecki, Diane Ellis (Jason), Kelly Laun (Jason), Tania Asmundson (Jeff), Nadine Levasseur (Stefan), Corrine Wiebe (Warren), Virginia Reykdal, Michael Hocaluk (Cher), Rena Pidruchny, Chad Pidruchny, Kory Kossack, Aron Kossack (Jill), Ashely Kossack, Nicole Galbraith (Bryan), John Goodbrandson and 19 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Elsie Klim, and Mille Ritchie (Neil) and many dear family and friends. Lillian (Lil) was predeceased by her husband of 58 years Harry; parents, Andrew and Amelia Klim; brothers, Michael and Edward; sisters, Jennie Klim and Olga Kosack; granddaughter Lisa Kosack; son-in-law Jack Goodbrandson; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and nieces and nephews. Lillian was born on December 6, 1916 in Wakleyburg, Manitoba and attended the Brokenhead School. In 1937, she married Harry Kossack and farmed in the Semple District for 36 years. In 1972, they left the farm and moved to 30 Louise Bay in Selkirk where she resided until 1999 when Lillian then moved to the Lion's Centre after Harry's passing in 1995. After raising her 10 children, Lillian decided to broaden her horizons and on a dare applied for a position as a housekeeper at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre. She was hired and was soon promoted to Supervisor, retiring in 1981. Being a very active person, Lil decided to volunteer at the Selkirk General Hospital and left after 10 years due to health reasons. Lillian had many passions, the first being her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be especially remembered for her knitting of grandma mitts , her beautiful flowers and garden on the farm and at 30 Louise Bay. The family would like to extend many special thanks to those who took time to visit Mom during her lengthy stay in the hospital. We would also like to thank Dr. Speer, the nursing staff and all those who helped make Mom's stay as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Special thanks to the Palliative Care Unit at the Selkirk General Hospital. Celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, July 16 at 10:30 a.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel, 309 Eveline St., Selkirk, MB with viewing prior to. Internment will take place in the Poplar Park Cemetery. Pallbearers are Stephen McMillan, Christopher McMillan. Gordon Bilecki, John Goodbrandson, Aron Kossack, Matthew Asmundson, Darcy Kossack and Warren Wiebe. Honorary pallbearers will be Lillian's granddaughters, Kelly Laun, Corrine Wiebe, Virginia Reykdal, Tania Asmundson, Nadine Levasseur, Maureen Cope, Nicole Galbraith, Rena Pidruchny, Kristin Kossack, Gail Bilecki, Diane Ellis and Ashley Kossack. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Palliative Care Center at the Selkirk General Hospital. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 14, 2008