ELAINE GRACE WOODS-SOROKOWSKI (BULAWKA)

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ELAINE GRACE WOODS-SOROKOWSKI (nee BULAWKA) December 29, 1938 Comfortably at Concordia Hospital with her family in attendance Elaine surrendered to eternal peace on July 6, 2009. Elaine was predeceased by her parents Michael Bulawka and Mary Bulawka of Red Lake, Ontario in addition to her husband and father of her sons, Albin Sorokowski in 1975 and second husband Lloyd Woods in 2002. She is survived by her children Robert Sorokowski (Joan) and Michael Sorokowski (Doris) as well as her grandchildren Jessica, Robert, Brenna and Jesse, all of Winnipeg. Watching these young people through various events, hockey, music, dance, soccer etc. brought enthusiasm to her life. They were a source of entertainment and pride. Her only regret was that she wished she could have been more participatory in the past year. Elaine's siblings have scattered somewhat leaving George (Ann and children), Paul (children), Jean (Donald and children) and Michael (Pam and children) to carry on distant relationships with one another. She frequently referred to the family trait, being stubborn, and how they could easily clash as a result. When push came to shove though it was only alright within the family. Their loyalties became quickly apparent if an outsider spoke ill of a brother or sister. She also leaves to mourn her close friend Kathi Ross and sons. Many nieces and nephews will miss her and many of her sons' friends will miss her kibitzing with them and should know her fondness for them. Elaine was born in Finn Town on McKenzie Island, Ontario. She was a lively young woman who loved sports especially curling and was once crowned the Carnival Queen of Red Lake, Ontario. She went to work at an early age in a local bank and then in moving to Winnipeg became a credit collector in the garment industry. Also, with the move to Winnipeg she met the love of her life, Albin. To outsiders her life often seemed hard. Albin developed Lou Gehrig's disease leaving her to raise her sons from a young age. Her sons always came first and that was her true labour of love. In her later years she enjoyed forays out to the country and Winnipeg Beach. Everyone will remember Elaine slathered in sunscreen on her lawn chair in a sleeveless top worshipping the sun. She kept a small but lovely garden, followed sporting activities on television and treasured her circle of friends. Elaine was very generous by nature. She did not want a service following her cremation. The family has suggested that anyone who is so inclined could make a donation on her behalf to Kidsport (Sport Manitoba) as it would land in the soft spot of her heart. Finally, the staff at Concordia Hospital were very appreciated particularly, Margaret, who made Elaine's last hours as comfortable as possible. Sleep Dear Mother Sleep for None Other has Deserved the Rest so Well.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 11, 2009