MARY STONOGA (ZEMBIK)

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MARY STONOGA (nee ZEMBIK) August 22, 1923 - August 7, 2009 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Stonoga at the Arborg District Hospital on Friday, August 7, 2009, with her loved ones by her side. She will be greatly missed by her loving husband, Mike of 69 years; her daughters Elaine (Bill) Uruski, Gloria (Victor) Wallack; her five grandchildren Teresa (Dan), Barclay (Shelley), Angela (Mark), Corey (Aileen), Shannon (Kelvin) will also miss their loving Baba. Her great-grandchildren Courtney, Brendan, Damian, Bryce, Ashton, Mackenzie, MacKayla and Kolt will miss Baba's hugs. They will have many fond memories of family gatherings at birthdays, Christmas and Easter. She also leaves to mourn her half sister, Anne, of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and her half brother Albert of Selkirk. She was predeceased by her father and mother John and Tellie; two brothers Mike and Tom; and sister, Stella. As a young couple Mike and Mary went to Sioux Lookout, Ontario, seeking employment. Mary worked at a Chinese restaurant and Mike in the bush at a sawmill. A year later circumstances on the farm at home called them back. Together they worked hard side by side with Mary's brother, Tom, and her dad, John Zembik to keep the family farm going. In the early 1950s they began raising their first flock of turkeys and continued to do so for the next 45 years. In 1978 Mike and Mary realized their dream of having their own home and enjoyed living there until Mary's passing. Mary had a special gift of hospitality. There was always plenty of food and drink for family, friends and neighbours. Usually, one more drink for the road. Even when she was so ill this last year her table was always laden with all good things to eat. She loved her gardening and worked hard with Mike to have a vegetable garden half acre large and flower beds with some 40 dozen flowers to bloom beautifully. Today, she leaves behind a beautiful park in her memory, a big garden yet to be harvested and shared. We will all remember her caring and worrying about her family snow, muddy roads how will her family get home safely. Mom, we will miss you immensely, and our hearts are heavy, but we trust God is now looking after you, when we could do no more for you. Funeral service will be held at the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Fisher Branch, on Monday, August 17, 2009. Public viewing at 1:30 p.m. and service beginning at 2:00 p.m. with Father Paul Bisson officiating. Interment at St. Anthony's Cemetery in Zbaraz. A special thanks to Dr. Donnelly and staff at the Arborg District Hospital. In lieu of flowers, friends and relatives may make a donation to St. Anthony's Cemetery or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba. FISHER FUNERAL HOME INC. In care of arrangements. (204) 372-6271 or 372-6803

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 13, 2009