MARY (MAE) KOZAK (MATHESON)

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MARY (MAE) KOZAK (nee MATHESON) May 6, 1920 - September 19, 2009 On September 19, 2009 mom passed away peacefully at the age of 89. She was predeceased by her twin sons Glen Thomas and Gregory Robert in 1968 and 1969 respectively and by her husband Peter (Dad) in 1990. She was also predeceased by her mother Marion Matheson in 1954, her father Hugh Matheson in 1962, her brother Angus Matheson in 1972 and sister Margaret Krentz in 2002. She leaves to mourn her son James (Dennis) and wife Heidi, brother Thomas (Edna) Matheson, sister Helen Krentz, many nieces, nephews, cousins and many others who called her Auntie Mae . Mom was born in Winnipeg on May 6, 1920. After high school she was employed at Brentwood Egg (Safeway) where she met dad. He was the love of her life and they were married in 1945. The family moved to Moosehorn, Manitoba in 1957. There she helped dad with the family business, taught Sunday school for many years and volunteered for countless community activities. The family joined the Moosehorn Peace Lutheran Church in 1958 where mom became very involved in many church functions. She also enjoyed working as a receptionist/bookkeeper for Dr. Steenson at the Grahamdale Nursing Station for many years. Mom's greatest joy was raising her sons. She loved gardening, entertaining family and friends and was a fantastic cook. Everyone was welcome in her home and no one ever left hungry. Her saying was There's always room for one more . She loved to laugh and liked nothing better than a really good joke. After Dad passed away Mom moved to Winnipeg in 1991 and made many new friends. She joined the Parkside Plaza Social Club and spent many evenings playing Bridge and Cribbage. She enjoyed travelling and travel she did. There were numerous trips to the U.S. with the Social Club. She travelled to Mexico, made three overseas trips to Portugal, Spain, Africa and the trip she enjoyed the most was to the British Isles with her brother Thomas in 1997. Mom's last trip was to Palm Springs, California in 2008. She joined the Peace Lutheran Church on Gilmore Avenue where she enjoyed the seniors group and especially her relationship with Pastor Brad Schollenberg who was very special to her. Mom often marvelled how all of the church members treated her just like family. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial service will be held at the Peace Lutheran Church at 350 Gilmore Avenue on Friday, September 25 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Brad Schollenberg officiating. A private interment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations in mom's memory may be made to the Peace Lutheran Church Memorial Fund (350 Gilmore Ave.), MADD, CancerCare Manitoba or a charity of one's choice.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 23, 2009