SUSAN CATHERINE GOLKO (LITWIN)

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SUSAN CATHERINE GOLKO (nee LITWIN) It is with heavy hearts after a courageous battle with cancer, on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at the Gimli Community Health Centre, peacefully with her family by her side, our beloved wife, mother, and granny, was taken away from us far too soon at the age of 84 years. She will be sadly missed by her beloved husband of 65 years, Michael Golko; daughters Elaine (Paul) Stimpson, Pamela (Roger) Furgala; granddaughter Mallory Furgala and fiancé Tommy Kmet, and grandson Tee-Jay Furgala. Also left to mourn are Susan's sisters, Vanda (Eddy) MacDonald and Matilda Lupyrypa; brothers Stanley (Martha) and Ted (Marie); sister-in-law, Tilly Golko, along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her father Michael in 1970 and mother Katherine in 1992; sisters Gertie and Nellie, and brother John. Susan was born in Gimli on January 5, 1925 and was raised on a farmstead and attended South Felsendorf School. At the age of 18 Susan met her husband Mike at a country dance and worked in Winnipeg at the Y.W.C.A. to save for her wedding and was married on October 21, 1944. In 1945 they moved to the town of Gimli and soon after Mike and Susan established a Radio Service and Hardware Business - Golko's Hardware which today still exists after 64 years. Mom worked very hard all her life and her greatest enjoyment was entertaining, meeting people, and making new friends. Visits to the country especially in the Arnes area included weekly BBQ's at Mike's hall in Arnes which they purchased and it is where Mike and Susan celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Susan enjoyed travelling and would take every opportunity to take advantage of Sunday drives, walks along the Gimli pier, taking in the weekend outdoor musical concerts or local festivities, and really loved going anywhere. Susan's dedication to the hardware business was never diminished and it was only until 2005 that her medical condition forced her into retirement. A retirement that would never see her removed from the day-to-day activities but an opportunity to spend more time with her family and friends. Susan loved to cook and her greatest joy was preparing lavish meals on special occasions which included birthdays, anniversaries etc. In Susan's eyes, a special occasion never needed planning as long as there was a visitor and as always, many dishes were prepared (especially her spare ribs) and everyone was welcome and no one left hungry. Mom was a devoted mother and grandmother. She had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren, always interested in where they were and what they were up to. She always encouraged them to do their best and spoiled them rotten. Mallory was taught how to knit smutka's (dish rags) and Tee-Jay held a torch for the practical jokes they played on each other, and also enjoyed puzzles and uno games. To her daughters she was a best friend who they shared so much with. Mom you fought hard and it was unfortunate you had to leave us. You have touched a lot of people's lives and we will miss your smile, continuous caring, and interest in everyone. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 6 at 10:30 a.m in the St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, Gimli, MB with Father Wayne Morrissey officiating. Interment will follow at Gimli Community Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tommy Kmet, Ken Golko, Greg Golko, Bert Lupyrypa, Joey Litwin, and Dale Olyarnick, Honorary Pallbearers Roger Furgala, Paul Stimpson and Tee-Jay Furgala. The Family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. S. V. Patel for his above and beyond professional care given to mom, and the staff (the special nurses) at the Gimli Community Health Centre for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, if you so wish, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation Inc., 675 McDermot Ave., RM ON1160, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9 or the charity of your choice. Beautiful busy hands at rest, to your family, you were always the Best. We love you mom. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 04, 2009