JESSIE CHUDZIK (OLBERT)

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JESSIE CHUDZIK (nee OLBERT) 1919 - 2010 On February 25, 2010, after a short illness, Jessie passed away peacefully with her family at her side. Jessie is survived by her daughters, Sister Josephine (Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary) and Elizabeth (Betty) Bacinger, both of Winnipeg; grandsons, Michael, Robert (Bernice); great-granddaughter Halle. She also leaves to mourn her brother-in-law Brownie Chudzik and sister-in-law Mary Andrée, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband Walter; sister Carole Wackerman; and brothers-in-law, Frank, William, John, August and Frankie. Jessie was born and raised in Winnipeg. After high school, Jessie completed certification in dressmaking and tailoring, working in the garment industry until her marriage to Walter. She continued to accept orders for sewing at home, for items ranging from complete wedding parties to dresses for nuns entering the convent. When her daughters were in high school, Jessie applied at The Bay where she worked for several years. Jessie's lifelong fidelity to God and to her Church prompted her to share her time and gifts in so many ways. At great cost, both her daughters were given a Catholic education and graduated from St. Mary's Academy. Her love of music drew her to the church choir, and in her home her daughters were given the opportunity to develop their musical talents. Jessie joined St. John Cantius Catholic Women's League, eventually becoming its president. Later, she and Jean Keating became founding members of St. Peters C.W.L., with Jessie as its first president in 1955. She served the C.W.L. in various capacities. Jessie accepted the honour of a C.W.L. Life Membership in 1975. She and Walter attended many C.W.L. national conventions together, travelling Canada from coast to coast to coast. As a couple, they volunteered at Fred Douglas Lodge, Maples Nursing Home, St. Joseph's Nursing Home, and Seven Oaks Hospital. Jessie enjoyed her Jumble puzzles, and played Bingo, helping at the canteen at St. Peters parish and C.P.A.C.. Jessie and Walter were also active in several capacities in Polish Sokol C.P.A.C. club, accepting to be host and hostess for the Folklorama pavilion for a number of summers. After Walter's death, Jessie continued to enjoy companionship and trips with seniors' groups. She also loved nurturing house plants, finding every available spot that would be useful to this end. Jessie continued crocheting, knitting, sewing, reading and attending the opera until her vision failed. Above all, Jessie loved family gatherings. Saturday suppers and evenings were a special joy as we shared conversation, along with homemade soup and a hearty meal. She found living in an apartment very lonely, and wished we could spend more time with her. We rejoice that once again Jessie is home in the communion of saints she has always professed. We thank the staff at Seven Oaks Hospital, especially on 5-2. We are particularly grateful to the home care workers who have so faithfully ministered to Jessie these last few years. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. preceded by viewing at 6:00 p.m. at St. Peters Roman Catholic Church, 748 Keewatin St., Msgr. Enrique Samson presiding. A private family interment will take place the next day. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6 or St. Mary's Academy Bursary Fund, 550 Wellington Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3M 0C1. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 01, 2010