LOUISE SMENDZIUK (GIARDINO)

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LOUISE SMENDZIUK (nee GIARDINO) Louise passed away peacefully on April 26, 2010, with her daughters at her side, after a lengthy illness with Multiple Myeloma. She was predeceased by her husband Edward Smendziuk, grandson Matthew Hower, and her parents Adele and Tranquillo Giardino. Louise was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She attended school at Earl Grey, The Convent of the Sacred Heart and St. Mary's Academy. She graduated from The Misericordia Hospital School of Nursing in 1962. Louise and Ed married in 1964 and created a loving home for their three daughters. Louise's nursing career spanned 35 fulfilling years. She first practiced as a Public Health Nurse, eventually working with the deaf community. The favourite part of her career was the many years she worked at the Manitoba School for the Deaf. She loved working in a school environment surrounded by children. Following her retirement in 1997 Louise traveled the world and was actively involved in her grandchildren's lives. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed many cultural events including music, theatre and ballet. Louise excelled at cooking and entertaining. She was known for her boundless energy and exceptional organizational skills. Louise cared passionately about social justice issues and worked tirelessly to rally people together in support of a worthy cause. She maintained a strong community involvement with St. Ignatius Parish, St. Mary's Academy, Rossbrook House, and the House of Peace. Louise was an Associate of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary for 25 years. Throughout her life Louise had many deep and lasting friendships. These friends provided tireless support during this difficult journey. Special thanks to Auntie Fran, and dear friends Leita, Jo-Ann, Simone, Yvonne and Cheryl. Louise will be deeply missed by her three daughters, Mary Hower (Tim), Laura Roy (Stéphane), Marla Armstrong (Terry), grandchildren Lauren, Lucas and Olivia, Julia and Jacob, sister Frances Lemieux, brother Emie Giardino (Diana), and many nieces, nephews and friends. We are grateful to Dr. Sathianathan, the nursing staff at St. Boniface CancerCare and Riverview Palliative Care Unit for their compassionate care. A celebration of Louise's life will be held at St. Ignatius Church, Friday, April 30, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 1160-675 McDermot or The Matthew Hower Foundation, 133 Aldershot Blvd. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 29, 2010