ELSIE KOLODZINSKI

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ELSIE KOLODZINSKI It is with deep sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of their dearly beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Elsie Kolodzinski at the Vita Hospital, on Tuesday, July 6, 2010. Elsie will be missed and forever remembered by her four daughters: Olivia (Ken predeceased) Davies, Adelle (Ian) Mayberry, Patricia (Dennis) Beyak and Debra (Frank) Laxdall of Winnipeg; six grandchildren, Carol (Colin), Michael, Diana, Jackie (Bruce), Curtis, Crystal (Jason); six great-grandchildren, Nicholas, MacKenzie, Dylan, Cameron, Alexander and Jonathan. She was predeceased by her husband Walter Kolodzinski, her parents Anna and Michael Bodnarchuk; brothers John, Bill and Eugene; sisters Katherine, Mary, Julia and Adeline. Elsie was born in Vita, MB on September 27, 1920. She attended school in Vita and later moved to Chicago to complete her education in Rosevault High School. After she graduated she returned to Vita to assist her parents on the family farm. She worked at Vita Co-op Creamery. Elsie met Walter and they were married in Tolstoi on September 28, 1940. In the later part of 1940, they bought the Tolstoi Hotel. They operated the hotel together for 43 years until Walter passed away February 13, 1983. Elsie continued to run the business successfully for the next 25 years, for a total of 68 years. During these years, Elsie received numerous awards, certificates, presentations, recognitions and acknowledgements for many associations and businesses such as the Manitoba Hotel Association, Manitoba Telephone System, Grey Goose Bus Lines, Manitoba Lotteries, Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club, federal, provincial and local MLAs and other community organizations. Because of her successes, Elsie's hotel became known as a Home Away From Home . Elsie was very active in the community, sponsoring many local events. She loved to participate with the younger generation. She was president of the U.C.W.L.C. for 20 years, member of the following organizations for many years such as: Women's Ukrainian Orthodox Association, Tolstoi Community Centre, Senior's Club, Women's Association (W.I.), Ukrainian Tolstoi Hall and Gardenton Museum. Elsie's main passion for life were her family, her religious beliefs and sports. The family wishes to thank all the homecare workers and the staff at the Vita Hospital for the care and kindness shown to our mother. Prayers will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Drive, Steinbach on Tuesday, July 13 at 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 14, at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Ukrainian Catholic Church in Tolstoi with interment at the parish cemetery one mile south and one mile west of Tolstoi. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Ukrainian Parish Cemetery Fund, Box 92, Tolstoi, MB R0A 2E0. Vichnaya Pamyat Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel 1-204-346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 10, 2010