KATHERINE (KAY) JULIA KOMADOWSKI (SHUMILAK)

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KATHERINE (KAY) JULIA KOMADOWSKI (nee SHUMILAK) September 15, 1921 - July 8, 2011 It is with extreme sorrow that Katherine's family announces her passing on Friday, July 8, 2011 at the Selkirk General Hospital. The original plans were a knee operation scheduled for July 8 and a 90th birthday celebration on September 15, 2011. A tragic fall on July 5, 2011 at her home changed the course of her life. She is survived by her only daughter Carol (McLeod) Fiddler; precious granddaughters Melissa (Alfredo) Valenzuela, Julie (Daniel) Allison, and Janine Fiddler (Usman Zaka); great-grandchildren Shiloh and Ella, whom she adored very much; sisters, Carol Derraugh, Bernice Forrest, Mary Fill, Lee (Pat) Cashman, and Roz (Dick) Rougeau; sister-in-law Steffie Shumilak; numerous nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours. Kay was predeceased by her loving husband Mike (1974); parents Antoni and Katherine Shumilak; siblings Paul (Nettie), Anton (Sophie), Joseph (Carol), Agnes (Joe) Rychliski, Bert and Stanley; brothers-in-law Vern Derraugh, George Forrest, and Nick Fill. Kay was born the fifth of 12 children in the Seabright area near Beausejour and grew up in the Mayfield district where a new family farm was purchased in the early 1930s. She married Mike on May 15, 1943 and together they worked very hard to secure their own farm. Mike's tragic accident in October 1974 changed their semi-retirement plans. It was a difficult time, but this pillar of strength adapted. She became fully employed by Betel Home and lived in her own home to the end. We will miss you so much, Mom. You were our heartbeat. Your strength of character was a guiding force for all of us. You were energetic, compassionate, caring, kind, humble, hospitable beyond belief, a fantastic cook, accepting of others and a real People person. You were always ready to do more - volunteering at bingo and church bake sales, supporting Crime Watch, Altar Society, Garson Seniors' Whist Club, camping, organizing and preparing family Sunday dinners, visiting, gardening, playing cards, reading, and helping family. You were affectionately known as Gramma from Mexico to Alabama to the United Arab Emirates. During the last 40 years you enjoyed travelling to Poland, Garden Hill, Toronto, Sault St. Marie, California, Hawaii, Florida, Vancouver, Mexico, and Ottawa - nearly all family related, but home was the best. What a Mom! We will always love you. Thank You to the Ambulance Crew and Staff at the Selkirk General Hospital - you are amazing! In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, Manitoba Chapter (Charitable Registration Number 131620742 RR0001), c/o SMD Clearinghouse, 825 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1M5. Pallbearers are Aaron and Ian Shumilak, Jay and Mike Carriere, Paul and Jimmie Shumilak. Organist is Margaret McNarland. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 15, 2011 at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Garson, MB with Father Charles Fillion officiating with viewing at 10:30 a.m. in the church. Interment to follow at the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 13, 2011