SHIRLEY KLYMASZ (ZAPORZAN) RN, BA. 1937-2011

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

SHIRLEY KLYMASZ (ZAPORZAN) RN, BA. 1937-2011 On Thursday October 6, 2011, Shirley's long struggle with dementia came to a sudden end at Winnipeg's St. Boniface Hospital after a series of heart attacks. To forever cherish her memory, she leaves behind a heartbroken husband, Robert/Bob Klymasz, their two beloved and loving daughters, Andrea and Lara, a stalwart son-in-law Bradley Swartz (Andrea), and one hugged-to-pieces grandson Aaron. Other mourners include her brother William/Bill Zaporzan and his wife Mary of Dauphin, her sister Rosalyn Rutar of White Rock BC, and many nieces, nephews and friends near and far. She was predeceased by her parents, Tony and Teenie Zaporzan, and her two brothers Morris and Walter Zaporzan. Thanks to the extraordinary self-sacrificing of a 24/7 guardian angel - her daughter Lara - Shirley spent her final years in peace and comfort. This remarkable mother-daughter duo became a popular feature of street culture in and around Winnipeg's Fort Rouge district as well as throughout the town of Gimli during cottage season. As a regular member of the eleven o'clock Sunday church choir at Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church, Shirley always felt loved and welcomed. At the drop of a hat, she would happily recite this snippet from Joyce Kilmer's Trees : I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree. A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Against the earth's sweet flowing breast - A tree that looks at God all day And lifts her leafy arms to pray. Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree. In her earlier years, Shirley's dynamic personality and smile won her the title of winter carnival queen in her hometown of Gilbert Plains, MB, where she was born on September 12, 1937. As the oldest daughter of a garage mechanic father and a garden savvy mother, Shirley soon developed a cluster of talents that led her to become a registered nurse, taking her from operating rooms to delivering dozens of babies. After her marriage to Robert on August 31, 1963, they moved a lot, started a family and traveled extensively. Along the way, Shirley earned a BA degree, taught in many high schools and built her own dark room for her photos, some of which have been exhibited at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. She even took the artist William Kurelek to see his family's pioneering farmstead shortly before his death. She also volunteered for the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau QC, reveled in activities with her church ladies in Ottawa, and sang in Ukrainian choirs. During these times, Shirley guided her family though a string of medical difficulties including schizophrenia, a brain tumor, a father-to-daughter kidney transplant, and prostate cancer. In typical fashion, while Shirley cared for her family, workplace and community, she consistently resisted efforts to focus on her own looming health needs. On that last day of her life, Winnipeg's superior 911 Emergency Services, together with the great professionals at St. Boniface Hospital's ER, did everything possible, although it was too late. The family remains grateful for their care and understanding at such a trying time. A funeral liturgy, with Father Darren Kawiuk, will take place on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1001 Grant Ave. (corner of Harrow) in Winnipeg. A light lunch will immediately follow the service and then internment will be at All Saints Cemetery, 4535 Main Street. Pallbearers will be Gary and Tom Zaporzan, Teresa Bodin, Cathy Kaminski, Bradley Swartz and Aaron Klymasz-Swartz. To cherish Shirley's memory, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1001 Grant Ave, Winnipeg. MB R3M 1Y3, or to a charity of your choice. Korban funeral chapel in care of arrangements. VICHNAYA PAMYAT - ETERNAL MEMORY

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 12, 2011