DUSANKA GJEREK (RADIC)

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DUSANKA GJEREK (nee RADIC) Peacefully after a lengthy and hard fought battle with cancer Dusanka passed away on October 31, 2011. She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 51 years, Anton, daughter Rosemarie and son Anton. Also left to mourn her passing are numerous family members in Croatia and a loving circle of friends here. Mom was born in Kanica, Croatia during the war and lost both her parents very early on. At the age of 16, in search of a better life and opportunity, she and some friends travelled by small boat to Italy and from there to Montreal. She met and married Anton in Montreal and they with their young family moved to Winnipeg in 1969. Times were difficult at first learning a new language and customs but with perseverance and hard work came ease. A wonderful cook she enjoyed preparing meals for large gatherings and being Slavic to the core one could never over cater. We laugh at the memory of 20 people leaving a feast table that could easily feed another 20 more. Mom had a splendid green thumb and always had the most beautiful flower gardens. She took immense pride when passersby stopped to admire her flowers. She, also with our Dad, shared a love of growing vegetables and we would enjoy fresh produce all summer long. She missed the flocks of sheep she cared for as a youth and filled that void with many well loved family pets (usually dogs but the occasional cat was allowed). She never lost her urge to travel and made numerous trips to Mexico where she enjoyed the beaches, could lie in the sun and swim in her beloved seas. Mom and the ladies would go on frequent gambling junkets to the States and somehow always managed to come back saying she had broken even . A constant travel companion was our dear family friend Barbara Andricevic who helped care for Mom as her illness progressed. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the staff of the Oncology Department at Seven Oaks Hospital and the Palliative Care Program. We are also very grateful for the compassionate care provided to us during her final days at St. Boniface Hospital. A funeral service will be held Friday, November 4, 2011 at 10:00 a.m., at Glen Eden Funeral Home located at 4477 Main Street with interment and reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mom's name to CancerCare Manitoba, a pet charity of choice or as Mom would say buy yourself something nice. Love you forever Glen Eden Funeral Home 338-7111 www.gleneden-mb.ca

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 02, 2011