ROBERTA DALE POTURNAK (BODNAR)

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ROBERTA DALE POTURNAK (nee BODNAR) March 24, 1947 March 10, 2012 After a courageous battle with ovarian cancer, it is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved wife, mother, daughter and ever so dear friend, Roberta (Bobbie) on Saturday, March 10, 2012, at home surrounded by her husband, son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. Although gone from our world she will always be loved and remembered. Roberta's memory will be cherished forever by her husband of 42 years, John, son Kristofer (Jacqueline) and our precious granddaughter Naomi Lily. She also leaves to mourn her mother Lily, brother Douglas (Diane), sisters-in-law Carole (Marcel Bilodeau) and Diane Poturnak of Vancouver. Her nieces Hollie (Tony) of Toronto, Larissa (Martin) of Paris, Brenda (Marko) of Vancouver and nephews Brian (Ina) Manilla, Rick (Charlene), André (Sofia) of Montreal, Daniel, Graham (Patti) will also share the loss of their favourite aunt. As well, she leaves behind many cousins, and her aunts Ivy, Alice, Annie and Victoria. Bobbie was predeceased by her father Peter Bodnar, mother and father-in-law Helen and John, sister-in-law Elizabeth Cardinal, brothers-in-law Bill Poturnak and Walter Cardinal. Roberta was raised and educated in the North End and was very proud of her heritage. She graduated from Sisler High School in 1965, and after working at Great West Life for a year she began a two year program at M.T.I. to become a Registered Laboratory Technologist. She worked from 1968 to 1970 with the Department of Biochemistry at Health Sciences Centre. From 1970 to 1975 she worked in research at the Clinical Investigation Unit, Department of Physiology through the University of Manitoba. Bobbie began a new career with Winnipeg School Division in 1975, working as a Laboratory Assistant in the Science Labs at the Adult Education Centre. She was then convinced by Clyde Perry to come to Tec Voc to properly organize the Science Lab facilities in order to make a first class department there. After 1986, Roberta split her time between various schools and then in 1993, she decided to earn her education degree. She enrolled in the innovative Weekend College Program at the University of Manitoba and graduated in 1997, with her Bachelor of Education. She taught at various schools, eventually retiring in 2010, from Isaac Newton School. Not one to sit idle, Roberta involved herself ultimately throughout her entire life in helping others, volunteering, aiding her community and giving of herself. Many times she set aside her own challenges to help others. As a young girl, she taught Sunday School at Shaughnessy United from 1964 to 1970, and then in the early 1980s as a nursery coordinator at Atlantic United. She volunteered at the Children's Hospital, Dr. Good Bear, Children's International Festival, Mime Theatre and Folklarama. She was also a Cub Leader, Soccer Coach, Tiny Tot T-Ball Coach, School Parent Volunteer, and Fund Raiser. Since 1972, Bobbie has been a key usher or captain at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre leading her team of volunteer ushers until October 2011, when chemotherapy restricted her outings. In the workplace she was a union representative, and a Negotiations Committee member. She was a W.T.A. representative of her schools with the Manitoba Teachers Society. She was a past member and president of Manitoba School Laboratory Assistants. She was also a member of the Canadian Registered Lab Association, and the Science Mathematics Association of Manitoba. She chaired, developed and organized many student school functions, trips, fairs, specialized programs and curricula. Roberta was extremely outgoing and a very caring, nurturing person to all of her family, friends and coworkers. She took great pride in her work, always striving to do her best. She would definitely stand up for her rights and speak out on behalf of others. Her dedication to work was unmatched. She always put others ahead of herself and was concerned with the welfare of others. She had an uncanny memory for recalling names, places, dates and issues. Roberta was an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her quiet resolve, eagerness to learn, empathy, wisdom, and gentle guiding spirit will be greatly missed by family and dear friends. There are truly not many people who could match her love, empathy and genuine compassion for family, friends, colleagues and students. Bobbie enjoyed attending many live concerts, festivals, broad genres of music, art, nature, dancing and travel. She took inspiration from many singers and the lyrics of their songs that spoke of peace, love for one another, nature and God. Some of Roberta's fondest memories were of spending time relaxing with a good book, walks, or sitting by the lake with family and friends at the cottage. She loved entertaining, visiting or just sitting around the bonfire cheering for the Bombers at the Marion's with her dear Ponemah friends. Family was important to Bobbie. She was very proud of Kris and Jackie and their accomplishments. Bobbie was always there to help. Her beloved granddaughter Naomi meant the world to her and every moment spent together was deeply treasured. We would like to thank the CancerCare Team doctors: Dr. Lotocki, Dean, Altman as well as nurse Michelle. A special thanks to the Palliative Care Coordinators, especially nurse Brenda B., Dr. Crow and the healthcare aides. This team allowed John to lovingly care for Roberta, as she wished to remain at home and continue on her final journey with comfort, dignity and grace, and most importantly, to be surrounded by family and friends. Thank you to all of our family and friends for their visits, well wishes, flowers, baking, prayers and support these last eight months. A special thanks to Bobbie’s dear and loving friend Pauline of 47 years for her visits, courage and for helping and being such a great organizer. To sister-in-law Carole for all of her work in helping with music, writings and thoughtfulness for the little things that had to be attended to. To sister-in-law Diane for picking up the pieces. Words cannot express the outpouring of support from Dave, Doug, Diane M., Darlene, Nancy, Ron, Debbie, Murray, Brenda P., Shelly, Gerry, Marcel, Dan M., Dan B., Jimmy, Imelda, Juan, Patricia, Pidkowich cousins and families, nieces and nephews. A very special and heartfelt thank you to Bobbie’s “Angel” Marlene, her cousin, whose visits, talks with and loving care for Bobbie was truly appreciated. To Reverend Scott MacAuley for his home attendance, spirituality and strength of compassion, was very comforting to John, Roberta and family. In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted in Roberta's name to CancerCare Manitoba, Siloam Mission or to one's charity of choice. As per Roberta's wishes, cremation has taken place and a service in celebration of Roberta's life will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Reverend Scott MacAuley officiating. Your Long Journey God's given us years of happiness here Now we must part And as the angels come and call for you The pains of grief tug at my heart Oh the days will empty The nights so long without you my love and when God calls for you I'm left alone But we will meet in heaven above Fond memories I'll keep of happy ways That on earth we trod And when I come we will walk hand in hand As one in heaven in the family of God Oh my darling My darling My heart breaks as you take your long journey God Bless You Roberta,
our Beloved Bobbie. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044.
Publish Date: Mar 16, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 16, 2012