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PATRICIA JOANNE OSTER (TRAKALO) A Obituary pic

PATRICIA JOANNE OSTER (TRAKALO) A

Born: Aug 10, 1948

Date of Passing: Dec 12, 2013

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PATRICIA JOANNE OSTER (nee TRAKALO) A Life Well Lived Patricia Joanne Oster (nee Trakalo), born on August 10, 1948, passed peacefully with her family by her side at the Grace Hospital on Thursday, December 12, 2013. The grace and dignity she exemplified at the end of her life on earth reflected her time amongst us. It was fitting that her immediate and extended family all made the effort to pay their respects to Pat one last time before she passed. A loving wife, mother, grandmother "Amma", daughter, sister, aunt and friend, her sudden passing is a great loss by all whom she has touched. Pat's legacy includes her loving family, her husband, Don Oster, her children Craig Oster (Melanie), daughter Chantal Tkachuk (Keith), grandchildren (Matthew, Brady, Taryn Tkachuk, Maya, Ella and Kyra Oster, her sister, Sally Shymko (Tommy), brothers, Leonard (Lynda), Ronnie (Kathy) and Allan (Veronica) Trakalo, and numerous loved in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. Pat was raised in Meleb, Manitoba on the farm of Mike and Anne Trakalo (nee Philipchuk). Her strong sense of family and work ethic was born here where the Trakalo children worked, shared, lived and laughed in a clay and log home. She was married to Don Oster on November 4, 1967 and immediately started a family. She undertook a career in education while raising her two children. Pat was recognized as an exceptional teacher, motivator and having an incredible ability to relate to and inspire young people. While raising a family and working, Pat also continued her education earning a Bachelor in Education and a Post Baccalaureate Special Education Degree. During 33 years in education, Pat worked as a primary teacher, Special Education Teacher, Vice Principal, Administrator and finished her career as the Assistant Director of Human Resources. Pat always enjoyed adventure and travel. She volunteered in education and orphanages in Bolivia and Nevis. Don and Pat travelled over six continents enjoying each other's company while learning about the world and meeting new people. Known as a social butterfly, Pat's home was open to all where food was lovingly prepared with drink and conversation quick flowing. Pat and Don's home was always the centre of gatherings for family and friends. They personally designed and built every home they lived in, continuously upgrading their homes through the years based on their hard work and great taste. Pat made quick friends and acquaintances because of her ability to truly listen to people and hear what they were saying. Pat kept and made those friends, close lifelong friends, as she was a very proud woman who believed in loyalty, honesty and wanting to help everyone achieve their dreams. Pat's happiness was conditional on surrounding herself with others happiness. Pat's spirit was evident as she conquered cancer and then attacked life with even more vigour spending time with her family and travelling continuously, including overseas shortly before her unexpected passing. Fittingly, Pat was able to capture the focus of family in her life when she wrote the following in her Trakalo family history: "Our 4 children and 6 grandchildren give us something most important in life - a sense of family, joy and love something far greater than I would have imagined" We will pay tribute to Pat's life with a church service at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 4588 Roblin Blvd., Winnipeg at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19. A Ukrainian luncheon will be served in the church hall at 2:00 p.m. Pat had a very strong disdain for flowers at hospitals and funerals. As such, if so inclined, in lieu of flowers, donations would be gladly accepted by the Alpha Omega Alumnae Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 2794, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4B4 or a charity of your choice. Pat was a strong participant with the AOA, which provides educational bursaries to deserving women of Ukrainian descent. Pat as much as you will be missed, you will be significantly more remembered. As Pat often concluded, "...we love you to the moon and back..."

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 14, 2013

Condolences & Memories (66 entries)

  • Dear Don and Family: Our heartfelt sympathy at such a sad time. The years of friendship will always be remembered and Pat will always have a place in our hearts. Don, you are in our thoughts and prayers. God's Blessings. We are sorry we cannot attend the service as we are in Boston. - Posted by: Linda & Wayne Stannard ((friends)) on: Dec 23, 2013

  • Sincere condolences on the loss of Pat. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. This is a difficult time of the year to lose a loved one. - Posted by: Veronica King () on: Dec 21, 2013

  • We were very sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Oster. May your memories of her be a source of comfort during this sad time. - Posted by: Tracey Lawler and family (Cousin) on: Dec 21, 2013

  • Deepest sympathy to Don and family. Sorry that we were unable to attend the service for Pat. Our thoughts are with you. Jeannette and Lloyd Roche - Posted by: Jeannette & Lloyd Roche (friends) on: Dec 20, 2013

  • My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Chantel. I'm so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Marybeth Hogan (Friend) on: Dec 19, 2013

  • We will miss Pat's beaming smile, and the sharing of travel adventures. Her love for life and family were infectious, always a reminder to value the importance of both. We will miss her dearly and extend our sincerest condolences to Don, Craig & Melanie and their girls as well as Chantal, Keith and their family. - Posted by: Dawn Zivanovich & Gordon Green (Friend) on: Dec 19, 2013

  • My thoughts and prayers are with Pat's family. I will always remember Pat as she was such a caring and beautiful person inside and out. She treated everyone the same with love and caring. I will miss you Pat. God Bless - Posted by: Hedy Prince (Friend & Co-worker) on: Dec 19, 2013

  • To the Oster and Tkachuk families, we are truly sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers in this very difficult time. Pat has truly left beautiful memories of her life with friends and family that will be cherished forever. She will always be there with you to watch over you and keep you safe. Sincerely, Lisa and Chris Garofalo. - Posted by: Lisa and Chris Garofalo (Friend ) on: Dec 19, 2013

  • I admired Pat for successfully achieving her many goals. Her main devotion and foremost importance was the family and their well being. Even while continuing her teaching education she managed weekly afternoon curling and evening card games with the neighbours. She maintained a stylish comfortable home and could easily whip up a tasty coffee cake. My sincere condolences to Don, Craig and Chantal - Posted by: Jo Ann Wilson (friend and neighbour) on: Dec 19, 2013

  • Words cannot express my sadness at hearing of Pat's passing. Our deepest condolences and love to Don, Chantal, Craig and your families at this very difficult time. From the first time Pat welcomed our family into your home for Craig and Melanie's upcoming wedding, I felt that wonderful warmth and kindness that Pat extended to everyone. Over the years at family gatherings, we had many lovely and heartfelt conversations. She was always sincerely interested in people and took time to listen to them, encourage them and just love them. She was an example of astounding courage during her bout with cancer and amazed us all with her zest for life. You were an incredible woman and we will miss you terribly Pat. Your legacy lives on in the grandchildren you adored and in all the people you touched through your generous and loving spirit. Forever in our hearts. Suzy Glenn and family. - Posted by: Susan Glenn (Family) on: Dec 18, 2013

  • May loving memories of Pat bring you all comfort in the days to come. Praying that the heartache you feel will be replaced with gentle smiles of a wonderful women. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Oster Family. Pat will be deeply missed. We love you. - Posted by: Mary Kay & Maddie Tkachuk ((Family)) on: Dec 18, 2013

  • Our heartfelt sympathy to Don, Craig, Chantal and the entire family. Pat touched the lives of everyone she met with her warm and caring nature, her love of life, generosity and kindness. Heaven just received one of its most special angels. We will miss her and remember her lovingly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Desa and John Gushue (Craig Oster's In-laws) on: Dec 18, 2013

  • Our thoughts and prayers our with you during this sad time. - Posted by: Christine & Eddie Kelly, Debbie & Aileen Kane ((Keith's cousins)) on: Dec 18, 2013

  • My thoughts and prayers to Don, Chantal, Craig, Uncle Ronnie and family during this difficult time. - Posted by: Sean Carleton (Friend) on: Dec 18, 2013

  • Deepest sympathy to the Oster family. Pat always opened her home to welcome us when we visited from Boston, her kindness and warm heart will be missed. - Posted by: Lenny Lapenta (Friend) on: Dec 18, 2013

  • Thoughts and prayers are extended to all of the Oster family. Pat was such a wonderful person who always made us feel like one of Winnipeg's own and part of her family. So many fun memories of Pat, Don, Ronnie, Chantal, and Craig hosting the boys from Boston each time we came to visit. Stay strong guys.... God Bless - Posted by: Kevin Faller (Friend) on: Dec 18, 2013

  • We were very saddened to learn of Pat's passing. She was a vivacious and kind woman. She was always a pleasure to run into and catch up on her latest adventure, Her love for life and family was always foremost. We will miss her. Our deepest sympathy is extendned to her family. Lori Tighe and Wally Stewart - Posted by: Lori Tighe and Wally Stewart (Friends) on: Dec 18, 2013

  • My friend: a compassionate and generous soul; a life force of determination and positive energy. The heart is heavy. The loss is too real to be fully understood. My family extends our sincerest sympathy to Don and the family that Pat was so very proud of. - Posted by: Vivian Gustafson (Friend) on: Dec 18, 2013

  • “Nothing is so strong as gentleness Nothing is so gentle as real strength” Saint Francis de Sales 1567 to 1622 Pat Oster, our dear friend, as special as a rare orchid, has enriched our lives forever. Vicki and Lloyd - Posted by: Vicki Brunel (friend) on: Dec 18, 2013

  • We were so shocked and saddened by the news of Pat's passing. Our hearts are broken for you. She was such an amazing woman with a heart of gold. She will be truly missed by all those who were lucky enough to know her. Our prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Jeff and Linda McNeely (Friend) on: Dec 18, 2013

  • Chantal and Keith - Thinking of you guys and sending our love at this difficult time. - Posted by: Mary and Brad Shaw (friends) on: Dec 17, 2013

  • Mrs. Oster was my grade two teacher at Ralph Brown. She made a huge impact on my life and I will remember her forever. She was an amazing teacher and I vividly remember every day at Ralph Brown under her guidance. She was an incredible woman and teacher and I will truly miss her. - Posted by: Darcie Bielaszka (Student) on: Dec 17, 2013

  • What an incredibly beautiful lady, inside and out. The Sojda family is so sad to hear of Pat's passing. She was a blessing to us all, so kind, caring, warm and a joy to be with. I can still hear her sweet voice in my head. To the family, Pat will have a place in our hearts forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat, Tim and Josh Sojda - Posted by: Pat, Tim and Josh Sojda (Friends of the family) on: Dec 17, 2013

  • Both of us worked for WSD - had lots of dealings with her - she was a fantastic woman - I was a clerk, she was high admin. - never would have known it - she never looked down on me as some others tend to do, and always took the time to talk to me when she didn't need to - she will be sorely missed - what a wonderful woman. My sincerest sympathies to her family. - Posted by: Lorraine Taylor (Colleague) on: Dec 17, 2013

  • I am so saddened to hear of Pat's passing. I went to high school with her in Arborg. She was a great person and friend. I have fond memories of when she came to Sandy Lake Ontario to visit their family....The Kiziak's. It was a pleasure to have had a nice visit with her after many years of not seeing her. Rest in peace, Pat. My deepest condolences to all of the Oster families and Sally, Tommy and all their family. Jeanette Johnston, Keewatin, Ontario - Posted by: Jeanette Johnston (nee Solinski) (friend and former classmate) on: Dec 17, 2013

  • It was truly an honour to have known Pat. Each time Jodi and I had the pleasure to speak with her, we were impressed by her grace, sincerity and kind nature. She was so proud of her family and loved to talk most about her grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers are with Don, Craig, Chantal and their families. - Posted by: Matt & Jodi Lester (Family Friend) on: Dec 17, 2013

  • Pat worked for many years with Alpha Omega Alumnae, providing scholarships for young women of Ukrainian descent, which reflected her own path in life. She was a joy to work with. We all mourn her untimely death. Vichna ii pamyat. - Posted by: Maria Halkewycz (Friend) on: Dec 17, 2013

  • The news of Pat's untimely and sudden passing has left many truly shaken. I remember telling her at our Sept sorority luncheon that she looked as young and vibrant as a teenager! She always brightened any room she entered with her commitment, enthusiam and charm. She will be truly missed. My thoughts are with her family in their undescribable loss! God grant Pat a peaceful repose. - Posted by: Helen Feniuk (Sorority sister and friend) on: Dec 17, 2013

  • Truly saddened to hear about the loss of one amazing, genuinely kind and loving person. It was always a pleasure to talk to Pat and the love she felt for her family always shone through. May you take comfort with each other during this difficult time. - Posted by: Oliver and Sheri Laws (Friend) on: Dec 16, 2013

  • I have always had the utmost respect for Pat both professionally and personally. I so enjoyed our talks about education and appreciated her guidance and support in the early stages of my teaching career, many years ago. I will always fondly remember the many wonderful visits to the Oster house growing up and all the fun we had. I am so sorry for your loss. Pat will live forever in the hearts of those many children and adults that knew her. She was truly a remarkable lady. - Posted by: Shauna Cornwell (Lotz) and family (family friend) on: Dec 16, 2013

  • Dearest Ron, Kathy, Michael, Caitlin and family. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about Pat's death. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Rest in Peace, Pat. Each happiness of yesterday is a memory of tomorrow. With love and heartfelt condolences. Diane and Rick DeBlois. - Posted by: Diane DeBlois (Friend ) on: Dec 16, 2013

  • I am so saddened to hear of Pat's passing. I went to high school in Arborg with her. She was a great person and friend. I have fond memories of when she came to Sandy Lake, Ont. to visit their family, the Kiziak's. It was a pleasure to have had a nice visit with her after not seeing her in years. Rest in peace. My deepest condolences to all of the Oster families and Sally, Tommy and all their family. Jeanette Johnston (nee Solinski) friend and former classmate. Keewatin, Ontario. - Posted by: Jeanette Johnston (nee Solinski) (friend and former classmate) on: Dec 16, 2013

  • Don and family, we are truly saddened to hear of your loss of such an amazing lady. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. - Posted by: Miles and Lynn Filbert () on: Dec 16, 2013

  • So very shocked and saddened to hear this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will always remember our times visiting in your various homes, starting from your first honeymoon apartment, your first home in Charleswood, and later other entertaining evenings. We will always remember Pat as a genuine lady and a solid rock in your lives together as you progressed through life together with your two wonderful successful children, Craig and Chantel. Your friends, Bob and Lily Wiebe - Posted by: Bob Wiebe (Friend and Workmate) on: Dec 16, 2013

  • Mr. Oster, Chantel, Keith, Craig, Mel & Family, We are so sorry and saddened to hear of your wife and mom's passing. Please except our sincerest condolences. You are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Sending our love to all of you. - Posted by: Stephanie & Scott Fitzgerald (Cousin) on: Dec 16, 2013

  • Pat was a kind and caring woman who will be greatly missed. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Don, Craig, Chantal, Keith, Mel, and all of her grandchildren. God Bless - Posted by: The Tkachuk (Family) on: Dec 16, 2013

  • Mrs. Oster was a loving, warm person. Growing up with Craig on Community Row, Mrs. Oster always shared her guidance and made you feel safe. You will be missed, and thank you for all you gave. RIP. - Posted by: David Wilson (Friend ) on: Dec 16, 2013

  • Don, Craig, Chantal and family We will miss Pat so very much! She was full of life and so much fun. We had so many plans -- not long ago she had asked me to give her name as a volunteer for United Way. I loved our long walks. We talked about so many things but mostly Pat spoke about how much she loved her family, especially her children and grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Josie and Mario - Posted by: Josie and Mario Audino (friends) on: Dec 15, 2013

  • Condolences to all the family members. - Posted by: Jim Maier (NHL Security, St. Louis ) on: Dec 15, 2013

  • We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. ❤ - Posted by: Jack & Josie Monkman & Family (Cousin) on: Dec 15, 2013

  • It was an honour to have met and known your wife, mother, sister. She was quite an exceptional woman, kind, graceful, giving, classy, personable are just a few qualities that come to mind. Her wonderful memories will live on as you share her stories. Please accept my sincere condolences in this most difficult time. - Posted by: Paulette Richardson (Family Friend) on: Dec 15, 2013

  • We were so very saddened to have heard of Pat's passing. Our most sincere sympathies to Don, family and all whom knew Pat. Her smile was contagious and she will be lovingly remembered and missed at the gatherings and functions of Meleb. - Posted by: Trish & Ray Rosolowich (Long time friends) on: Dec 15, 2013

  • Don, Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your wife and mother Pat. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Paolo & Rosa Pesce - Posted by: Rosa Pesce () on: Dec 15, 2013

  • We were very saddened to learn of Pat's passing. Our lives have become richer for having known such an awesome woman. Oster's were our neighbours when we lived on Southboine Drive & their daughter 'Chantal' & our daughter 'Chantal' became lifelong friends. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to Don & all the family for your loss. We are sorry that we are in California for the winter now & cannot make the funeral. - Posted by: Jon & Carol Kreviazuk (Friends) on: Dec 15, 2013

  • Although our relationship was short - only a few years while Dallas, Amy, Keith and Chantal were together in Arizona and St. Louis, Don and Pat made a lasting impression on our lives. We shared the love of our children and especially grandchildren! The world is a better place because of Pat - her legacy lives on reflected through Chantal, her brother, Don and the grandchildren! Our love to all - Posted by: Jeff and Nancy Fisher (Amy Drakes parents) on: Dec 15, 2013

  • Pat was always gracious and giving in her life. I send my sincere condolences to you Don, and family. My deepest wishes for your healing. - Posted by: Barbra Shepit (Duguid) (friend and co-worker) on: Dec 15, 2013

  • Pat (and Don) are 2 of the most generous caring people we know. Always great supporters of our son Derek and 2 of our closest family friends. We will miss Pat dearly and our thoughts and prayers go out to Don, Craig & Chantal and their families. We love you all dearly. - Posted by: Keith, Sandy, Derek & Trent McLrennan (Family friends) on: Dec 15, 2013

  • It was a pleasure to know Pat - we had lots of fun times in Ancaster! My condolences to all of the family - thinking of you all during this difficult time. - Posted by: Melanie Cunningham (Friend) on: Dec 15, 2013

  • We are so lucky to have had Pat in our lives. Over the past 40 plus years we have so many special memories with the Oster family we will always cherish. Pat will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Don, our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time and hopefully Pat's strength and tremendous spirit help you through it. - Posted by: Pat and Ron Lotz (Friends) on: Dec 15, 2013

  • May I express my deepest and sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of your precious love one. I pray for healing and comfort for all. - Posted by: James Bobbitt (Friend of the family) on: Dec 15, 2013

  • I was so shocked to hear the news of Pat's passing, still in disbelief. She was a wonderful lady with a heart of gold and so kind and thoughtful. She treated the whole McLennan family like we were part of hers. She will truly be missed. All my love to Don and family, may all your memories keep you strong. I am so sorry I can not be there but I am in Hong Kong - Posted by: Barb McLennan (Friend) on: Dec 14, 2013

  • Oster and Tkachuk family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this extremely difficult time. Pat was a beautiful woman inside and out and she will be deeply missed by so many. So sorry to hear of her sudden passing. Our condolences and love to your family. - Posted by: David and Kelly Backes (Friend) on: Dec 14, 2013

  • Oster and Tkachuk family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this extremely difficult time. Pat was a beautiful woman inside and out and she will be deeply missed by so many. So sorry to hear of her sudden passing. Our condolences and love to your family. - Posted by: David and Kelly Backes (Friend) on: Dec 14, 2013

  • Don, I was truly saddened to hear of Pat's passing. My deepest condolences to you and your family and may God bless you and help you to find strength through this difficult time. Take care. - Posted by: Lorraine Mushmanski () on: Dec 14, 2013

  • It is with tremendous sadness we learn of Pat's passing. She was an amazing person to each and everyone she met. Her genuine and positive nature was always present wherever and with whomever she was with. May God bless you in your eternal rest. - Posted by: Carolyn, Randy and Jeff Perrett (Second cousin) on: Dec 14, 2013

  • Don: So sorry to learn of the passing of Pat. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you, your children, grandchildren and your Aunt Rose. Diane & Willie St. Norbert - Posted by: Diane & WIllie (Friends) on: Dec 14, 2013

  • Pat exemplified an exceptional lady. My thoughts to her family. - Posted by: Gary Pidborchynski (Friend of family) on: Dec 14, 2013

  • We became friends growing up since our teen years and continued to meet through out the years and stayed in each others life off and on if we met on social events. She will be missed as she was such a friendly and fun lady to know and have in your life. The news is so sad and I send my deepest condolences to all the family. Irene Bechert (nee Tatary) - Posted by: Irene Bechert (freind.. gre-up in Skylake Man..nee Irene Tatryn) on: Dec 14, 2013

  • So sorry to hear of your loss Don, Chantal, Craig and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as mourn the loss of Pat. God Bless you. - Posted by: Diane and Peter Tkachuk () on: Dec 14, 2013

  • Sherry and I are shocked and saddened by Pat's passing. We were just admiring the family picture on their Xmas card. She and Don were wonderful neighbours and friends who were a great source of help and support as we raised our children. We will miss her tremendously and are thankful for the time we spent with her. - Posted by: Sherry and Pete MacDonald (Friends) on: Dec 14, 2013

  • What a truly wonderful woman! Pat will be sorely missed. So many fun memories in Ancaster! Thinking of you all during this difficult time. - Posted by: Melanie Cunningham (Friend) on: Dec 14, 2013

  • Our thoughts and prayer are with you. - Posted by: Darlene Roberts(Petrachek) (family) on: Dec 14, 2013

  • Our love and prayers to Heavy D, Chantel, Craig and family. The only comfort are the memories of a great family and many laughs. My family was very lucky to be a part of it all. RIP Pat. "Blessed are the dead that the rain falls on". - Posted by: Grant and Amanda McKeracher (Friend) on: Dec 14, 2013

  • Sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Pat, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. - Posted by: Robert Tkachuk () on: Dec 14, 2013

  • Pat was and still is a wonderful lady. She has been a true friend to many, especially my sister Kathy (who will miss her greatly) as we all will. Our love goes to Don and his children and to Pat. - Posted by: Ed and Carole Popel (Friend) on: Dec 14, 2013

  • I am truly sorry to hear of the passing of Pat. My sister and I had the pleasure of helping her with a few of her wonderful parties. I am proud to have called Pat a friend of mine. You couldn't meet a nicer person. She was a true lady and a beautiful person. Vichnaya Pam'yat. - Posted by: Mary Pawlus (friend) on: Dec 14, 2013

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