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VALERIE DOREEN JURKOWSKI (DEMEDASH) (VAL)
Born: Nov 13, 1953
Date of Passing: Jan 21, 2022
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VALERIE DOREEN JURKOWSKI
(DEMEDASH)
November 13, 1953 January 21, 2022
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Val Jurkowski, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, at the age of 68 years.
Val is survived by her husband of 47 years, Fred, children, Kelley (Lindsay), Lindsay (Sean), Dana (Darcy) and Tyler (Jacqueline), grandchildren, Liam, Mason, Sydney, Bowie, Vinny, sister Virgie (Gene), sister-in-law Mary, brother-in-law Len (Bernice), along with nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Christine (Teena) Demedash, brother Kenny Demedash and niece Christie Gushuliak.
Val was born on November 13, 1953 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She graduated from River East Collegiate and enrolled at Red River College to become a Lab Technologist. She started her career at St. Boniface Hospital and went on to work as a Lab Technologist at Concordia Hospital until retiring in 2011.
Val and Fred met at Baby Bull restaurant and driving range in 1969 and married June 8, 1974. They built their family home on McIvor in 1977 as they started a family. Val's true calling was being a Mom. She was kind, patient and humble and always put family first. The family loved camping with friends around Manitoba. Big Whiteshell was a favourite spot to spend summer days on the beach, playing cards and sitting around the campfire. Val was also Mom to some special pets over the years (Muppet, Spanky, Toby, Macy, and Bella). Several memorable family trips include Banff, Disneyland and Cuba. Val and Fred enjoyed travelling together to many tropical destinations including Hawaii, Costa Rica and St. Martens.
In 2008, the family cabin in Lac du Bonnet became a place where family and friends would gather. Val enjoyed hosting guests at the cabin, cooking delicious meals and gardening. Val's green thumb was evident from the beautiful flowers decorating the yard. Spending time on the boat, around the fire or working on a puzzle with her grandchildren was a highlight of summer days at the lake.
Special thanks to the nurses and staff at Health Sciences Centre for their compassion and care.
A Celebration of Life will take place at the cabin in Lac du Bonnet at a future date.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 29, 2022
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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Fred, I’m so sorry for your loss. You and Val were so welcoming when Frank and I first bought on Whippoorwill. You were both always there to help or ask us to join you for a pontoon ride. She is a dear woman who will be terribly missed. Big hugs. Joanne Comeault - Posted by: Joanne Comeault (Neighbor at the lake) on: Jun 06, 2022
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Fred…Gerard and I are so sorry for your great loss. Although we only crossed paths a few times, those times were memorable. I think we would have enjoyed and shared her love of the outdoors together if we lived closer. Our prayers are with you and your family. With love, Diane - Posted by: Diane Terpstra (Cousin) on: Mar 15, 2022
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So sorry to hear of Val’s passing. She will be remembered as a person of such enormous caring qualities and will be missed by all people who knew her. Our deepest sympathies to Fred, and Kelly, Lindsay, Dana, Tyler and their families. - Posted by: Lorraine and Don Huculak (Friends) on: Feb 17, 2022
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We are sorry to hear of Val's passing. Our deepest condolences to the family. Val was the best neighbour you could possibly ask for. She took care of our children after school for years and was always willing to lend a helping hand. What an angel! I have many fond memories of time spent together with or without our children, going on outings or at home, working on projects or just visiting. Thank you, Val, for the good times! You will be missed by everyone. - Posted by: PATRICIA BROLUND (neighbour) on: Feb 07, 2022
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It’s true that God takes the best. And Val was the best. Always welcoming us with open arms when we stopped in at the cottage. She was a kind and gentle soul. The love of her family was paramount in every discussion we had. Our condolences Fred and family on your tragic loss. May your memories bring you comfort Peter and Tracy (Friends) - Posted by: Tracy and Peter Withoos (Friends) on: Feb 06, 2022
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Our deepest and sincerest condolences to Fred and your family on the passing of Val. Our thoughts are with you Fred. - Posted by: Kent Cielen and Family (Friend) on: Feb 03, 2022
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Fred and Family - we’re so very sorry to hear of the sudden loss of Val. May the love of family and friends who surround you bring you great comfort during this very difficult time. Rest In Peace, dear Val. You will be so missed! Sincerely, Penny and Bob Malinowski - Posted by: Penny & Bob Malinowski (Val and I (Penny) are cousins) on: Jan 31, 2022
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I was so sorry to hear about the sudden passing if such a loving, kind, gentle and patient soul. I met Fred and Val at the lake through a mutual friend and a friendship was born. I spent endless days and evenings listening to stories about her grandchildren, children, early days, and listening to Val listening to Fred’s jokes. Val loved her family and loved people. She was a precious soul that I will miss so much. Prayers and Big hugs to Fred and the family and her friends. Until I see you again Val, hugs. Crystal Costello Friend from the lake. - Posted by: Crystal costello (Friend ) on: Jan 31, 2022
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Our sincere condolences to Fred and family. We are so sorry for the sudden loss of Val. She was such a positive, encouraging force, she will be missed. - Posted by: Harold & Lois Friesen (Neighbours) on: Jan 29, 2022
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Val was a treasure. We shared some of our greatest memories in Lac du Bonnet making perogies, eating those perogies and hanging out. Our sincere condolences to Fred and Family. Wishing you peace and comfort. Sharing in your sadness for a gentle soul taken to soon. - Posted by: Carrie Gilles Amelie Bodin (Friends ) on: Jan 29, 2022
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I met Val at Concordia over 30 years ago. A group of us on evenings quickly formed a friendship that to this day still continues. Stan and I also enjoyed our visits at the lake with Fred and Val..they would pick us up on our dock for pontoon rides..Val was a very special person..she never had a bad word to say about anyone..I will miss her like crazy..rest in peace Val - Posted by: Sonia Macario (Friend) on: Jan 29, 2022
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We will all miss her calm and quiet presence, always welcoming, humble and kind. She was very proud of all her children and grandchildren, a great mom and grandmother. Her life has touched each of our lives, we were privileged to call her "Friend". Our thoughts are with Fred and family. - Posted by: Carol and Ken Holberg (friend) on: Jan 29, 2022