JOYCE EWATSKI (OSTAFFI)

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JOYCE EWATSKI
(nèe OSTAFFI)
February 28, 1925 - May 7, 2022

With grateful hearts, saddened by our loss, we share the news of the passing of our Mom, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, Joyce.
At the age of 97, our Mom passed away peacefully in the loving care of Holy Family Home on May 7, 2022.
Mom was predeceased by her devoted husband John, great-granddaughter Lily, daughter-in-law Cheryl; her parents, John and Julia Ostaffi; and her siblings, Nellie, Minnie, Elsie, Adeline and Ted.
Mom will be forever loved and remembered by her children - Michael (Kathy), Julie (Ken Odokeychuk) Jack (Brigitte Forsey), Jamie, Kathy (Pat Foret) and Johnna (Russell Sangster). Dear to her were her 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Her sisters-in-law, Lee and Louise share in our loss along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Our Mom led a life which embodied love and service. Along with Dad, she was an Oblate of St. Benedict and embraced the values of prayer, hospitality and service. Mom's relationship with the Sisters goes back to her childhood and she had been blessed by their continued friendship and support throughout her life.
Mom involved herself in many aspects of parish life at St. John's Cantius Church. She was proud to be a very active member of the CWL. At her passing, she was the eldest and longest serving member receiving her 70th year pin just a few weeks ago. She served as President, held various convenorships and participated in Diocesan and Provincial functions. This wonderful group of ladies garnered many life long friendship and lots of fun. In the day, their fashion shows were epic !
Mom spent 29 years as Catechetical Coordinator and, along with the dedicated catechism teachers, ensured that the young people of the Parish received a strong faith foundation.
Of all her ministries to the Parish, singing gave her the greatest joy! Besides leading the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Choir, she was blessed to sing at countless weddings and funerals. Her beautiful renditions of Ave Maria and How Great Thou Art are cherished reminders of the love she showed through her gift of song. Mom proudly sang in the Winnipeg Diocesan Choir and was grateful for the opportunity to sing for Pope John Paul 11 during his 1984 visit to Winnipeg. She always said she never wanted to lose the ability to sing. While she lived at Concordia Village she sang at the weekly Masses and Christmas Concerts. At Holy Family Home singing became part of all of our in person and virtual visits. Breaking into spontaneous song was not unusual for our Mom. Her voice may have weakened but her passion for song still shone through her eyes.
Mom remained grateful to the end. On her behalf, we thank the kind and caring Home Care workers who helped her while at Concordia Village, along with Chaplain Hermann Dueck for his spiritual support and the wonderful caregivers at Holy Family Home - St. Martha's Unit. Although she moved to Holy Family during a very difficult time, she was treated with respect, dignity and love. You blessed our Mom and our family with many kindnesses and we, along with her, are forever grateful. You truly embodied your motto...To Serve is to Love.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, May 13 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John Cantius Church with Reverend Fr. Yolando Gamallo officiating. Mom was laid to rest next to our Dad at St. Benedict's Cemetery.
Mom's service was streamed live and is available for viewing on the St. John Cantius Church YouTube Channel.
Our Mom's life gave us many gifts ; a quiet acceptance of what life brings, an unshakable faith, determination, sense of service, generosity, sense of humour and most important her love and value of family and friends.
For these gifts, we are blessed and thank you Mom.
Donations made to the Sisters of St. Benedict or Holy Family Home in memory of Joyce would be gratefully appreciated.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 14, 2022