MARY ANNE KRAWETZ

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MARY ANNE KRAWETZ It is with deep sadness that we announce Mary Anne Krawetz passed away with her family by her side, on Friday, June 23, 2000, at Riverview Health Centre. Lovingly remembered by her sisters, Donna of Regina, Jay (Terry) Dunn of Winfield, B.C. and Pat of Winnipeg; her brother Russell (Cathy) of Belair; nieces, Melissa, Elizabeth and Victoria; her nephew Nicholas and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles. She was predeceased by her parents Olga and Michael Krawetz and infant nephew Eric. Mary was a very beautiful, intelligent woman who was blessed with the unique combination of an artistic eye, a scientific mind, an adventurous spirit and a brave heart. She followed her own star and always sought integrity and truth in how she lived her life. Born in Winnipeg on November 10, 1950, Mary grew up in Transcona and attended the University of Winnipeg, graduating with a Bachelor of Art (Honours) in Philosophy and Religious Studies. After leaving university in 1972, Mary pursued her love of aviation and became one of the few female air traffic controllers in Canada at that time. She spent a number of years employed with the Ministry of Transportation in Thunder Bay. Mary was thrilled to earn her commercial pilots license and enjoyed flying several long-distance trips for pleasure. Marys interests then took her to Queens University where she completed two years of study in law. In the mid 1980s, she returned to Winnipeg and assisted with family illnesses, caring for her parents with a great deal of compassion. During this time, Mary channelled her creative energies into Chinese watercolour painting, computer programming, gardening and cross-country skiing. Her favourite winter place was the "purple" ski trail at Birds Hill Park where she loved flying over the snow as fast as she could. She adored animals and was on a first name basis with all dogs and cats within a few miles radius of her home, in addition to feeding generations of birds over the years. Mary was diagnosed with cancer in 1995 and spent the last years of her life on a perilous journey that brought her great challenges, as well as much joy in her personal victories and the kindness of so many people who shared her experience. Mary particularly found strength and comfort through her friends with Breast Cancer Action Manitoba. She learned all she could about her disease and freely shared her knowledge with others who were facing the same questions and trying to regain a sense of hope and control in their lives. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 28, at 1:30 p.m. at Transcona Memorial United Church, 209 Yale Ave. W. Flowers are gratefully declined. Those wishing to make donations may contribute to CancerCare Manitoba, 100 Olivia St., Winnipeg, Man., R3E 0V9, or to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 5 Kent St., Winnipeg, Man., R2L 1X3. The family wishes to thank Dr. Brandes and the chemo nurses at 100 Olivia St., VON nurse Marlene, home care attendants Eleanor and Kathy, hospice volunteer Annalies, the Cancer Society/Masons Volunteer Driver Program, the Breast Cancer Action Manitoba support group, and our Uncle Nick and Maurice DeMuynck of Toronto for all their caring and support during Marys illness. Even though she has gone from our midst, Mary will be in our hearts forever. She was truly "strong to the finish" and will always be an inspiration to us. "And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." Transcona Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 222-6677.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 26, 2000