MARIA FRANCES OCZERKLEWICZ

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MARIA FRANCES OCZERKLEWICZ November 20, 1923 - December 21, 2002 Peacefully our Earth Angel was taken into Gods eternal care. Maria is survived by her lifelong partner and husband, Gregory. Blessed with six children that will carry on her legacy, Henry (Beverly), Richard (Heather), Edward-Ozzy (Joanne), Elizabeth-Betty (Don Yascheshyn), Gregory Joseph, Cecilia (Rob Malcolm). Remembering their loving Babcia, grandchildren, Leah, Cory, Kara, Russ (Michelle), Candy (Heath Praznik), Zachary, Olivia (Yascheshyn), Stuart, Rebecca (Malcolm) proud great-Babcia to Sara and Erin. Maria is also survived by her sisters, Sophie, Stefanie (Poland) and predeceased by her sister Katrina (Poland) nieces in Winnipeg, Maria and Daniella; and nephew Rob. Grandchildren of the heart are Peter, Todd and Melanie. Many more relatives in Poland will also remember Ciocia and her last visit to attend the wedding of her niece. Maria left home at the tender age of 16 during the Second World War and survived the bombings while running to safety into Germany. It was in a German war camp when Maria became the war bride of Gregory. Together with young sons Henry and Richard they immigrated to Canada. In a new country, confronted by a new language, they settled in Winnipeg which has become home ever since. Mom was natures child. Her love of the outdoors, planting gardens and coaxing seeds to grow into a rainbow of vivid colours surrounded her home and children. Mom would be found regularly rooting out shrubs and trees and replanting these where everyone could enjoy their bounty. As a child of nature, Mom was always on the move wherever her feet would take her, be it in Winnipeg or anywhere in this world. On sunny winter afternoons, Babcia would often bundle up her grandchildren and take them for a sleigh ride. During warm summer days Babcia loved to play with her grandchildren at the local parks and pool. Surrounded by her grandchildren she was always the bigger kid poking fun and creating laughter. Tough love was a specialty of Moms with her children. Teaching us to accept the things we cannot change, and the wisdom to know the difference. Mom was always there for us. She encouraged us when down and could always reduce a mountain of worry to a mole hill. Maria worked various jobs in her life. She drew a source of strength from AlAnon, its literature and the friends she made there. In the words of AlAnon, Maria has Let Go Let God. Maria was a member of the Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Church. She also volunteered with the seniors group at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church when age made travel difficult. The past two years have been a struggle for Maria after suffering a near fatal heart attack. This was further compounded with Alzheimers. Marias home since August was at the Charleswood Care Centre. Thank you to their staff for helping Mom continue with compassion and dignity. Thank you to Grace General Hospital staff and surgeons who successfully completed her hip surgery and took care of Mom in her last hours. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 27 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Church, 341 Selkirk Ave., with viewing commencing at 10:00 a.m. An Oblate Father will officiate and entombment will follow at Assumption Chapel Mausoleum, 3990 Portage Ave. In lieu flowers, if so desired, donations may be made in Marias memory to the Canadian Diabetes Association, Manitoba Division, Alzheimers Society of Manitoba or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 24, 2002