DONNA (LEE) PETZ (nee GONGOS)

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DONNA "LEE" PETZ (nee GONGOS) 1952 - 2002 Lee Petz was beloved by all that she knew. She died on December 27, 2002 in Calgary at the Rockyview General Hospital, succumbing after a decade-long struggle with Multiple Sclerosis. Her name was taken from her mothers family name: Donnelly. Born in Winnipeg in 1952, Lees life was rich with travel, both during her youth as the daughter of RCMP Assistant Commissioner (Ret.) John Gongos and his wife Lois, and later as her own family would take root in Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Calgary. Graduating from the University of Manitoba in 1975, Lee would begin her career as a home economist, working with children and the elderly alike. Her marriage to Raymond Petz took place in 1974 at Winnipegs Young United Church, her grand-fathers long-time parish and the church where Ray and Lees eldest son Eric Daniel would be christened in 1980. The birth of their second son, Graham John, would follow in 1982. Throughout her life, Lee would dedicate herself to raising her two children, ensuring that they would have strong character and resilience in their own lives. Her husband and friends benefited from the stable and positive environment she generated, imparting her considerable creativity and generosity. Lees knack for gardening and attention to detail would transcend her own home and move into the lives of those she knew, whether in her volunteer activities at schools, nature centres or local charitable organizations. Despite her long illness, Lee remained an active presence in all of their lives. She was predeceased by her mother Lois, who died in 1988. Lee is survived by her husband and sons, her father John and his wife Ruth of Winnipeg, brother Gerald Gongos and his wife Anne Pope of Calgary, sister Janet Belog and her family, husband Albert, and sons, Tyler and Stephen of Winnipeg, and stepbrother Alex Worrell of Winnipeg. Her mothers twin sister Doris and her husband Robert Payne reside with their family in South Dakota. Raymond, Eric and Graham will receive friends and family at McINNIS & HOLLOWAYS, "Park Memorial Chapel", 5008 Elbow Drive SW, on Friday, January 3, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. Lee will be buried next to her mother on a beautiful spring day in Winnipeg. To e-mail expressions of sympathy: condolences@mcinnisandholloway.com Subject Heading: Donna Lee Petz. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, 238, 2116 - 27th Avenue, N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 7A6. Telephone: (403) 250-7090. In living memory of Donna Lee Petz, a tree will be planted at Nose Creek Valley by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, "Park Memorial Chapel", 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W., CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 243-8200.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 02, 2003