NELLIE OSTAFFI

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

NELLIE OSTAFFI Peacefully on Friday, January 24, 2003, Nellie Ostaffi passed away surrounded by loved ones at Seven Oaks Hospital. Nellie will be lovingly remembered by her sister Joyce Ewatski and her brother-in-law Derek Hill. Treasuring memories of a loving and devoted aunt are her nieces and nephews, Mary Joy (John MacDonald), Michael (Katharine) Ewatski, Julie (Ken Odokeychuk), Jack Ewatski, Jamie (Cheryl) Ewatski, Kathy (Pat Foret), Johnna (Russell Sangster) and Rocky, Sherry, Chris, Candace Ostaffy (with their spouses). Her many great-nieces and nephews and their families will remember her with love. Our loss is shared by many family friends. Nellie was predeceased by her parents, John and Julia; sisters, Minnie, Elsie and Adeline; brother Ted; sister-in-law Shirley; brothers-in-law, Frank and Johnny. Nellie was born in Winnipeg and lived most of her life in the family home on Manitoba Avenue. She spent several years in rural Manitoba working as a housekeeper for Fr. Stan Prokop, OMI contributing to parish life as an organist. She worked at Zellers on Portage Avenue retiring in 1978. Wherever her work took her, Nellies generous and caring nature resulted in many lifelong friendships. Faith and family were the most important things in Nellies life. Growing up, involvement with the community of St. John Cantius Parish was centre in the life of the Ostaffi family. Nellie attended school at St. Johns belonged to the Children of Mary and was a longtime active member of the Catholic Womens League. She had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin and her rosary was never far from her side. She practiced her faith in a quiet unassuming way as an Oblate of St. Benedicts. Her friendship with the Benedictine Sisters spanned the course of her life. Nellie was an important part of Joyce and Johnnys family. She shared with us her sense of tradition, her generous spirit, her sense of imagination and fun. She was always there for us. She loved her nieces and nephews deeply and we all have wonderful memories of time spent with Auntie Nellie. She extended this love and care to our children who will always cherish their own "Auntie Nellie memories". She enjoyed music and cards, gardening and cooking, travel and fun, bowling, bingo and going to the casino. Her many trips with Auntie Adeline provided her with many precious memories. Nellie was determined and strong, fiercely independent, with a generous heart, loving spirit and caring soul. We are blessed to have had Nellie in our lives. Rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:00 a.m. both on Tuesday, January 28, at St. John Cantius Roman Catholic Church, 846 Burrows Ave. with Rev. Fr. Henryk Uczniak officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Ghost Cemetery. The family wishes to thank Dr. Peter and the nurses of the Emergency Department of Seven Oaks Hospital for their concern and gentle care shown to Nellie and our family. Thank you to Fr. Henryk Uczniak for anointing Nellie, and praying with us Friday morning. To our friends at St. Josephs Residence: thank you for the love, support and care shown to Nellie and our family. You provided Nellie with the best of care both physically and spiritually. You will always have a special place in our hearts. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Nellies memory to the St. Benedicts Foundation or St. Josephs Residence. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 27, 2003