WINNIFRED GUSTA

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WINNIFRED GUSTA Peacefully, on Sunday, February 13, 2005 at the Red River Place Personal Care Home, Winnie passed away at the age of 93 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Evelyn Alexander; sons, Edward (Iona), Lloyd and Lawrence (Elaine); grandchildren, Kirk, Glen (April), Andrea (Darren) and Michael (Elizabeth); sister Bernice (Ron) Ruthven of Australia; and brothers, Peter (Polly) Neczkar of Winnipeg and Edward (Donia) Neczkar of Toronto. She was predeceased by her husband Mike on November 18, 2004; sisters, Kate and Judy; brothers, Frank, Stanley, Louis; and her son-in-law Charles Alexander. Mom and Dad were married for over 72 years during which time they built a strong family farm and raised and educated four children. Mom had an extraordinary business acumen, she kept track of the prices of grain and livestock on a daily basis to plan for the future. In addition she conducted the business aspect of the sod farm when it began. One of her proudest achievements was winning the Reserve Grand Champion for potatoes at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto in 1961. Mom was a true pioneer, born in the era of no electricity or running water to witnessing all the modern technology and advancements and seeing the turn of the century which was one of her dreams. She and Dad had led their family through hardships, but challenges were met with courage, determination and optimism. Mom's sense of values were instilled in her family, the most significant being the importance of the well being of family. The pursuit of learning and acquisition of knowledge were important factors in her life, both in encouraging her children and grandchildren as well as her own personal need to learn. She read the newspaper daily and would inform the family of the value of the dollar and the temperature in Arizona. T.V. was enjoyed when she could learn something new. Mom and Dad loved to travel, spending winters in Florida, Texas and mainly Arizona for 30 years. They would have loved to travel further had health allowed it. She was quiet in manner, but her presence of strength and insight were certainly felt and appreciated by her family and friends. Mom was an extraordinary woman who will be greatly missed. Prayers will be said on Monday, February 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Selkirk. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 15 at 11:00 a.m. also in the chapel with Fr. Jerry Talarski officiating. Following lunch, interment will be held in the Brookside Cemetery, Walkleyburg, MB. The family would like to thank the staff at Red River Place for their care and compassion. A special thank you to Dr. Lindenschmidt for his care and understanding over the years. In lieu of flowers, donations in Winnie's memory may be made to the Selkirk and District General Hospital or a charity of your choice. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 14, 2005