Judith Chodak

Judith Marylen Ellen Chodak (nee Bragg)

Aged 82 Years old

Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister and Friend

Memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel, 309 Eveline St. Selkirk, MB with Fr. Walter Dudych officiating.

Peacefully, with her family by her side, mom got her wings and passed away at the age of 82 on April 24th, 2025.  She was born to Vera and Kenneth Bragg on April 1st, 1943 in Winnipeg, MB.  She married her loving husband Peter Chodak on August 26th, 1967.  Judith will be deeply missed and is survived by her daughter Gaylene (Peter) Halayko, her son Brad Chodak, daughter-in-law Debby Grant and her 3 grandchildren Ty, Owen and Lexi Chodak, as well as her brother Geoff Bragg (Cranbrook, BC). She was predeceased by her husband Peter and 2 brothers Jim and George Bragg. 

Mom was a kind and caring woman with a huge heart, she loved spending time with her family, grandkids and friends.  She lost her own mom at the tender age of 20, but went on to be one of the strongest, bravest and most inspiring women I’ve ever known.

Two things she loved more than anything in life were her family and her teaching career.  She balanced being a wife, mom, career woman, homemaker and grandmother.  She went out of her way to learn to make Ukrainian dishes for dad, driving Brad and I to all our activities, whether it be ringette, hockey, baseball, gymnastics, swimming lessons,  piano, catechism, taking care of the family finances and all the household duties and helping to run the family farm,  while still holding a successful full-time career outside the home. Mom was a pioneer of her time, excelling in school and going on to get her master’s degree in education, which was not a common thing back in the 70’s, especially for a woman. She went on to teach grade one at Glenelm School and later at Lord Nelson School for a 35-year career in education.   Mom had a quiet strength about her, doing everything with humility and taking a back seat to those she loved, when in reality she was the driving force - our strength – our rock.  

After retirement Mom finally had some time for herself and she took up line dancing, floor shuffle and ice curling.  She loved going for long walks, tending to her flowers and garden, playing cards, playing Bingo with her friend Marion at the Assiniboine Downs, her trips with dad to Brandon to visit relatives for cards and Chinese food, going to church, and watching the Winnipeg Jets games with family.  Often, we would have dinners at the farm while watching the game and playing cards in between periods.  Mom was an amazing cook and loved making church perogies with the ladies at the hall, as well as making delicious homecooked meals every Sunday for her family.

Mom - thank you for everything you’ve done for our family and in raising 2 children who think the world of you.  Your love for your grandchildren was always evident during your time with them at either Tudor house or earlier in life at the family farm.  Ty, Owen and Lexi you brought her joy and gave her the honour and privilege of being a grandmother.

A special thank you to my friend Sue for helping me walk our momma home in those last days and hours.  She stayed with me the second last day of mom’s life, helping prepare mom for heaven and supporting us with the process.  I will be forever grateful. 

To our Tudor house chosen family – Bev and Brian, Angela and Mary.  You made the place a home for our mom and these friendships developed into a loving relationship that we called family.  For the AMAZING staff at Tudor House who were always there for mom, treating her with love, kindness, respect and dignity right up until she passed. A special thank-you to her HCA's Shayla and Misty and nurse Kristeene, who went above and beyond each and every day, but in particular in her final hours to make a peaceful and pain free journey home to Heaven.  There are so many wonderful staff that made the place a home for her, so many more to name - please know we are forever grateful for all of you.

Thank you for the outpouring of support from all our friends and family. We are so very blessed for all the people in our lives who loved mom and continue to support us. 

Donations can be made to the Alzheimer's society or Cancer Care in honour of mom’s battles with these diseases.  One she won, the other took her from us 13 years later and in more ways than one, but she is now pain free and in God’s arms.  She is reunited with her husband Peter, her brothers Jim and George, and her beautiful momma, who she lost at such a young age but thought of with tears in her eyes often. 

Mom you always gave and did for all those around you. There was nothing you wouldn’t do for those you loved. You were our rock -our heartbeat.  Now it is time to rest and take care of you.  Until we meet again our precious sweet momma.  We love you more than words can ever say.  God Bless and may you be welcomed into Heaven with open arms.  We would choose you again, again and again…

Tributes: www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

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