Lillian Wlosek (Mass is postponed)

Lillian Snjolaug Wlosek

August 27, 1937 - February 28, 2020

     Lillian was born on August 27, 1937 to parents Thorleifur and Snjolaug Peterson in Arnes, Manitoba. She passed away on February 28, 2020 after a brief battle with cancer.

She will be forever loved and missed by her children Liane, Glenn and Janne, son-in-law Scott Hainstock and grandchildren Steven and Ellyn Sawa. She was also loved by a large extended family including sister Frederica Borys (Al), brothers Anton (Valdine), Bjarni, Kenny (Arlene) and their families, as well as the Sawa family and many dear friends. She married Victor Wlosek (son of John and Rose Wlosek) in 1959 and was predeceased by him in 1981. She was predeceased by her parents, in-laws, sisters-in-law Eleanor Peterson and Linda Peturson, great-nephew Troy Tomchuk and son-in-law Ed Sawa.

     Mom had a busy and fulfilling life and loved her family, community and long teaching career. Home and family were very important and Mom put a great deal of energy into making sure her home and yard were always ready for company. She loved being part of a busy supportive neighbourhood where her neighbours were also lifelong friends. The coffee was always on and there was always time for visiting. She loved being part of farming life and enjoyed making sure everyone was fed during busy seeding and harvest seasons.

     Mom was busy with family events. She was involved in the lives of her siblings, nieces, nephews and their children. She was always attending weddings, showers, teas and concerts. She loved to travel and enjoyed many trips with family and friends. She never missed an event involving her grandchildren and would drop everything to babysit or come to assist with whatever was needed. She also loved being part of her in-law families and appreciated being included in their celebrations and events.

     Mom enjoyed her community and was happy to contribute in any way she could. She loved to volunteer with the senior meal program, the museum, school reunions and at her church. She was in charge of a rest stop for MS Biking to the Viking for many years and she loved being joined by family and friends. She was always in search of new recruits for her team.

     One of the most important roles in Mom's life was that of teacher. She attended Manitoba Normal School from 1954 to 1955 and began teaching in a one room school house when she was seventeen. She later completed her degree while working full time and raising her family. She taught for 39 years, mostly grade one in Gimli. She loved being a teacher and would be so proud of her class each year. She would marvel at her great luck for always getting the best class. She maintained an interest in the lives of all her former students. She never stopped teaching and in retirement started doing her Books and Bears group and then took on a long-standing role as a tutor. Her role as a tutor was very important to her. She was so honoured that students chose her to be their teacher, she admired their dedication to their work and was extremely proud of their accomplishments. Over the years she maintained cherished friendships with her school colleagues and loved to reminisce as well as enjoy new experiences with them.

     Mom's final days have been spent dealing with the many challenges of cancer. She has amazed us with her complete composure. She always noticed and appreciated the contribution of every person helping her. She managed to learn and remember most of the names of her doctors and caregivers. She made friends with her roommates and their families. She was more concerned about the people around her than with herself. She was very grateful for and impressed by the care she received at St. Boniface Hospital and also at Selkirk Hospital. She was also so grateful for the support of her family and friends during this time.     

   Memorial donations to Ovarian Cancer Canada at ovariancanada.org are gratefully accepted.

   Funeral Mass that was to be held on Monday, March 16, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in the St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, Gimli, MB. has been POSTPONED until further notice.

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