FLORENCE KUZ

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FLORENCE KUZ

(nee SAMBORSKI)

Peacefully, with family by her side, Florence passed away on Friday, November 3, 2023.

Florence, as the youngest of eight children, was predeceased by her father Michael, her mother Frances, all of her brothers and sisters and our dad, Peter Kuz. She is survived by her son Bob (Paulette), daughter-in-law Christine and granddaughters, Sara and Natalie, son Greg (Joanne) and grandsons, Gregory (Sheleah), great-granddaughter Gila, and Jonathan, her daughter Barbara and granddaughters, Melissa (Chad) and Kelsey (Daniel), great-grandsons, Peter and Otto and daughter Cathy (Ross).

Mom had a full and active life. She was born in Meleb, MB on May 1, 1930. At the age of 16, she was asked to teach grades 1-8 in a one room schoolhouse and loved it. When this teaching assignment ended, Mom attended Normal School where she graduated with her teaching degree in 1949 and began teaching. Shortly after graduating, she met and married Peter Kuz. They moved to Winnipeg where they began their family. After several moves, the family settled in Selkirk where the red house on Moody Avenue became the cornerstone for family gatherings.

Mom was a loving and caring person. She found the balance of working while making sure her children were looked after and ready for school and activities. She became known as and cherished her title of “Hostess with the Mostest”. Her table was always surrounded by family and friends, and full of delicious food and conversation. On the big holidays, Mom regularly set an extra place as she always wanted to be ready to welcome any surprise guest that might appear.

Mom believed in the value of hard work and having pride in a job well done. She always said, “if you’re going to do it, do it right or don’t do it at all”. Her working career was varied. She taught grades 4/5 for several years and was highly praised for and very proud of the Christmas concerts she organized. She was also a business woman, owning a series of hotels over time. Being in the hotel business afforded Mom and Dad the opportunity to have dinner with Queen Elizabeth II when she made a visit to Regina in 1973. Mom’s last career was as a telephone operator for MTS where made many cherished lifelong friends.

During her lifetime, Mom was never afraid to try new things and never tired of learning new skills. She always told us kids that everything we learned was to our advantage. Along with many other things, it was this love of learning that inspired her to learn the game of cribbage at age 75, a game she spent many happy hours playing with family and friends and never missed an opportunity to tease you about the last time she skunked you. No challenge seemed insurmountable to her.

In the 1980s, Mom became interested in politics. She could tell you what was happening here at home and south of the border. This interest created many lively discussions, depending on what side you were on. Mom also volunteered at election time and took her position as Supervising Deputy Returning Officer very seriously. This newfound love of politics followed her into her 90s.

Mom tried to be as close to her grandchildren as time and distance allowed. She asked them questions about school, sports, activities, boyfriends, girlfriends and later, husbands. She offered opinions and counsel, provided warmth and comfort and plenty of hugs. They knew Grandma/Nana was there for them if they needed anything.

In her retirement years, Mom’s yard was the focus of her daytime attention. She spent hours planting, watering and pruning her flowers so that her yard came alive with their beauty. People she knew and worked with got the same treatment. Her door was always open, her hospitality always ready and her appreciation always front and center.

Later on in her retirement, “Aunty Dolly” would regularly house sit for her niece in Alberta. This allowed her to spend time with her daughters and their families as well as her niece Gwen and her family. She wanted to know how things were going in all their lives, to maintain a connection with each and every one. It also allowed her the opportunity to travel to Phoenix and Palm Springs. It was in Palm Springs, that she drove a golf cart for the first time so she could see for herself firsthand one of the sports her children love to play while allowing her to go “whizzing around the corners” as she put it while driving the golf cart. It was also in Palm Springs, at the tender age of 85, she wanted to learn how to play Ping Pong and picked up a paddle for the first time. She had a blast and her only regret was that she hadn’t started to play it sooner.

For over 50 years, Mom was blessed with wonderful neighbours. She was also fortunate to have the companionship of three respectable men with whom she shared things in common - Ed Gorber, Nick Perron and Vernon Calder. We gratefully acknowledge their families for welcoming Mom as a member of their own, she valued the time spent with you.

Mom loved music and the 3 things that were a part of it – playing, singing and dancing. She learned to play the violin as a young girl and later enjoyed playing duets with Barbara on accordion. She enjoyed singing and encouraged others to join her in song and for years, she could be found dancing up a storm at the Legion and family weddings. She loved card games and sports. In school, she was the only girl on the boy’s baseball team. She also participated in bowling and curling and was known to play the occasional game of volleyball and badminton. She enjoyed watching curling and CFL football on TV and had the opportunity to attend the Grey Cup twice. She also loved a good conversation, watching people at the mall, VLT’s, perogy parties and a really good egg salad ‘bunwich’, but most of all, she loved family gatherings, surprise visits, her friends and every member of her family and she was loved in return.

Her love and care has set a high bar for us to follow and her passing leaves a void that cannot be filled….

Special thanks from Catherine to her ‘church children’ for their love and support during the last 4 years, but especially for the kindness, love, shared laughter and respect given to Aunty/Jajja Dolly. Deepest appreciation to her companions Jaspreet and Ifrah and to certain members of the staff at Villa Marguerite and Miller Crossing, who went above and beyond their duties with Mom’s care. Last but not least, our deepest gratitude to the staff at Shepherd’s Care Kensington, not only for their tireless care of Mom, but for walking with and supporting us during Mom’s final months and hours. Photos, memories, and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com.

Park Memorial

Edmonton 780-426-0050

Family Owned Funeral Home

Crematorium, Reception Centre

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 16, 2023, Dec 16, 2023