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JOANNE CHRISTINE GROCHOWICH (KUKUCKA)
Born: Feb 05, 1949
Date of Passing: Dec 26, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOANNE CHRISTINE GROCHOWICH (nee KUKUCKA) Nana February 5, 1949 - December 26, 2013 Our loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend, Joanne, passed away peacefully at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg at the age of 64. She was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Anna Kukucka. She leaves to mourn her husband of 43 years, Patrick; her children Angela (Ernie), Jillian (Grant), Sandra and Paul (Kelsey); her brother Bob Kukucka (Margaret); three grandchildren Sophie, Emmett and Grace and numerous nephews and nieces. Joanne was born in Selkirk, Manitoba and grew up in Mapleton. She attended Selkirk Collegiate and was active in 4H and Job's Daughters. She later volunteered as a candy striper at the Selkirk Hospital, which eventually led to her nursing career. Joanne became a registered nurse in 1970 - the same year that she married the boy across the road and love of her life, Patrick. They made a home in East Selkirk and Joanne worked at Holy Family Nursing Home in Winnipeg. It was a busy time in the house while raising four children and Joanne was a wonderful mother. After retirement, Joanne and Pat enjoyed many warm winters in Arizona and stopped in Nelson, BC before heading home. Joanne loved being outside gardening, enjoying her beautiful flowers and the humming birds at the feeders. She loved shopping with her girls, admiring pretty clothes and flashing her bling. She was always at her husband's side, content to accompany him to town - even to enjoy a good book in the car while he ran his errands. Joanne had a gentle, loving heart and she cherished her family greatly. She was especially thrilled to spend time with her grandchildren, who called her Nana. Although not a fan of computers, she became proficient in Skype and this kept them connected. Joanne expressed how happy she was with her life and how blessed she felt with her family and friends. While we are all missing her, this will bring us comfort. The family would like to thank the staff at Selkirk and District General Hospital and the Health Sciences Centre for their compassionate care of our special lady. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 3 at 10:00 a.m. at Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church in Selkirk, Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joanne's name to the Selkirk and District General Hospital Foundation. Gilbart Funeral Home in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 30, 2013
Condolences & Memories (23 entries)
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I am so sorry for the lateness of this - I just found out. Uncle Pat - I am thinking of you and all of the kids - she was a special lady. She had a twinkle in her eye and love for her family that knew no bounds. You are all in my prayers - my deepest sympathies for all of you. - Posted by: Michelle Brunette (niece) on: Sep 03, 2014
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Sorry that this expression of sympathy is so late, I am out of the country. So sorry to hear of Joanne's passing. I worked with her at Holy (the girls too), a dedicated and kind nurse to the residents there. I was glad to be able to speak with her in November at Dr. Connelly's 50th anniversary. It was a shock to receive the news. My prayers and thoughts are with you all as your family comes to grips with your loss. - Posted by: Sharon LaBine (Former co worker) on: Jan 30, 2014
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Pat and Family, Bob and Family I was so sorry to hear of Joanne's passing. I fondly remember the time we spent together when we were growing up in Mapleton. May faith give you strength to cope with your grief - may you find comfort amongst your family and friends. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Ilona Carroll () on: Jan 20, 2014
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Anytime Joanne would come to our greenhouse, she would be accompanied by Jill. The two of them laughing sooo much together created a contagious atmosphere for others who watched them interact. We shall never forget and we shall always remember. In our prayers, we are asking for comfort for the family at this time of great, great sorrow. - Posted by: Lawrence & Erma (The Salad Bowl Greeenhouses) on: Jan 03, 2014
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We were so sad to hear of Joanne's passing. Joanne mentored our daughters for many years and by example taught them many life lessons. She was a kind, compassionate, and loving friend. Her family was the centre of her universe and when you entered their home, you knew that she and Pat were the foundation upon which a beautiful and loving family lived. We were inspired by the authenticity of her soul, a truly honest and wonderful woman. Our deepest condolences to the entire family. - Posted by: pat mcketchen and family (family friendz) on: Jan 02, 2014
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We lived just down the country road from the family and I always remember Joann as a quiet and happy neighbour. I am so sorry to hear of her sudden passing. It's just not fair that a young grandparent be taken so soon. My condolences to Pat and all the kids . Take care of each other now and always. - Posted by: Jodi Unik (Neighbor and Friend) on: Jan 01, 2014
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Although we have only known Joanne a short time, a very kind loving woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family (with this sudden loss)at this time. - Posted by: Daryl & Cathy McMullen () on: Jan 01, 2014
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I am honoured & blessed to have met Joanne & have had a chance to know a bit :) She always had a smiles on her face whenever I saw her :) My thoughts & prayers to Joanne's family at this sad time. Love, Nancy - Posted by: Nancy F. (Jill's friend) on: Jan 01, 2014
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So very sorry to hear of Joanne's passing. Joanne was such a compassionate and caring nurse to all residents in her care at Holy Family. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your great loss. God Bless you all during these difficult days. - Posted by: Gloria Chizick (Holy Family Home Friend and Co-worker ) on: Jan 01, 2014
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Joanne was a classmate who always had time to smile and talk to everybody. Although we were not really close friends, I appreciated her friendliness and our wee chats. So sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Pat Pitcher (Moffat) (Classmate MGH Class 70'A) on: Jan 01, 2014
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Brian and I first met Joanne when we became adult leaders with Jobies in Selkirk. Brian went on to be Joanne's Associate Grand Guardian with Joanne as Grand Guardian. What a wonderful lady, we had so much fun with her great sense of humour. She will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers to the family. Linda and Brian - Posted by: Linda Langtry (Job's Daughters) on: Jan 01, 2014
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Pat and Family - We are so sorry to hear of Joanne's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Roy and Carol Whawell (friend) on: Jan 01, 2014
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We are so very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful lady. Mrs. Grochowich was one of my favorite nurses to work with at HFN and played a role in inspiring me to become a nurse. She always was such a caring nurse and also such a great mom to my dear friend Jill. Jill I can only imagine how difficult this time is for you but know that your mom is so proud of you and your siblings. She will forever be smiling down on you all from heaven above. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you all during this difficult time. Love Andrea, Eric and Kayleigh - Posted by: Andrea ( Chizick) & Eric Knaggs (Friends ) on: Dec 31, 2013
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Joanne, Just a remembrance of the happy days we shared as evening supervisors at Holy Family enjoying Chinese Food & a laugh on paydays, suppers we did for the staff under us on holidays & trying to help solve each other's problems as we provided a shoulder for support. Reading your obituary I could hardly believe it was true. Just know that even though I can't be there today, I'm saying a prayer for your family and you. We'll meet on the other side Joanne. With love and friendly sweet devotion Jean Kusko - - Posted by: Jean Kusko (friend & co-worker At Holy Family Home in Winnipeg) on: Dec 30, 2013
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Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Pat and your family. I (Gail) have known Joanne since grade school at Mapleton. - Posted by: Gail and Bill Bodman (Friend) on: Dec 30, 2013
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Andrew and I are so sorry to hear of Joanne's passing!!! You will miss her so much. We are thinking of you at this hard time. Andrew and Marilyn Hanssen from high school - Posted by: Marilyn Taylor Hanssen (Mapleton teacher/schoolmate of Patrick) on: Dec 30, 2013
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Joanne's presence will be sadly missed by her friends in the CWL. She was always eager to volunteer with fundraising and enjoy general meetings and outings. Our Sincere Sympathies from the Notre Dame CWL. - Posted by: CWL Notre Dame Church (Sisters in Christ) on: Dec 30, 2013
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Words cannot express the sorrow I felt when I heard of Joanne's passing. She was a kind and gentle soul, a beautiful lady, and will be greatly missed, I will carry my fond memories of her with me always. Deepest sympathies to you Pat and to the rest of the family. Love forever....J Andrushko. - Posted by: Judy Andrushko (Friend) on: Dec 30, 2013
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Sometimes mere words just aren't enough to take away our grief. So we rely on God for help & strength in our belief. May He up ift you gently, take the sorrow that you bear, then comfort you with healing, In the safety of His care - Posted by: Nancy & Paul Drewniak Shelley & Joy (Jobs Daughters Friend) on: Dec 30, 2013
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We were blessed to work along side your mom. What a kind compassionate nurse. She gave the residents at Holy family T.L.C. We will miss her. - Posted by: Helen and Veronica (Holy family co workers and friends ) on: Dec 30, 2013
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We are so sad about Joanne's passing. She was an amazing person & is truly going to be missed by all. - Posted by: Brian Andrushko & Cindy Semenchuk (Friends) on: Dec 30, 2013
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So sorry to read of Joanne's passing. She was a special young girl when I first met her at 13 and grew into a kind, compassionate and classy lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you Pat, Angie, Sandi, Jill and Paul. To know her was to love her. - Posted by: Jean Oliver (friend) on: Dec 30, 2013
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So sorry to hear of Joanne's passing. We lived close to Joanne growing up and spent many happy days playing in the fields and ditches in Mapleton. Those memories will stay will me forever. My deepest sympathy to her family. - Posted by: nancy toews (friend) on: Dec 30, 2013