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MAE EVELYN MARGARET SPRYSZAK
Date of Passing: Mar 17, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMAE EVELYN MARGARET SPRYSZAK It is with great sadness that we announce the devastating sudden loss of our most precious mother and grandmother, Mae Spryszak, on March 17, 2014. Mom leaves to mourn her son Glen (Marilyn), daughters Lynn (Paul), Judy (Kevin), and the loves of her life, her grandchildren, Natalie, Meredith (Eric), Laura (Paul), Christopher, Chad and Alexa. She also leaves to mourn numerous relatives in California, Massachusetts, and Kenora. Mom was predeceased by her husband Joe, parents, Alex and Eva Michaluk, sister Julia, brother Albert and brother-in-law Art. Mom was born in Kenora, Ontario, the youngest of three children in 1932. She was gifted with an incredible alto voice, and participated in all of her High School musical productions. Mom also possessed every quality necessary to lead her to her chosen profession as a grade school teacher, including patience, kindness and compassion. She attended North Bay Teachers College in Ontario, where she obtained her teaching certificate. She still kept in touch with many in her graduating class, travelling to Ontario every few years for a "Butterfly Club" reunion. It was during this year away to college that Dad wrote to her, updating her of news from home. Upon returning to Kenora for her first teaching job, their friendship blossomed to love, and mom and dad married in 1954. Three children quickly followed in the next four years. A move to Winnipeg was necessary when Dad joined the Winnipeg Police Force. Mom was hired by Winnipeg School Division #1 and taught grades one and two for a total of 37 years before retiring. We are very proud of the fact that mom returned to University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1984. Mom's unconditional love was what helped us through the very sudden loss of "Papa Joe" 29 years ago. She always was there for us - always. Throughout her life she exhibited great strength of character and a never ending love and commitment to her children and grandchildren. Her greatest joy and happiness was preparing Ukrainian food and entertaining the family gatherings at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mom attended every school play, musical recital and graduation ceremony for her grandchildren. She sat through football games in blizzards and soccer games in rain and cheered without complaint. The sparkle in her eye and her glowing smile was so very easy to spot on the sideline. Mom was a deeply religious person and believed everything happened for a reason. She was a member of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church for the past 55 years. She taught Sunday school, and was an integral member of the church choir with her beautiful voice. She had the opportunity to travel to Rome to sing for the Pope and was thrilled to have had the chance to see the Vatican. Mom was a dedicated "perogy pincher" on the assembly line and looked forward to the monthly gathering with her dear friends. It should not be surprising that she had many friendships develop along the way because of her warm heart and infectious charm. She treasured these friendships and held them next to her heart to the end. "When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, my angel came and called my name and took me by the hand. They said my place was ready, in God's heaven up above, and that I'd have to leave behind everyone I love. So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me please know I'm in your heart." The family would like to thank the nursing staff on Unit 5, 3rd floor at Seven Oaks Hospital for their incredible compassion and kindness towards Mom in her final days. Divine Liturgy will be sung Friday, March 21 at 11:00 a.m. at the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church; 965 Boyd Ave. Officiates will be Father Volodymyr Bashutskyy, The Rev. Mitred Archpriest Michael Buyachok and cousin, Father Mark Filips. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish or to a charity of one's choice. 204 586-8044
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 20, 2014
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
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Mrs.Spryszak taught me in the 1980's @ Faraday. She had a knack for teaching hearing impaired children, which made all the difference to me. I still remember the songs we'd sing accompanied by the Ukalele! - Posted by: Julie Meisner (nee Coates, Ruhlen) (Former student) on: Apr 07, 2018
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Mrs. Spryszak was a wonderful person and a terrific teacher who taught me at Dufferin School when I was in grade 2. I have never forgotten her gentle teaching and smiling face. I can remember at the end of the school year when Mrs. Spryszak teared up telling the class we were special little people and how she would miss us all very much. We all cried with her! That was 53 years ago! What a special lady she was. I am so very sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Jo-Anne Neal (Former student) on: Apr 20, 2014
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Although Mrs. Spryszak wasn’t a teacher to me, she did teach my brother and nieces. She was always so nice to me whenever I saw her at Boyd Church, the teas, etc. She always spoke to me with such a smile on her face. The world lost a wonderful person. God gained a beautiful soul! You’ll be missed. Deepest sympathies to the family. Vichnaya Pam Yat! Chrystos Voskres! - Posted by: Janet (acquaintance) on: Apr 01, 2014
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Mae was an important part of the neighborhood I grew up in. We lived next door and most summer nights Mae (and Joe) would get together with our parents and a few other neighbors and they'd have a gab-fest in one of the back yard gazebos. My parents LOVED those nights! Mae was a terrific person to live next to. Always cheerful and smiling. My heart and thoughts go out to Glen, Lynn and Judy. I'm sorry I didn't attend the funeral. I just learned of Mae's passing. - Posted by: Nancy Halas (Neighbors/friends) on: Mar 24, 2014
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Glen, Lynn, Judy and Family. I am so sorry for your loss, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I remember Joe and Mae from our younger days while visiting at your place and the Thunderbird Rest. She is with your Dad and may they both rest in peace now. Take care and God Bless. - Posted by: Nuno Camara (Friend) on: Mar 23, 2014
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I remember Mrs. Spryszak at Faraday School, being a student there 30 years ago. Always a fair, friendly face in the morning. She left a memory in my heart; my brother, mom and I still talk about all the wonderful teachers at Faraday and Mrs. Spryszak's name always comes up. I am sorry to hear of her passing. - Posted by: Haley McLean ( nee Lemire) (Former Student) on: Mar 21, 2014
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Judy,(and family ) my sincerest condolences on the loss of your Mom. The picture you chose represents her perfectly ....always smiling, she was a lovely lady. May she Rest in Peace....xo - Posted by: Susan Vulcano (friend) on: Mar 21, 2014
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My sincere condolences to Lynne, Glenn and Judy and families. I'll never forget going camping with you and your parents. Your mom was a wonderful lady. May she rest in peace. - Posted by: Donna (Repski) Landick (Childhood friend ) on: Mar 20, 2014
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I was so sad to hear about the sudden loss of your mother and grandmother. Every time I saw her she had the most infectious smile I have ever seen. May the wonderful memories of her keep her alive in your hearts always. - Posted by: Donna Passante (friend) on: Mar 20, 2014
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Glen, Lynn and Judy, we are so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Our hearts are with all of you and your families. As we are still in Texas, we cannot attend the funeral, but we will have you in our thoughts tomorrow. Your mom was the nicest lady and will always be remembered for her caring and loving nature. Hope to see you when we return. - Posted by: Diane ( Sherman) and Harvey Fjeld, and Jennie Sherman (Friends) on: Mar 20, 2014
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I had Mrs Spryszak for grade 1 at Faraday School 42 years ago. I remember she was always smiling. Years later when I saw her in public with my own children she still remembered me and always talked to me. She was a great lady and many children are better for having had her as a teacher. - Posted by: Catherine Stevenson (student) on: Mar 20, 2014
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Auntie Mae was always ready with a hug and a smile. She will be missed greatly. - Posted by: Laura Opitz (family friends) on: Mar 20, 2014
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So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing, Judy. That picture is how I remember your Mom. Deepest condolences to you and the rest of your family. - Posted by: Michelle Douglas (Powroznik) (My Grandparents (Peter and Kathleen Ewchuk) were neighbours and friends with your Mom) on: Mar 20, 2014