JEANINE TOKAR

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JEANINE (JEAN) TOKAR (nee CZARNECKI) 1924-2015 Our beloved mother and grandmother passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg. Jean was predeceased by husband, Tony, parents, Paul and Petronela, brothers, Joseph, Stanley (Stella), and Michael and longtime companion, Chris Gancher. She is survived by brothers, John (Anne), Tony (Wanda), sisters, Mary (Rene), Ann (Tracy) and Liz (John), sisters-in-law, Mary (Joseph) and Rose (Michael) Czarnecki as well as many nieces and nephews. Jean is also survived by her brother-in-law, Nick Tokar of St. Paul's Home in Dauphin. Left to remember her are son, Dennis (Marjorie), grandsons, Jordan (Robby) and Cory and daughter, Joanne. Marjorie, who brought much happiness and care to Mom's life, was indeed another daughter. As a grandma, she saw the happiness that "beautiful" Robby brought to our family. Life was enriched by many longtime friends and neighbours, as well as more recent connections in Winnipeg. Jean's family immigrated from Wiski (Lublin), Poland in 1929 and settled in the Keld area. As a girl she had many responsibilities with housework, field work and minding younger siblings. It was the way of that time. Jean attended Lemberg School then high school at Ashville for three years. She enjoyed teaching on permit for one year at Kostiw then attended Little's Business College in Dauphin. Mom put her skills to good use with MTS in Winnipeg and later with both Manco Dairy and Roger's (wholesale) in Dauphin. Jean valued education throughout her life and was very proud to see her children and grandsons pursue post-secondary studies. Jean married Tony in 1948 and joined a home with a mother-in-law and brother-in-law, seeing no need, as she once put it, "to break up a family." Mom had 14 years of a very happy marriage before Dad's death in 1962. Her faith life and the practical needs of young children, along with family and friends kept her moving forward. Faith, cultivated by her parents, was an integral part of her life. Jean was a longtime member of St. Viator's Roman Catholic Church in Dauphin (member of CWL) and continued to attend Mass weekly (served by Precious Blood Church) while living at Catherine Place in Winnipeg. Her rosary and Mass booklet were part of her daily routine. Jean's greatest accomplishments were raising her children, of whom she was very proud, and seeing her grandsons doing well. As a grandma, she delighted in the boys as little ones and then glowed with pride as they became fine young men. Jordan's mischievousness and Cory's teasing made her smile over the years. Their presence and care always lifted her spirits. In her early 50s, Jean began a longtime companionship with Chris Gancher, which lasted for 35 plus years. They shared family and friends, gardening chores, making perogies, going for walks, drives, coffee and meals, as well as dancing at family and community functions. It was good to see Mom have a second chance at happiness. She was very fortunate to have his care and devotion, especially in their later years. Mom loved to recall stories, enjoyed a good laugh and was a keen observer of people. She did not miss much and loved having a good comeback. Mom was a bit of a news junkie, following the news via TV and print. She was also an ardent Wheel of Fortune fan. Gardening was a passion and a way of life well into her 80s. Mom kept her family well stocked with produce, with her dill pickles being a particular favourite with her grandsons. One did not leave her home hungry. Our mother and grandmother possessed a strong mind and a soft heart. There was the strength of character to follow her convictions right until the end. She really did "fight the good fight." Our family has many to thank for being a part of her life family members, neighbours, friends young and old and nearing the end all the caregivers home care, doctors, nurses, aides and volunteers during Jean's time at Catherine Place, St. Boniface Hospital and the Palliative Unit at Riverview Heath Centre. There are many who were especially kind and special thanks goes to those that took the added time, the comforting gesture and the extra steps. You made a positive difference. It was a great comfort to Jean and her family. To celebrate and honour Jean's life, Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at Holy Cross Church, 252 Dubuc Street on Friday, March 6, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Father Barry Schoonbaert will officiate. Our family feels especially grateful for his availability and support, as Fr. Barry served in the past in Dauphin. Mom will be interred at St. Vital Cemetery, adjacent to the park, that she so enjoyed during her final years in Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Palliative Care Unit at Riverview Health Centre are gratefully accepted. Remember this: Love will remain. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 04, 2015