BLONDINA CLOUSTON (GAJDOSIK)

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BLONDINA CLOUSTON (nee GAJDOSIK) On Tuesday, March 19, 2019, with her family at her side, Blondina Clouston peacefully left to meet Our Lord at the age of 84 years. She was predeceased by her parents, Mary and Gejza Gajdosik, brother Kamil Gajdosik, sister Vera Shave, and infant son Kyle. She is survived by her brother Joseph Gajdosik and sister Joanna McFadden; her sons, Wayne (Becky), Kevin (Diane), Darren (Kathleen) and Jason (Joanne); and seven grandchildren: Janelle, Michael, Patrick, Ciaran, Sarah, Simon and Sasha. Blondina was born in Slovakia on June 30, 1934. In 1937, she immigrated to Canada with her parents and brother to start a new life in Manitoba. In 1955 after completing three years of study at St. Boniface Hospital, Blondina became a Registered Nurse. Her abilities and skill in aseptic technique were held in such high regard by the Grey Nuns that she was sent to Toronto to complete a post-graduate program in Operating Room Technique and Management at St. Michael's Hospital. When St. Boniface Hospital began open-heart surgery in 1959, just three years after Canada's first successful open-heart surgery, Blondina was there, assuming the position of operating room head nurse. For the rest of her life, she remained proud of the part she played in saving so many lives. Eventually, Blondina became the Evening Supervisor at St. Amant Centre until her retirement. As for the Grey Nuns, Blondina always held them in highest regard and shared their vision of loving service to those most in need. Blondina was an accomplished gardener, spending much of her spring, summer and fall outside. The neighbourhood was always treated to displays of colour with multitudes of plants blooming continuously throughout the season. It was a regular occurrence to have passers-by stop and admire the various flower beds on display. Blondina's strong faith in God never wavered, through good times and bad. For as long as her health allowed it, she attended Sunday Mass faithfully every week with her family. She took special pride in preparing her parish's Thanksgiving altar display several years in a row, drawing from the bounty of her personal garden. Time for remembrance will be held at Holy Cross Parish, 252 Dubuc Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba on Monday, March 25 at 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held that same day beginning at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. John McKenzie officiating. Interment to follow reception at Green Acres Cemetery. The family wishes to thank all the staff at Actionmarguerite 4DE for their compassion and care of our mother. E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 23, 2019