Helen SVISTOVSKI

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SVISTOVSKI: With deep sorrow the family announces that Helen Svistovski passed away peacefully at Brandon Regional Health Centre on Wednesday, August 7, 2013. Helen was predeceased by her parents Michael and Maria Stadnik, her father- and mother-in-law Michael and Frances Svistovski, her brothers-in-law John Zielinski and Raymond Svistovski, her nephew Steven Zielinski, her son-in-law Robert Rae, and her dear husband Adolph. Mom was born December 13, 1924 to parents Michael and Maria Stadnik in the village of Wydrza, Poland. Younger brother Jan and stepbrother Marion completed the family. Mom often reminisced about her early years growing up in Poland picking blueberries and mushrooms, milking cows, helping her mother and later her stepmother care for her little brothers. Though even as a little girl she worked hard, it was an innocent and happy time. Until the storm clouds of war invaded her peaceful home. On the eve of her 18th birthday Mom was taken from her home and placed in a prisoner of war camp in Germany where she was forced to work in a munitions factory. Although the years she was interred were difficult with little food, cramped quarters, long hours full of fear and uncertainty, Mom never lost sight of the good in humankind. When the war ended, Mom had the chance for a new and better life and chose Canada, a land of hope and opportunity, as her new home. Mom arrived in Winnipeg in October 1947 where she was employed at the General Hospital. This was a wonderful time! Mom often spoke of her first experiences in her Canada - her first paycheck, her first ice-cream cone, her first dress that she purchased with her own earnings. It wasn't long before the Polish community in Winnipeg and her co-workers at the hospital introduced her to a handsome Polish-Canadian soldier who was recovering from minor injuries at Deer Lodge Hospital. Love blossomed and Mom and Dad were married in Brandon on June 25, 1950. They made their home on a farm south of Brandon in the Brandon Hills area of the Hayfield district. Five children were born and raised in this most idyllic setting with its hills, valleys, crocuses, tiger lilies, wild berries and a big brick house! Mom was a dedicated and hard working farm wife who was at Dad's side during seeding, haying and harvest times. Milking the cows and tending her huge garden was never ending work but she always managed to nurture her children and fill them with love. Many a sacrifice was made so her children could get the education that shebelieved was such a privilege in Canada. Mom was so proud of her children's achievements. Her dream of having all five of her children receiving a University Degree was fulfilled. When grandchildren started arriving Mom was overcome with joy. Eleven grandchildren were blessed to receive her love, her gift of time, her generosity, her funny stories and, of course, herdelicious perogies and cabbage rolls. Mom and Dad retired to Brandon in 1986. They spent their time gardening, helping their sons on their farms, babysitting their grandchildren and going to the Mall for coffee and visits with friends. Mom and Dad were certainly a familiar sight at the food court for many years. When her beloved husband Adolph passed away on May 11, 2001 Mom continued to tend to her home and garden on Neepawa Drive. In 2009, Mom made the move to live with her oldest daughter Barbara and son-in-law Howard. Mom enjoyed relaxing in their backyard and especially loved the tomatoes and the variety of flowers that flourished in the garden. She looked forward to daily telephone chats with her dear sister-in-law Adela. Watching her special shows on TV with her daughters in the winter evenings was a favourite pastime. Mom's four great-grandchildren and her youngest grandson made her life complete. These precious children - Cason, Serafina, Cohen, Alexander, and Lochlin - brought her happiness that knew no bounds. We often told Mom how much we loved her and that she was the Best Mom. Shewas also the Best Grandma and the Best Great-Grandma. We will forever miss you, Mama, as we carry on your legacy. Mama is survived by her brother Jan Stadnik (Jean). Her children Barbara Hoy (Howard), Mike Svistovski (Colleen), Rick Svistovski (Kathryn), Frank Svistovski (Suzanne), and Pamela Rae. Grandchildren Michael Hollender (Sandra), Ryan Hollender (Samantha Morris), Brenna Burton (Jay), Kaitlyn Svistovski, Rachel Prevost (Robert), Megan Svistovski (Justin Foster), Kelly Svistovski, Marise Svistovski, Annick Svistovski, France Svistovski, and Lochlin Rae. Great-grandchildren Cason Burton, Cohen Burton, Serafina Hollender, and Alexander Hollender. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Adela Svistovski and Stella Zielinski and numerous nieces and nephews. "Kochamy was Mama!" Expressions of sympathy may be made atwww.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel &Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 24, 2013