She was born on September 3, 1921 in New Malden, England to Walter and Bridget Joyce. She grew up in England. On September 3, 1939 England and France declared war on Germany and she worked as a Plane Spotter for the British Army. She was united in marriage to Peter Hanzuk on August 15, 1942. When he was transferred to Holland she came to Canada, landing first in Halifax before traveling to Fort Frances by train. She settled into her life in Fort Frances with the support and help of her fellow “war brides”. The War Brides and Overseas Wife’s Club created lifelong friendships. She was also an active member of the Catholic Women’s League, LaVerendrye Auxiliary and Rainycrest Auxiliary. Once her children had left the house Monica felt the need to do more and choose to pursue a career. She joined the staff at the local flower shop, working there for over 20 years. She loved flowers and even returned, after retirement, to help during busy times. Despite the distance between her old home and her new home she kept in close touch with her family in England, cards and letters were sent regularly and she returned every two years for a visit. She loved her trips back to England, sharing those experiences with her family.
Monica was predeceased by her parents Walter and Bridget; husband Peter; siblings Fred (Betty), Theresa (Albert) and Kevin.
She leaves behind her children Kevin (Reesa) of Winnipeg, Mike of Fort Frances, Diane (Timothy) of Victoria, B.C. and Robert (Gabi) of Fort Frances,; grandchildren Brenda (Brad), Carla (Tom), Andrea (David), Bridget(Robin), Dwayne, Robert, Amy and Chris; great grandchildren Carly-Ann, Joshua, Jackson, Kyle and Logan; brother Pat; nieces Linda (Malcolm) and Janet (Tony) as well as a large extended family.
A Rosary will be offered Friday, January 25, 2019 at 10 a.m. followed by a Funeral mass on at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances, ON with Father Alan Albao officiating.
Interment will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Fort Frances, ON.
The pallbearers will be Dwayne Hanzuk, Robin McGinnis, Joshua McGinnis, Robert Hanzuk, Michael Hanzuk and Kevin Hanzuk.
The honourary pallbearers will be June and Jim Keddie, Harry and Dorothy Jones.
If friends so desire in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, c/o Green Funeral Home, Box 427, Fort Frances, Ontario, P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.
