Ethel May Procyk

It is with special joy and pride we celebrate the life of Ethel May Procyk of New Westminster, BC. Ethel passed away on February 5, 2022 - just shy of her 103rd birthday (or as she would have said, almost made it into her 104th year).

Born on Valentine’s Day, 1919 in Winnipeg, MB, Ethel was the middle child to Rowland and Minnie Hodges. She shared a happy prairie life growing up with older brother Ray and younger sister Grace (Owen). She enjoyed sledding on the banks of the Red River and skating arm in arm on the outdoor rinks. She welcomed the opportunity to help her Dad with the garden and often avoided other chores by sneaking away with a book. She loved school and proudly retained her left handedness with the support and advocacy of her Mom. This was the 20’s and to Ethel, sitting with her family and listening to this “new box called the radio” was beyond exciting and life changing.

As a teen and young woman, Ethel spent many days window shopping and attending local dances including gatherings at Winnipeg Beach. After graduating high school, Ethel worked at Christy’s Biscuits and a “fancy” women’s dress shop, both which suited her sweet tooth and her love for clothing.

While she had several admirers, it was Bill Procyk that won her heart. He was a good dancer, a ball player, animal lover and was highly respected by her Dad. They were married on February 17, 1940. While Bill served in World War II, Ethel lived with the Procyk family. Upon his return, she surprised him with understanding some Ukrainian and knowing how to make perogies. She had also “squirreled away” sufficient savings for them to purchase their first home in Winnipeg, just doors away from her parents’ and her sister’s homes. In January, 1946 they gave birth to their first son Edward (Ted). Life was good for Ethel with Baby Ted, lots of family nearby and their little fox terrier dog, Spotty (who only had one spot!).

In 1950, Ethel, Bill and Ted left their prairie life behind and moved to BC along with her brother’s family and most of her in-laws. They purchased a home in New Westminster and a year later, their second son, John was born. Their house on the top of the hill, with fruit trees, garden and flowers, was fondly remembered by the boys’ friends as the “meeting spot.” Ethel quickly learned to survive in an all male home. She too had to be a sports fan so faithfully began watching all hockey, football and baseball games (she remained a life-long sports fan and attended her first live Canucks game at the age of 99 with her grandchildren).

A very determined woman, Ethel often told the story of the day she had a “fight” with her wringer washing machine. She had enough of that machine so she threw off her apron, put on her lipstick and marched over to Woodward’s. She applied for a part-time position, and was instantly hired. Ethel worked in the ‘foundations department,’ assisting with the fitting of brassieres. She felt the greatest satisfaction when helping those with mastectomies. She continued to work there for almost 30 years. She loved the brisk walk to and from work and the feeling of independence as she tucked money away for her family. She especially valued the friendship and support of her colleagues as evidenced by the fact that she continued to meet with her “Woodward’s ladies” for lunch or visits right through to her 103rd year.

A profound and life changing event for the Procyk Family occurred on January 28, 1973 upon the tragic death of Ted, due to a work related accident. As a result, Ethel suffered greatly with depression. She worked hard to get her “old self back” with medical assistance, returning to Woodward’s, knitting, learning to play golf, walking, joining various groups—anything to keep busy. Later, she would emphasize to family and friends, “that when one needs help, you need to go to the right people and its okay to express how you feel.” Truly an inspirational testament to Ethel’s survivorship, inner strength and empathy.

Ethel and Bill were married for 57 years that were filled with neighbourhood friends, camping trips with her brother’s family, gardening, extensive travel, and above all, cherished time spent together with their two grandkids, Ian and Audra.

After Bill’s death in 1997, Ethel began to correspond with Lou Lucki, their long time Manitoba baseball friend (Lou was the all-star pitcher and Bill was his catcher). Both now on their own and in their 80’s, their relationship flourished with Lou moving from his home in Calgary to join Ethel in her family home. Lou died in 2013. Together they had 13 years of travel, reminiscing and companionship.

Ethel was a woman who was always interested and interesting. She remained current, was quick to compliment and had a way of making everyone feel so welcomed, included and loved. She had the best giggle ever. She had a sense of style, an amazing vocabulary, a love for gardening and for animals and a strong belief in the importance of education – especially for women. A great story teller Ethel kept us all entertained.

Always an avid reader, Ethel filled her days reading books, the daily newspapers from front to back and always completing the Sun’s daily cross word puzzles. And, she loved going to the casino! Many times she would venture off on her own! Some days she was lucky and most days not, but she enjoyed the outing and ‘visiting’ with the other players and taxi drivers. Regular telephone chats and correspondence with family and friends were highlights of her day. But most of all, she loved her visits and times spent with John – a very beautiful mother/son bond.

Ethel was a proud, loving Nanny to Ian and Audra. Never did she miss an opportunity to inquire about how the “kids” were doing. They were everything to her. She appreciated Ian for his “quiet, kind hearted manner,” was eager to hear about his travel with work, to learn about all his “gadgets” and was amused with how he wrapped her presents. And with Audra, Ethel looked forward to their girls’ day, being out and about. Seeing Audra pregnant and then being able to hold and snuggle her new great grandson, Jaxon, was “a tremendous thrill like no other.” She was tickled to hear that like Great Nanny, Jaxon also loves a big “dollop” of peanut butter.

It was her 100th birthday that was especially exciting for Ethel. She was so happy to hear her name announced and posted on Global TV, proud to receive a signed letter from her Majesty, the Queen and immensely enjoyed family celebrations including one with her Hodges’ nieces and nephew.

Remarkably, Ethel lived on her own in her family home, until she was almost 101 years old. She had lived in that home for 70 years. No one left without being offered her daily glass of homemade blackberry wine – she called this her “elixir of life.” Upon leaving, family could always count on Ethel blowing kisses from her window; it was her lifelong trademark of showing her love and gratitude.

In 2020, Ethel realized she could no longer manage safely in her own home with the assistance of family and neighbours. She moved to Buchanan Lodge in New Westminster where, despite the COVID restrictions, Ethel frequently shared she found “contentment” by the fireplace, visiting with the bird, sitting in the garden, getting her hair done, attempting the crossword puzzle and chatting with the staff and the “other ladies.”

Left to cherish Ethel’s love and memory: Her son, John; her grandchildren, Ian, Audra (Jay Birch), her great grandson, Jaxon; many Hodges-Procyk nieces and nephews; family friend, Vennette Cowie; John’s partner, Dorothy Williams and his step family, Delaney, Jill and their girls Orla and Willa Kitching.

If so desired, donations can be made in Ethel’s name to the Salvation Army. Alternatively, plant flowers that will attract butterflies and call it “Ethel’s Garden”—she would have got a kick out of that.

Not surprisingly, Ethel had made full arrangements related to her passing. On March 5, 2022, her ashes will be laid to rest in the Forest Lawn Cemetery, beside her Dear husband Bill and her Beloved son, Ted.

Thank you Ethel for being a wonderful Mom, Nanny, Great Nanny, Auntie and Friend. “Toodle-loo.”

No formal service by Ethel's request.

Private inurnment will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery March 5 2022