Marie Gabryluk

Marie Gabryluk

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our mother, Marie Gabryluk, on January 6th, 2018 at Pinecrest Home for the Aged. Marie was born in Keewatin, Ontario on May 23, 1929, the second oldest of 4 children. She is predeceased by her husband Bill, son Paul, parents Pauline and Nikola Putnick, brothers John and Andrew, and son-in-law Trevor Coulombe. Marie will be lovingly remembered by her 4 daughters Brenda, Linda (Al), Paula (Trevor), and Nicole, grandchildren Hayden, Jackson, and Mckenna, Samantha and Christopher, Zachary (Sam), Cady (Deon), Amanda, Anna, and Niclas, Bailey and Taylor, great grandchildren Rhaya, Clairen, Atticus, and Stephan. Marie will also be missed by sister Natalie, sisters-in-law Elsie Lindsay, Marlene Gabryluk, Marilyn Gabryluk and many nieces, nephews and good friends.

So many memories come flooding through as we reflect on our mother's life. She was never afraid to try new things - like leaving the small town of Keewatin as a young woman to live and work in the big city of Toronto to taking Young Drivers while in her mid 50's and being one of the first of the group of 16 year olds to get her drivers license.

Our mom was very social and could frequently be found downtown having coffee with one of her many friends. Every week she looked forward to her coffee party with a group of ladies who had been friends for over 60 years! She always had time to stop and chat with people, and had a special way of making you feel good.

We have fond memories of the family times together from weekend camping trips down the Winnipeg River to beach days where she would pack a cooler of food that always included the mandatory onion sandwiches (which became an unexpected favourite among the friends we shared with).

Her grandchildren were always welcome at her home at any time - she shared stories of her life with them and listened to the stories they shared. She gave advice when asked or just an open ear when she knew that was all that was needed. No grandchild ever left her house hungry, that’s for sure!

Our mom worked at different jobs in her lifetime, and forged strong friendships with her co-workers. She was a hard worker, but also liked to have fun. She felt that balance was very important in life. Many people will have fond memories of Funky G and nothing pleased her more than when a young man or woman who came up to her and reminisced with her about the old days when she was the lunch hour supervisor or the custodian while they were in school.

Our mom had a love of gardening and was a true green thumb - her garden was an abundance of vegetables and flowers (who can forget her garlic dill pickles!) the envy of the neighbourhood. The deer also agreed!

Her life became a challenge after Alzheimer's took hold, but she took it in stride. While she lost a lot of the independence she once had, her true personality continued to shine through - kind words for others, desire to socialize, and love for her family.

Special thanks to the staff at Birchwood Terrace and Pinecrest Home for the Aged who embraced our mother and showed such good care and compassion for her - especially those that helped make our mothers' last days as comfortable and dignified as possible. Lisa Degagne - you were more than a companion to Marie - you added laughter and adventure to her life.

A funeral service will be held on Friday January 12th at 2:00 pm at Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Centre at 429 Second Street South. A celebration of life will follow at the Masonic Hall at 413 Second Street South.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGMENTTS.