Maria Fidel

Maria died peacefully at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg. She was born in Trpcane, Slovenia, of former Yugoslavia. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Maria Krmpotic, Antonia Kalic, Rudy Fidel {Gina}; 3 grandchildren, Silvana {Kelly} Lischka, Nicky, Nancy {Graham} Zahayko; and 1 great-granddaughter, Danica Rose. Rudy & Gina's family; John & Shannon Ordonez; Jennifer & Dave Neufeld; 5 grandchildren, Justin, Carmen, Sofia, Taya & Evan; and many friends.

Maria grew up in the Italian education system, which would be a great benefit to her later on in life. She lived through Nazi occupation and then communist rule. She loved her dad, who exemplified his Catholic faith so much that it became the cornerstone of the essence of who she was throughout her life. She was a woman of great faith in Jesus and her beloved Mother Mary. She always had a way with animals as she raised chickens, pigs, goats and cows. She had a pet cow named Reowka {Brownie}. Yet it was gardening at which she excelled most. In 1964 she took her 3 young children and followed her husband to Winnipeg, Canada. There she began a new life, often working two jobs so her family would be well taken care of. When the family purchased their first home on Elgin Avenue, she returned to her first love, gardening. Later on in life she tended 3 gardens; her daughter Maria's, her son Rudy's and her own, with all bearing amazing vegetables. Maria's life was enriched when her grandchildren were born with all of them taking a special place in her heart. Her last great joy was her first great-grandchild, Danica. Her claim to fame was making the front page of the Sun holding open the door for fire fighters at the CWB where she worked until retirement.

Special thanks to Ivanka Remic, Francis Pikl and Rev. Dado Padoparreans for their tireless spiritual care. Thanks also to her homecare workers and Grace Hospital doctors and nurses for their professional yet personal care. Maria was well loved by all her family but extra special thanks to her daughter Antonia, who gave her life caring for Mom, Baba, Great Baba. She will be dearly missed.

Pocivaj U Mir! {Rest in Peace}