Katherine Gail Bialkoski

Katherine Gail Bialkoski (nee Potoroka) 42, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, passed away at home on December 29, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. Katherine has entered into eternal rest with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Katherine will be lovingly remembered by husband Peter of 16 years, son Matthew (12) and daughter Adyson (5) all of Winnipeg, MB; her parents Art and Gail Potoroka of Dauphin, MB; parents-in-law Joe and Marie Bialkoski of Polonia, MB; Grandma Valerie Bialkowski of Winnipeg, MB; brother Michael of Dauphin, MB; brother Jeffrey of Abbotsford, BC; brother Wayne (Mindy) of Dawson City, Yukon; brothers-in-law Colin (Cheryl) of Kelowna, BC and Ryan (Jodie) of Regina, SK; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and extended family.

Katherine was born in Hamilton, Ontario to parents Art and Gail Potoroka on November 23, 1972. She was the youngest of 4 children.

Katherine received her education in Dauphin. Following High School, Katherine attended Robertson College in Winnipeg. She then worked as a Nursing Assistant at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg until her illness.

In 1998 Katherine married Peter Bialkoski and they made their home in Winnipeg where they raised their two children. Katherine served faithfully as wife and mother.

Katherine embraced life with enthusiasm and enjoyed the many activities she planned with family and friends. Vacations at Clear Lake, Austin Thresherman’s Reunion, camping, visits to Peter’s family farm in Polonia, hanging out at grandma and grandpa’s house in Dauphin, shopping with Mom, berry picking with Dad, and checking out yard sales are but a few of the treasured memories she left for all of us to cherish.

Her approach to her work at the hospital was equally energetic and filled with adventure, never complaining, always looking forward to her next shift. She loved the company of her co-workers, spoke kindly of them and called them friends.

Katherine had a heart for helping others and while in high school, volunteered at the Dauphin Hospital for an extra credit. She just could not get enough of hospitals. It is what she loved to do most. She always made time to volunteer at school functions and serve on school committees.

Katherine was a master of organization and time management, charting family functions and sports events well into the future.

Katherine enjoyed the fellowship of many friends at Grant Memorial Baptist Church. The ladies of the Daybreak group have been a special blessing.

Katherine had many lifelong dedicated friends whom she cherished very much. She made acquaintances into friends very easily and appreciated the outpouring of kindness of family, friends and neighbours in her time of need. May God bless you all for your thoughtfulness and generosity.

A funeral service will be held at Grant Memorial Baptist Church, 877 Wilkes Avenue, on Saturday January 10, 2015 at 1:30 pm with Pastor Eric Derksen officiating. Interment will follow.

A special “Thank You” to the doctors and medical staff at CancerCare Manitoba for their compassionate care of Katherine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba or a charity of one’s choice.

Until we meet again, Katherine.