Obituary of Mary BARTECKI

Mary Kathaleen Bartecki (nee Speeder) Mom passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on April 15th, 2010 at Seven Oaks Hospital. Mom was born October 23rd, 1920, in Plunket, SK, to parents Stephen Spodaryc and Mabel Bailey. She was raised in Riverton, MB with her sister Evelyn and brother Bill. Missing her greatly and lovingly are her daughters Vicky Duma, Dianne Michaluk, Eileen St. Mars, and son Steve (Marilyn), grandchildren, Joan (Lou), Dennis, Darald (Lloyd), Karen (Bernie), Christine (John), Andrew, Joey (Angel), Angela, Rick, Debbie (Mark), Tracey (Travis), Sylvia (Brent), great grandchildren Kyle, Corey, Brendon, Brittany, Charlotte, Cherise, and Robbie, sister Evelyn Batenchuk and family, and sister-in-law Grace Haskey. Predeceased by her children Henry, Edward, and Eva, husband Stanley, brother Bill, sons-in-law Stan Duma, Gary Michaluk, daughter-in-law Anne Bartecki, and Stan Zgoda. Like many of her era, Mom grew up knowing many hardships, including the loss of her son at an early age, working long, hard hours on the farm, house cleaning for others, cooking, sewing, gardening, and preserving. This contributed to creating a woman who understood the value of a dollar and hard work; a woman who had the fortitude to stick things out when life got tough, and who appreciated the many gifts of life. The gifts she treasured were her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends and family, church community, her large flower and vegetable gardens, and her pets - geese, exotic chickens, numerous dogs and cats - over the years. Mom loved to be in the company of her family and friends and they, in turn, enjoyed her spirit. Her laughter, her smile, her kind heart will never be forgotten; Mom was generous to a fault. In later years, when physical activities became a challenge, she took that up too; never giving up. Mom did not want to go into a care home, and she got her wish. Mom worked as a health care aid for 23 years at Middlechurch Home, West St. Paul, MB. She loved caring for the elderly, and the staff and residents loved her. Mom was a member of St. Theresa's Roman Catholic Church, West St. Paul. She joined the CWL in 1993 and enjoyed bus trips to conventions. She loved making perogies every week in the church basement. The ladies were amazed at the lightening speed at which she made them. She was also known for her famous Rice Krispie cakes. Family, friends, neighbours, and the church were always treated with a pan of her Rice Krispie treats. Mom managed to travel when health permitted. Her dream trip was to England, where she met her two aunties for the first time. When the grandchildren were young she traveled with them to California and BC by bus and by train. Destinations included Hawaii, and many shopping trips over the border. Mom loved showers, weddings, and birthday parties; making a strong effort to attend them all. She loved to dance up a storm too. We, the family, want to thank her home care workers whose assistance allowed her to remain at home. We thank her caring neighbours Ray, Carol, and Ella who kept an eye on her when we couldn't. We thank Jean Kiazyk and Bill Comier, and Father McCloskey for bringing communion faithfully each week. Mom enjoyed all those visits; especially when Bill brought his dog. Prayers will be held on Thursday, April 22nd, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Theresa's Church, 3597 Main St., West St. Paul. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, April 23rd, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. also at St. Theresa's Church with Rev Fr. Michael M. Wollbaum officiating. Interment is at Holy Ghost Cemetery, 4387 Main St., North Main. Donations in Mom's memory may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society. Cropo Funeral Chapel 586-8044