Obituary of Grace Protasiewich

Marie Protasiewich January 3, 2011 - It is with great sadness, the family of Grace Marie Protasiewich, announces the passing of a remarkable woman who was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to so many. Marie passed away on Monday, January 3rd, at the age of 71, after a long, courageous battle with breast and ovarian cancer. Left to mourn and rejoice in her memory is Marie's husband of 53 years, James Protasiewich, along with two daughters and a son who include Kim Grzybowski and husband George, of Duncan, BC; daughter Gwen Buller and husband David, of Acworth, Georgia; and her son Anthony Protasiewicz of Vancouver, BC. Marie's son, Brian; mother, Grace; father, Maurice; and three sisters including Peggy, Phylis and Jean predeceased her. Marie is survived by her sister Lorraine Clowes, of Winnipeg and a brother Ken Smith of Winnipeg. Marie also leaves behind eight grandchildren including Greg Grzybowski and his wife Sandra, of Grand Prairie, Alberta; Krista Grzybowski of Duncan, BC; Nicole, Jeremy, Alicia of Vancouver, British Columbia; and David, Laura, and Brittney Buller of Acworth, Georgia. Additionally, Marie was blessed with two great grandchildren, Dominic and Shelby Grzybowski of Grand Prairie, Alberta, as well as, a large extended family that includes many nieces, nephews and numerous friends. Marie was born in 1939 and was raised in Winnipeg. As a teenager Marie loved to play the juke box at the Exchange Caf�. It was there where Marie met her future husband at the tender age of 16, Marie and Jim fell in love and within a few months became engaged and married. Marie and Jim travelled through out Canada with their young and growing family. They loved to travel so much that in 1970, they expanded their horizons and traveled through out Europe. In 1972, Marie and James moved to Cook's Creek, put down roots to raise their family and remained there for the next 38 years. In 1974, Marie joined MTS and was employed for 18 years working through out the various communities of Winnipeg. She loved her job and made many lasting friendships along the way. Over the years Marie and Jim travelled all over the South, always returning to their favorite locations, most specifically, beautiful Acapulco. Marie loved to travel to Duncan, BC to visit her daughter and her family and Atlanta, Georgia, to visit her daughter, Gwen and her family. Marie was especially loved her family and friends and she held a very special place in each of her grandchildren's hearts. Marie's kindness was apparent to everyone. She was an extraordinary chef and perogies was her specialty dish. Marie generously welcomed family and guests at her table. In her last years, James was her loving caregiver lending his constant support. To the very end of her days, however, Marie in many ways was her family's caretaker. She was always sharing her loving, generous support despite of her illness. Her wisdom and ability to be a great listener was one of her best traits. Marie will always be remembered for her sense of style, for her love of family and her special grace. The family is internally grateful to the staff at Concordia Hospital's N1Staff Oncology Department and their many physicians for the compassionate care and outstanding support shown through out Marie's illness. Additionally, the family so appreciates the work of the Springfield and Winnipeg paramedic teams for their quick response and enormous compassion. In the finally days of Marie's illness, the prayers, kind gestures and encouraging thoughts of scores of extended family members and friends - both new and old - sustained her and her immediate family. It is requested, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the charity of CancerCare Manitoba in Marie Protasiewich's name. Services will be held in honor and celebration of Marie's life on Friday, January 7th at 2 PM at Cropo Funeral Home. A private intermit will be held in the summer. Cropo Funeral Chapel 1442 Main Street 586-8044