Obituary of Catherine RUMAK

CATHERINE (KAY) RUMAK (nee Dudych) Peacefully and with dignity, in the early hours of Saturday, February 13, 2010 Kay Rumak died at her home at East Gate Lodge. Kay was predeceased by husbands Andrew and Mike; parents Jacob and Mary; and siblings Anne, John, Steven and Diane. Cherishing her memory are her daughter Lorraine (Martin), sister-in laws Emily, Helen, Nell and Bette. She will be forever missed by nieces and nephews residing in B.C., Alberta, Ontario and Manitoba. The eldest of five children, Kay was born to Jacob and Mary Dudych on November 27, 1915 in Chatfield, Manitoba. After completing grade 11, Kay moved to Winnipeg where she worked at various jobs including office work at Winnipeg Co-operators, salad preparation at the Fort Garry Hotel and housekeeping for the Dean of St John's College. After the death of her husband Andrew Mykytuik, she operated the post office /gas station /grocery store in Milner Ridge. On November 27, 1948, she married Mike Rumak and began her life in Beausejour, Manitoba. Throughout the following years, she worked in Rumak Bros., the family operated grocery store. Kay enjoyed baking and always made sure the cookie jar was full for visitors. For bridal showers and church events, her two cookie specialties were "strawberries" and "turtles." She liked trying new recipes and was always willing to share her favorites with others. Her other past times included scrapbooking items of interest and playing her weekly Scrabble game with Lorraine . A devout Catholic, Kay was a long time member of the Descent of the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church. She was an active member of the UCWL and church choir. When she was physically unable to attend church, she began attending monthly moleben services at East Gate Lodge. In addition, it was her daily practice to listen to a tape of the Divine Liturgy. In her latter years, Kay experienced a number of physical challenges, facing them with courage and determination. She was fiercely independent, many would say stubborn, and fought to remain in her home for as long as possible. Her desire to do this could not have happened without the extensive support she received for over nine years from the Home Care Program. After living in her home for 50 years, Kay realized it was time to move to East Gate Lodge. This transition for her was not as difficult as expected. She appreciated receiving visits from friends and family and asked everyone to sign her guest book. One of her greatest pleasures was to sit outside and enjoy a "whiff of fresh air." With family or invited guests, Kay attended the East Gate Supper Club dinners held on special occasions throughout the year. Lorraine would like to extend special thanks to Dr. L. Kassis for her dedicated care and wise counsel; and to all the staff of the Home Care Program and East Gate Lodge for their commitment and dedication to the essential work they do, and for the kindness and consideration they extended to her and her mother. Heartfelt thanks to Jenie Wolanin who visited Kay faithfully while she lived at home and at East Gate Lodge and to Bonnie Holder for her many years of devoted friendship. Prayer Service was held Wednesday, February 17 and Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Thursday, February 18 at the Descent of the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church. If desired, donations in memory of Kay may be made to North Eastman Health Association Inc., (NEHA) - EGL Resident Council, Box 1690, Beausejour, MB. R0E 0C0. VICHNAYA PAM'YAT