Obituary of Joseph Wandowich

Joseph Wandowich After a courageous battle with cancer, Joseph Wandowich peacefully passed away on July 21st, 2010 at 81 years old. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Eleanor, daughter Cheryl (Terry) Bartos, son Larry (Cynthia) Wandowich, granddaughters Jocelyn and Kayla, as well as many relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Mary Wandowicz (Kess), sister Jennie Lotycz, brother Karl and identical twin brother Bert. Joe was born and raised in the North End of Winnipeg. His 41 year career with CP Rail Weston Shops started at the young age of 17. His philosophy was - if you're going to do something, do it well and be proud of the work that you put into it. He taught many apprentices this philosophy at CP Rail. Joe married his life partner Eleanor on July 5, 1952 and raised two wonderful children. He adored his two granddaughters, and supported their activities by attending soccer games, and enjoying piano playing. Following in his Mother's tradition, he took pleasure in taking his family to his favorite Chinese restaurant, Shanghai, which he frequented since the end of the Second World War. Since 1966, Joe and Eleanor were parishioners of St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church, and served the Lord in running their church Bingo for over 35 years. Joe was God's child. He had a strong faith that brought him to serve at church every Sunday through ushering and, in the early days, ran the St. Anthony's Padua Men's Club. As life moved Joseph from the workforce to retirement, his interests varied. When he was able, he enjoyed gardening and yard work. One could often find him sitting in the backyard enjoying the fruits (and tomatoes) of his labor! He also was the type of man to always lend a hand to any neighbor that needed it. Prayers will be said Tuesday July 27th at 8:00pm at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday July 28th at 11:00am at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 250 Burrin Avenue. Interment to follow at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens 4477 Main Street. The family wishes to thank CancerCare Manitoba, Maples Nursing Home and Holy Family Nursing Home for their care and compassion. As well, a thank you to those special people that would brighten Joe's day with their visits over the course of the last year. "Heaven blessed us with Joe!"