JOSIE ZAJIC

(nee Chomiak)

May 17, 1944 - May 31, 2025

Peacefully, with her children by her side, our beloved Mom and Baba, Josie Zajic, passed away at the age of 81.

Josie was predeceased by her loving husband of 34 years, Emil, in 2000. She is lovingly remembered by her children Kathy (Kerry) Dusik, Donna Collins, and John (Leah) Zajic; and cherished by her grandchildren Tiffany (Mitchell), Bryce (Jade), Tyler, Braydon, Hudson, and Mya.

Josie’s life was defined by resilience, strength, and unwavering determination. Even in her final years, while living with cancer, she remained steadfast in spirit—never defined by her illness. She often reminded us, “Tomorrow is always another day that will be better.”

Born in 1944 on a farm near Chatfield, Manitoba, Josie was the daughter of hardworking immigrant parents. Her humble beginnings instilled in her a deep sense of perseverance and a tireless work ethic. Above all, she valued family, always putting her loved ones first.

Her life’s story is best described as that of a loving and hardworking farm girl who met an equally devoted farm boy from Gilbert Plains, Manitoba. Together, they built a life grounded in the values they had both learned on the land—hard work, love, and family.

Josie found great joy in her family and in life’s simple pleasures. She loved her many pets, her garden, cooking for loved ones, and spending summers at the lake. She devoted herself fully to raising her three children, putting her career on hold to nurture them. Of all her blessings, Josie treasured most the joy of sharing her boundless love with her six grandchildren—forever her beloved 'little people’.

Later, Josie spent many years working at Holy Family Nursing Home, where her warmth and dedication made a lasting impact on the lives of the residents she truly cared for.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the devoted and compassionate CancerCare team at Grace Hospital, especially Dr. Harris, and nurses Lesley and Andrea, who treated our mother with dignity and always believed in her. We also gratefully acknowledge the staff at Cancer Care Manitoba (MacCharles), and the extraordinary team at Riverview Health Centre, including Kat, Maureen Lindsay, Carla and the many aides and staff whose kindness and care made Mom’s final weeks comfortable and meaningful.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. A private family burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Josie’s memory may be made to the Riverview Health Centre Foundation or the Grace Hospital Foundation.

VICHNAYA PAMYAT – Eternal Memory