Obituary of Lucie BURDA

LUCIE BURDA, nee DESORCY (1963 - 2009) It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Lucie Burda on Sunday, July 26, 2009 at Jocelyn House, after a courageous battle with cancer. Left to cherish Lucie's memory are her children, son Jeremy (22) and daughter Dawn (19); her sister Ginette (Marc) and brother Paul (Yvonne) and their families; the father of her children, Ron Burda; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. Lucie was predeceased by her parents Donat (in 2006) and Jeannette (in 1997). Lucie will always be remembered for her compassion and caring of others; her sensibility; the love for her children; and her generosity towards and enjoyment of her nephews, nieces and their little ones, who created the basis for much discussion, laughter and joy. Lucie loved nature: sunny days and sunsets; gardens and flowers; walks through the forest and along the beach; birds chirping in the morning, and the peaceful call of a mourning dove. She was a talented artist and loved music. This past year Lucie took up quilting and painstakingly (although with much fun and friendship) crafted a keepsake for each of her children. Lucie loved intimate family gatherings but also had many fond memories of weekends, summers and holidays visiting aunts, uncles and cousins in LaBroquerie and savouring traditional family meals. Lucie grew up in St. Boniface where she held many childhood memories of a simple, happy, peaceful and modest upbringing bestowed upon her by wonderful parents who loved their children unconditionally and who provided a home where honesty, integrity, forgiveness, compassion, and caring reigned. She passed these values on to her children and her wish was that they carry these on in their souls and character throughout their lives. Lucie was grateful to have been blessed with Ginette and Paul as her siblings and was thankful for their support, encouragement, understanding, and unconditional love through good times and bad. In Lucie's own words "If God had given me the opportunity to wander the world throughout and choose my siblings, I would have returned with Ginette and Paul in hand. As a family we just fit and were meant to be. None other would have fit quite as well, none other would have loved quite as much, none other would have brought the same comfort and reward in the long run. " Lucie pursued a career as a health care provider in her community of Selkirk, Manitoba where she practiced as a psychiatric nurse and counsellor, and was grateful to have had the opportunity to have helped those less fortunate. The family would like to thank Lucie's closest and dearest friends, Lucille and Barb, for the genuine friendship, encouragement and support they provided Lucie as she battled her illness. We are also very appreciative of the excellent care Lucie received from the staff at CancerCare Manitoba (HSC unit) throughout her treatments, and we are forever grateful for the staff at Jocelyn House where Lucie received exceptional care, comfort and compassion in her final days. In Lucie's own words, she "enjoyed a life that was simple, happy and humbling, particularly towards the end" surrounded by those who meant the most to her - her family. A part of her will forever live on in the hearts and memories of those who loved her dearly. "Now it is time to say goodbye. It's OK to be sad, but please only for a little while. I am where laughter reigns supreme and where happiness abounds and never fades. Look for me and sense me in the smallest of things for I will be near you - a single flower amongst the grass, a budding pussywillow in a nearby ditch, a red and golden sunset, a bright and sparkling star. And always, you will find me hovering near the two most precious things to me - my son and daughter, Jeremy and Dawn." - Lucie Burda Flowers are gratefully declined. If you so wish, donations may be made to Jocelyn House (by mail to Jocelyn House, 177 Egerton Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2M 2W7; or online at www.jocelynhouse.ca). At Lucie's request, cremation has taken place and in celebration of her life, a small private gathering will be held with her immediate family.