Obituary of ANNA KIBSEY

ANNA KIBSEY (nee ZUK) November 18, 1916 - January 23, 2012 At the age of 95, Anna’s kind and generous heart stopped, with her family at her side and under the loving care of Holy Family Nursing Home. Anna is survived by her daughter Marie Smolinski, and sons Greg (Kathryn) and John (Beverly); grandchildren Darwin (Marion), Douglas and Jeanette Smolinski, Nicole Fischer (Kurt), Vanessa Douglas (Kyle), Colette Kibsey, Andrew Kibseyand Karyn Kibsey (Robert Kilmes); great-grandchildren Rebecca Smolinski, Skye Douglas, Natasha and Seth Fischer; sisters Pauline Ignash, Margaret Pestrak, Sonya Swarychewski, and brother Greg Zuk. Anna was predeceased by her loving husband Nicholas in 1985, brothers Fred, Nick, Alex, Peter, Bill, and John Zuk, and sisters Kay Kydyk, Olga Yanchuk, Eva Grouch, and son in law Lawrence Smolinski. Anna was born to Michael and Mary Zuk (nee Marko) in Hamrlik, Manitoba on November 18, 1916. As second eldest of 14 children, Anna assumed responsibility at a young age. She cared for her siblings while her parents worked the family farm. At an early age, Anna left home to work at St. Boniface Hospital. While attending a dance in Chatfield, Manitoba, she met her future husband Nick Kibsey.The couple married in 1940 and settled in Chatfield. After 24 years of farming, Anna and Nick moved to Winnipeg. Anna worked in a sewing factory, then at Luther Home until her retirement. Anna was often described as a caring, honest, and independent woman. She was an excellent cook and took great pleasure in preparing meals for her family and friends. Anna spent much of her time caring for her grandchildren. She opened her home to family and welcomed grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who came to the city to attend university or find jobs. At an age when most of us slow down, Anna kept active and was a regular at the Age & Opportunity Norwin 55+ Centre, Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre, Bleak House Centre, St. Joseph Church, and St. Ivan Suchavsky. Anna attended church at St. Ivan Suchavsky Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral and was a proud member of their perogy making ensemble. She was an avid gardener and also enjoyed card games, bingo, sewing, dancing, visiting with friends, and volunteering. When ill-health struck, Anna remained stoic, though the loss of her independence was a difficult obstacle in her life. In her final years, Anna resided at the Holy Family Home in Winnipeg. Anna was an inspiration to those who knew her. Her keen wit, generosity, and hard work will be remembered, and hopefully perpetuated, by those who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was a beautiful person and will be greatly missed. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 30, at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, Winnipeg. Interment to follow at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens, 4477 Main Street, Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Anna's memory can make donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Donations Department Suite 200, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3L 0K6. Phone 1-888-473-4636.