Obituary of Marilyn POLOS

MARILYN ELIZABETH POLOS Very suddenly on December 30, 2009, and with great sadness, we announce that Marilyn Elizabeth Polos passed from this world on to the next. She was born on September 12, 1941. In her early years she lived in the north end of Winnipeg on Manitoba Avenue and then moved to Elmwood with her parents as a teenager where she attended Miles Mac Collegiate. She remained in the North Kildonan/East Kildonan area for most of her life until her passing. When asked, Mom always had stories; whether it was of her athletic pursuits as a youth, seeing the Beatles with her older brothers, or her experiences being a mother to her two daughters Alison, Jocelyn, and son, Garrett. Family, including pets, were always central to her being and now with her passing she can be with all those who departed from this earth before, as she always wished. In earlier years, Mom loved to travel with the family and went to many exciting places with her husband, Joe, and kids, Alison, Jocelyn, and Garrett. Many fond memories and laughs came out of vacations; in Spain when one of her kids "burnt their bottom on a radiator" and in Africa when their trip was cut short because one of her daughters fell off a donkey and broke a tooth. Her young family years enjoyed much laughter and fun. Mom always volunteered at the kids' schools and also in their extra-curricular activities such as "Kids on Stage". Mom's favourite song was "House of the Rising Sun" and will be sadly remembered singing and swaying to the song. She always said the song reminded her of her parents and now, it will always remind us of her. Mom enjoyed her last Christmas with her 2 daughters and their families in Calgary, including her cherished grandson, Hayden. She was full of joy to spend Christmas morning watching her grandson open his presents! Mom was so proud of her kids and their accomplishments. Her biggest worry was, if her kids were "ok". In October 2009 she was proud to welcome her second grandson, Mattejas into the world. She was so proud of her grandchildren and they brought incredible joy to her life. Mom also faced some hardship in her life. This took it's toll and, as a result, she suffered with many health issues over the years. She did not have an easy life but always looked to her grandchildren to bring up her spirits. She always encouraged and challenged others to do their best. By her very deeds she showed strength of determination, resourcefulness, and the act of charity, donating to various organizations such as the Winnipeg Humane Society. Mom was known to give to charity before giving to herself. It is these qualities for which she will best be remembered. She will be sadly missed by Alison (Dave), Jocelyn (Jason), and Garrett (Tara), their father Joseph Kafka, her grandchildren Hayden and Mattejas, other family and friends, and those whose lives were impacted by knowing Marilyn. Mom's life taught her kids to leave a legacy of "harmony" and we hope all families will remember to stick together. Special thanks go to Mom's dear cousins, Dayle and Jodi, for all their support through the years. Mom's request was to not have a service and that donations be made in her memory to: CancerCare Manitoba (www.cancercarefdn.mb.ca) or Winnipeg Humane Society (www.winnipeghumanesociety.ca).