Obituary of FREDA KOZAK

FREDA KOZAK (NEE KUNICK) Freda, aged 96 years, went to be with her Lord on April 10, 2014. She was predeceased by her cherished husband of 17 years, Walter (May 27, 1965); parents Mary (Palkert) and Anthony Kunick; parents-in-law Agata and Michael Kozaczek; sisters Mary (Steve Thaczuk), Helen (Harold Mellors), brother Richard (Betty), nephews Gerald and Arnold Thaczuk, Ernie Balmer; nieces Joanne Jankiewicz and Elizabeth Kulesza. Freda is sadly missed by her daughter Cynthia (Jeff Cooper) of Anchorage, Alaska; grandsons Erik and Brian; daughter Catherine and family pet lil’Nicky. She is also survived by nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Although born in Winnipeg, she was raised on several farmsteads developing many of her preferred outdoor mixed farming skills. Caring for and working as a team with invaluable heavy breed workhorses were a passion. Encouraged by her mother, she developed her faith journey. While employed in Winnipeg at the Simmons Bedding, she and Walter became a dedicated loving team in 1948. They joined the St. Edward’s Parish and their children attended the school. Freda was a choir member, CWL volunteer and fundraiser. Freda extended hospitality, shared her love of music and sense of fun. Encouraged by Walter, she obtained her driver’s license, then, later taught her daughters to drive. As a widow she took in boarders, canned and preserved her garden produce, sewed, often held two jobs and was responsible for all home maintenance. She centered her love and time upon her children. In the early 1970’s she could finally pursue her joy of dancing and music by joining many types of dance groups. She helped with dance demonstrations, recruitment and often was a chauffeur. After retiring from the Toronto Dominion Bank at 65, Freda pursued her goal to learn how to swim. Within months of being a cancer survivor, she was snorkeling with her daughter Cindy on a cruise. Travel included, her seasonal Anchorage, Alaska adventures with Cindy and family, road trips with girlfriends and visits to the Lake Winnipeg area. Gratitude to the staff at St. Boniface Hospital, 6th floor; members of the Eastern Manitoba Square and Round Dance Association; Fr. Sarce and Catholic Women’s League faith community (St. Edward’s Parish); Fr. Jeanneau (St. Theresa Parish); Fr. Gerry McDougall and Fr. Joe Newman faith community (St. Ignatius Parish) and also family and friends. Prayers will be said on Thursday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street with refreshments to follow. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Edward’ s Roman Catholic Church, 836 Arlington Street with reception to follow immediately, leaving at 2:30 p.m. for interment in Assumption Cemetery, 3990 Portage Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Freda’s memory to St. Boniface Hospital, St. Edward Parish, St. Ignatius Parish, Winnipeg Humane Society or a charity of your choice.