Obituary of ONA ZIMINSKAS

ONA ZIMINSKAS (nee MILLERIS) March 2, 1921 – May 25, 2012 Sadly we announce the peaceful and dignified passing of Ona, at Deer Lodge Centre. She was predeceased by her beloved Petras (2000), her dear son-in-law Donald Pestrak (2011), her infant twin sons Gediminas and Vytautas (1952), her parents Pranciska and Juozas, stepmothers Agota and Magdalena and brother Jonas, all in Lithuania. She is survived by dearly loved daughter Nijole, cherished granddaughter Karley. Also survived by "second daughter" Margaret Colbon in Thunder Bay and Goddaughter Zita in Australia and Petras’ relatives in Lithuania. Ona was born in Sakiai, Lithuania and lived an idyllic family life in a beautiful orchard setting until the invasion of her homeland. The war caused her to flee with three friends and through many trials they made it through to Germany, Paris and finally Denmark, where she worked in an orphanage for 5 years. Seeking a better life, she sought a sponsorship to Canada and arrived in Montreal and then on to Winnipeg, where she settled. Ona met Petras in 1949 and after a brief courtship were married July 21, 1951 and shared a hardworking productive life for almost 50 years. Their only daughter Nijole was born in 1954 and she became the centre of her life. Ona wanted all for her child and taught her everything regarding culture, religion, tolerance, love of mankind and nature. Ona worked at home and then in 1967 upon moving, began to work at Misericordia General Hospital until 1986. Upon retirement, Ona took great pleasure in caring for her granddaughter Karley born in 1984, when she was needed. She loved people, especially children, enjoyed gardening and everything outdoors, birds, squirrels, stray pets. She enjoyed the family cottage at Winnipeg Beach for years, planting many trees and flowers. She enjoyed all handicrafts and could do any type even without patterns, just by looking at an item and then making it. Religion and culture were of the utmost importance and Ona was very involved in St. Casimir’s Lithuanian Church. She participated in banquets, picnics, cooking at the summer camp and Folklorama and all other events. She then joined Holy Ghost Church when the church closed. She was a voracious reader of Lithuanian books and newspapers and readily discussed politics. She was especially pleased when Lithuania regained its independence in 1991. She was a proud Canadian but her heart and roots were always in Lithuania. Ona was a faithful, honest and true person. A small woman of stature but very feisty! She loved all people and felt everyone was equal. She will be sadly missed by those left behind but we are joyful that she is reunited with her beloved Petras. A sincere heartfelt Thank-you to Deer Lodge Centre 4 East, also 6 East, Riverview Health Centre, Home Care and Dr. Richard Blouw. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 2 at 10:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. with Fr. Vince Herner officiating. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Ona’s memory to Manitoba Lung Association, Winnipeg Humane Society, Misericordia Health Centre Foundation or a charity of one’s choice. "Ilsekis Ramybe Musu Mylima" Rest in Peace Our Beloved