Obituary of MARY PATRICIA (PAT) SAWICKI (CARDINAL)

MARY PATRICIA (PAT) SAWICKI (CARDINAL)

 

Peacefully with her family by her side, Mary Patricia Sawicki passed away on November 21, 2018 at Seven Oaks Hospital.

Lovingly remembered by daughters, Beverley and Diane (Ken), grandchildren Kim, Matt (Robin), Kenny (Kelly), Jenn (Troy), and nine great-grandchildren. Pat is survived by her sister Bernice (Tom) in Vancouver.

She was predeceased by her loving husband William (Bill) in 2009 and son-in-law Terry in 1990.

Pat was born on January 29, 1931 in Winnipeg where she lived her whole life. She met the love of her life at the age of 16, at a dance in Patterson’s Barn in 1947 and her fate was sealed. Pat and Bill were married in 1949 at Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church and settled on Elgin Avenue in Brooklands where they lived with Bill’s father. Pat was quickly immersed into the Ukrainian culture and learned from Bill’s sister Anne how to cook the traditional dishes.

Shortly after the newlyweds went on to build their first house by themselves with Pat cheering on Bill as he dug the basement by hand. Later they purchased Bill’s sister Anne’s larger home across the street where they raised their family. Pat became an expert “canner” as Bill’s garden encompassed the “whole” back yard. When she wasn’t in the kitchen, she loved to socialize with Bill at numerous functions, especially dances at the William Hall. In 1975, Pat and Bill enjoyed going out and spending time fishing and blueberry picking at their cottage in Lee River. Mom worked full time at various jobs and retired from Perth’s in 1986. Shortly after retirement Pat became the main caregiver for her mother and step father. Pat was also very involved with The Brooklands Senior’s Center in its early years. She ran the weekly bingo and handled the finances and volunteered at various fundraisers, and enjoyed playing cards and crib.

In her later years enjoyed aqua size, then exercise and was a volunteer reader at the age of 81 years to children at Butterworth School.

Over the years, she loved to sew and knit for her children. She remained an active member of Holy Ghost Parish (Ada Street) until Bill passed away in 2009.

Four years later she moved half a block away into her apartment at the Westlands Seniors Complex. Pat enjoyed that she remained in her community (Brooklands) close to her family and friends and activities at the Brooklands Seniors’ Center. Mom found comfort in Sparling United Church, attending services at the Brooklands Seniors’ Center.

The family thanks Seven Oaks Hospital ER staff, all health care professionals on 5 Unit 2, KMC residents, spiritual care worker Bonnie for their compassionate care and kindness.

A special thank you to Alicia, health care aide who stayed with her from the beginning to the end at Seven Oaks Hospital.

Thanks to Sparling United Church Minister Scott, for his years of friendship and the special private family memorial service held at Brookside Cemetery on November 27, 2018.

 

To My Family

I go from you gently for it is my time

To take the next step

In this journey of mine

Don’t grieve for me long

I’ve not left you alone

For I will be with you

In the love that we’ve known,

That love is forever,

And some day when it’s time

You’ll join me again

In this journey of mine.

Anonymous