Obituary of LORRAINE (LAURIE) MOCARSKI

Lorraine (Laurie) Mocarski

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Lorraine (Laurie) Mocarski, 58, after a short well-fought battle with colon cancer on June 30 at the Selkirk District Health Centre. She was surrounded by those who loved her until her last breath.

Laurie is survived by children Alexandra (Evan), and Daniela Wenger (Sean), and husband Ihor Wenger of 32 years. She leaves behind her nieces Serena and Dione Kolodka, and brother-in-law Wacek Kolodka in Alberta. She was also survived by her cousins Andy (Lila) Bogdanowicz and family in Chicago and Bob (Madeleine) Bogdanowicz and family in Virginia. She was predeceased by her parents Daniela and Eugeniusz Mocarski and sister Regina Kolodka.

She will be missed by her sister-in-law Mary Wenger and father-in-law Andrij Wenger. She will also be missed by Chris Verhoef (Ashley) and his daughter Willow, Bob Verhoef, and Dan Verhoef (Vanessa) and his daughter Isabella.

Left also to mourn are her many girlfriends: Teresa, Darlene, Barb, Arlene, Irene, Virginia, Diane, Dianne, Debbie, Ruth, Linda, Jaclyn and the many others she could count on for a good chat over lunch or coffee.

Laurie was a strong determined woman who came from humble beginnings, raised by her loving Polish immigrant parents. Her early years were spent hanging out with friends and participating in activities at Saint Mary’s Parish. She enjoyed her high school years at West Kildonan Collegiate playing basketball. Her love of sports continued, playing volleyball on Thursday nights, going to the Wellness Institute regularly, and cheering for the Blue Bombers.

Laurie graduated from Social Work at the University of Manitoba in 1982. She started working at the Children’s Aid Society of Winnipeg, and then moved to Marymound, where she excelled in child-focused treatment. After the birth of her two children, she transitioned to being a stay at home mama with a private practice for court-ordered family assessments. With her specific skill set, she returned back to the workforce, first with Seven Oaks Hospital and then became a Supervisor with Family Conciliation. She enjoyed her years working there, helping countless families and being a support to her staff. She would eventually accept a new challenge as Service Manager of Emergency Placement Resources, where she helped children in need of shelter and support. One of her favourite things to do was buy stuffed animals to give to children in care.

Laurie’s pride and joy were her two daughters who brought her so much happiness. She was known as “Mama Bear” and would do anything for them. Laurie loved all babies, regardless of where they were from. She was passionate about animals, having three golden retrievers, a chihuahua, and a “Chiweenie” in her home over the years. She adored her Rosco and Lucy in her final years.

Laurie loved to travel across the world enjoying Egypt, Poland, and Italy to name a few. One of her favourite trips was exploring Greece with her lifelong best friend Teresa. She continued to travel with Ihor to Cuba, Mexico, Jamaica, and Dominican Republic during the winter months for a warm getaway. She enjoyed cuddling with her puppies and the Fargo Blues Festival every summer. She enjoyed reading books and was the designated proofreader in her house. Hope this reads well Mama!

Cremation has taken place with a memorial service planned for July 5 at the Saint Mary’s Polish National Church at 365 Burrows at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, please donate to CancerCare Manitoba or charity of your choice. Her family would like to send a special thank you to friends and family with well wishes and support through this difficult time.
 

Her family would also like to thank the staff at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre on the surgery ward and those at CancerCare Manitoba for their support. We will always be appreciative of your compassion.