Obituary of MILDRED SLIWA

MILDRED SLIWA

Mom passed away peacefully at her home at Misericordia Place on Friday, August 23, 2019.  She was 96 years old.   She is survived by her daughters Theresa Murray (David), Monica McKay (William) and Barbara Huen (Mike).  Mom also had 4 grandaughters Nicole Squires (Perry), Heather Feigl (Andreas), Natalie Lessard and Janelle Lessard  as well as 3 great grandchildren Sidney Squires, Marcus Feigl and Alexander Feigl. 

Mom was born in Czortkow, Poland on January 1, 1923 as Jadwiga Beczarski.  She came to Canada with her family in 1930 where she became Mildred Bencharski.  Her father was concerned about what was happening in Eastern Europe and wanted a better and safer future for his family. 

Mom grew up in rural Saskatchewan but moved to Winnipeg in her early twenties.   She married in her late twenties and had 3 daughters of whom she was extremely proud.  Mom always boasted of our accomplishments.  She encouraged us to be strong and independent women – just as she was. 

Mom loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren who affectionately called her Baba.  She enjoyed spending time with them outdoors, telling them stories and reading to them.   Mom also loved to cook for them and prepare their favourite dishes.  Nobody made cabbage rolls, perogies and pickles like mom did.  She was extremely proud of their successes and wanted them all to be happy.

After her marriage, mom worked at Eaton’s mail order until it closed.  It was hard, physical work but mom never complained.  In fact, she was proud that she could do more than many of the men.  After Eaton’s closed, mom moved to Woolco where she worked until she retired.   Mom then took up gardening and supplied us with vegetables until she was 92.  She was proud that she could look after herself. 

Being the independent woman she was, mom lived on her own in her own apartment until she was 94.  She loved to walk everywhere she could.  That is what kept her healthy and her mind alert.  Mom’s health declined after a few surgeries and she moved to Misericordia Place.   This became her home for the last 20 months. 

Our family would like to thank the wonderful people who work at Misericordia Place.   Words cannot fully express how much we appreciate the love and care they gave mom and the relationship they developed with us.   In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to can make a donation in mom’s name to Misericordia Place.  The address is 44 Furby Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 2A1.

We love you Baba and we will miss you.  Rest in peace.