Obituary of ROSE LUDWICK

Rose Ludwick

(nee Lazaruk)

March 13 1928-January 15 2022

 

After a remarkable life based on a foundation of work, faith and family, Rose peacefully passed away on January 15.

 

Rose was born in East Lockport and grew up in the landscape of the Depression era. A farm life had many lessons, where the ability to work hard was a gift . She attended the Gonor School and worked in a sewing factory near the end of WW2. In 1946 Rose married Stan Ludwick and they moved to his parent’s farm in Narol. They made ends meet but getting ahead by farming was an annual challenge. A wife at 18 and a mother of 3 by 28 Rose had ambition; she thought there must be a better way to craft a life. Besides, she never really liked farm work. 

 

So in 1962, Rose started down a path that would shape the rest of her life. She began to work with her brother-in-law Werner Meger and sister-in-law Mary Kupchik in a little side business called Rose-Marie Catering in Selkirk, MB. Rose loved to cook; she loved to work; so this was a natural for her. The business grew, her vision grew, and in 1970, Rose and Stan decided to strike out on their own. Ludwick Catering in Birds Hill became the life long passion project Rose was looking for. She now had a way of life where she could combine her great love of cooking for family and friends, with an ambition to build something to be proud of. Nothing made her happier than to have people enjoy her food and service.

 

For over 50 years Ludwick Catering has been part of the hospitality community, and age was never a factor for Rose when it came to opportunity. In 2006 at 78 years of age, armed with a lifetime of personal recipes, Rose became a partner in a new venture called Perfect Pierogies Ltd. It started as a little home-style food business with humble beginnings that now serves Canadians from coast to coast. Through these companies, now guided by her daughter Carole, the principles of taste and personal service that Rose developed will live on.

 

The guide points on her life compass were family and faith. They directed her core values and rules. The rules weren’t subtle. She wasn’t one to use gushing words to express her love for her friends and family, but love them she did. Nothing made her happier than having the entire family gather at her home each week.

Since 1946, the year she married, Corpus Christi Church and the Catholic Women’s League were central to her life. She was a part of the choir for over 50 years. She had direct belief and faith in the Holy Trinity and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Rose and Stan spent 51 lovingly united married years together until Stan died in 1997. Son Gary Ludwick, and son-in-law Brian Aitkenhead also predeceased her.

 

Rose and Stan had the time to enjoy good times travelling and the honest rewards of a hard working life. After Stan passed, Rose’s best friend was her daughter Carole, and they spent many nights out on the town here and around North America. 

Rose is survived by Carole and son Terry (Dona). Nana leaves 9 grandchildren: Vicki (Dave), Christine, Ryan (Ryon), Robert, Thomas (Kat), James(Carmen), Kelsey, Casey (Cole) and William; and three great grandchildren: Jordan, Eric and Joshua. Susan Semeniuk will also lovingly remember Rose.

 

Rose was also predeceased by her parents Michael and Mary Lazaruk; brothers Alex Lazaruk, John, Frank, Peter, Mike Kupchik; sisters Anne Rapko, and Lena Meger. Her sister-in-law Mary Lazaruk and many nieces and nephews survive her in the extended Ludwick/Lazaruk/Kupchik family. 

 

Rose was a no nonsense-get it done- let’s get down to business- person. She loved to laugh; loved a good story and would cry at the drop of a hat. Life was not long enough to do all the things she wanted to do. She never gave up or gave in but she knew where she was headed and she put her faith in God to bring her home to him.

 

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Holy Family Home and the staff on St. Basil’s ward that made Rose a part of their family over the last years.

 

A private funeral mass and interment has been held. A public memorial mass and gathering will be held at a future date.

 

You may make a contribution to the Corpus Christ Building Fund in memory of Rose, and in the days that come whenever you see a rose in a vase, bouquet, or on the bloom think of her and smile. Rose of my Heart.