FLORENCE STELLA KRULICKI (published on March 05, 2011)
| FLORENCE STELLA KRULICKI (nee DERKACH) August 19, 1934 - February 22, 2011 It is not without a smile and a tear that we pass along the story of this kind, generous and hard working lady that we were blessed to call Mom and Baba. We are sure all those who knew her have a tale to tell and a fond memory to hold dear. Mom passed away peacefully at Seven Oaks Hospital after a brief illness due to complications related to pneumonia. She will be missed by her sons Leonard (Shannon, Aneliese and Zak), Kenny, Wally (Susan, Braeden and Alex - Calgary), Brian (Juliet, Sara, Bethany and Micah), Barry; sister Ann (Mike); brothers Ernie (Mary), Raymond (Lorraine), and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Tony and his wife Jane. Florence (Flo) was born and raised in Rossburn, MB, being one of five children. After school she moved to Winnipeg to work. In 1959 she married Leo Krulicki and, in quick succession, bore five sons. The marriage did not work out and she became a single parent where she alone raised her five sons in Winnipeg's North-End. To say life was hard and a struggle at that time is an understatement. All five boys worked after school and summer vacations to help make ends meet. Flo worked at Eaton's about 10 years at the snack bar downstairs and occasionally in the Valley Room upstairs. She left Eaton's to work at Robin's Donuts on Selkirk and Salter (as it was closer to home) and for over 12 years absolutely loved her job there. After moving to a new apartment at Monash Manor she obtained employment at Sam and Dan's Deli. She worked there almost three years when in May of 1996 she suffered a brain aneurysm which left her unable to continue working. She survived the surgery needed to repair the aneurysm but, to those that knew her best, she was not the same. That day we lost a part of our Mom. Thankfully her personality (for the most part) remained intact. Gone was her fierce independence but remaining was her carefree outlook, sunny disposition and sense of humour. Although we now had to watch over her, Mom was still able to lead a full and active life. Unfortunately as time passed she endured numerous and various problems with her health to the point where she required daily then round-the-clock care. She loved cooking, singing in the choir, music, dancing, playing cards, Bingo and enjoying time with her friends, family and grandchildren. Wherever she went she either knew someone or she made new friends. No one liked to socialize more than Flo and that remained a constant right up to the time of her passing. Flo shared a special relationship with her Uncle Steve Kostiew. When her boys were small she looked in on him when he resided in his apartment. When he was unable to live alone she took him into her home and looked after him until he suffered a stroke and went to live at Holy Family Nursing Home. While there, she frequently visited him and even after his passing continued to volunteer until her health no longer permitted her to do so. We are appreciative of the compassion and care Mom received over the years from Home Care, The Sharon Home and in particular from staff at Holy Family Nursing Home. Her happiness was a testament to the quality of care kindly and tenderly administered to her. Flo loved those who cared for her and they became her extended family. We wish to thank everyone who wrote, called or visited our Mom Flo over the years. Special thanks to Norma, Joanie, Mildred, Dorothy, Mary E., Walter and Mary, and favourite niece Dianne. Mom was at that stage in her life where she was saddened by the loss of many of her friends due to illness or their passing. She especially mourned the loss of her across the hall buddy Edith Stuhldreier, and was touched by the kind acts that Edith's family extended to her. In Edith's memory her electric wheelchair gifted to Mom will remain at Holy Family to be used by those that need it most. Our prayers and goodbyes have been said with Mom (Baba) and cremation has taken place. As per her wishes there will be no service and she will be interred with her Uncle Steve at a later date. As she simply and honestly lived, it was as she left. We ask that you consider her wishes and commit an act of random kindness. Give flowers to someone you know so that they may enjoy their beauty today. Hold your family and friends near, and tell them you love them often. This is how her life should be honoured and how her spirit will remain. |
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