The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Patricia Anne Kawerski passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2003, at the Flin Flon General Hospital with her family at her side. Pat is survived by her husband Walter; daughter Shelly (Ed) Jones; son Rick (Katie) Kawerski; her grandchildren Brett, Bradley and Kyle Jones, Kevin and Kelsey Kawerski; two sisters Muriel (Jack) Mayberry of Reston, MB and Charlene (John) Siluch of Sherwood Park, Alberta. A funeral service was held Saturday, December 20, 2003, at 2:00 p.m. at the Northminster Memorial United Church with Reverend Janis Campbell officiating. Honourary pallbearers were everyone who's life was touched by Pat. Ushers were Joe Dumenko and Ernie Poirier. Memorial register attendants were Olga Dumenko and Lena Kopachinski. A Remembrance of Mom was read by son-in-law Ed Jones. Pat was born Patricia Anne Steadman April 5, 1937, to Charles and Alice Steadman in Elgin, Manitoba. She was the youngest of three daughters. She was predeceased by her mother in 1939 and her father in 1959. In 1954 Pat, while working as a telephone operator for MTS, met Walter, who also worked for MTS. Two years later they were married. They resided in Elgin until 1958 then moved to Flin Flon. In Flin Flon they lived on Hill Street for 1 1/2 years and were still employed with MTS. During their time on Hill Street they had their first child, a son - Ricky Dale. In 1959 they moved to Ross Street and in 1962 they had their second child - a daughter - Shelly Dawn. In 1963 they bought their first home on Green Street where they have lived for the last 40 years. Many lifelong friendships have been made and many good times had. From New Year's parties at the James's to fishing trips with the Poiriers and long days at the beach, they enjoyed life. You could always count on the neighbourhood through the good times and bad times, they have always been there for each other. Pat was a stay at home mom until 1974 when she went to work at the Northern Lights Manor as a cook in the kitchen. She worked there for 23 years before she retired in May of 1997. The friendships and bonds that were created during that time will never be forgotten. From the perogy and cabbage roll work bees to the once a month luncheons, to the summertime barbecues, there was never a dull moment for her. The circle of friends she made while working at the Manor can never be broken, they were always there for each other through the good and bad times. Mom had many passions in life. She loved to knit and crochet. She took great pride in her flower beds and garden every summer. Every flower she planted had to be in the right place. She told Shelly that if she was going to live in her neighbourhood she had to plant flowers. So she did, under Pat's supervision. She was also a regular at the meat draws on Fridays and Saturdays. If she won, she always shared. Mom and Dad joined a group called the OB's Club where once a month they attended a dinner and dance and had many good times. Mom also joined the Flin Flon Hospital Auxiliary where she enjoyed going to the meetings, doing the hospital cart, working at bingos, but most of all took great pride in the baby blankets that she would knit or crochet for the newborn babies. Mom's biggest passion in life was her family. She has five grandsons that kept her busy. From the day to day pampering of Walter to the Sunday family suppers, she never thought of herself. From the homemade cookies to special birthday presents to listening to piano achievements and attending hockey, baseball and soccer games, she was always there. Christmas was a special time for Mom, she would cook and bake so that everything would be just right on Christmas Day for her family. She always made it special for all of us. In Mom's life she and Dad did some travelling. They took their children to Hawaii in 1978. They travelled to Vancouver in 1979 and over to Europe with lifelong friends Joe and Olga. After that they travelled back to Hawaii where Mom got to sing "Tiny Bubbles" with Don Ho. Mom loved her family and friends unconditionally and never asked for much. She was a devoted wife, Walter always came first and she loved him with everything she had. She was the best mother any child could ever ask for. She was an unselfish, caring, loving and wonderful person. A true friends to all who knew her. She fought a fight that she couldn't win and never once complained or felt sorry for herself. Her strength goes beyond this Earth. She will be sadly missed but never forgotten. Mom we are proud of you. Mothers are flowers that blossom in the heart. Pat's family would like to extend a sincere thank you to so many people whose shoulders we have leaned on during this difficult time. Your love, support and comfort were unending. We knew you were with us in your thoughts, prayers and actions. Thank you to Dr. Moraes for looking after Mom and to Shawn Krassilowsky who was always there day and night for Mom. We wish to say thank you to the people who brought so much food and to the people who sent flowers and cards, to the people who phoned or stopped to give us hugs, and to those who made memorial donations. Thank you to the neighbourhood families for the supper and dessert. Thank you to the Northern Lights Manor retiree women for the wonderful family supper. Your love for our mom shone through in your generosity. Thank you Dana and Darren for your warmth and professionalism and for taking good care of our mom and us. You made a difficult time a little easier. Thank you to Reverend Janis Campbell for your heart-warming service and your tender words of comfort. Mom would have loved hearing them. Thank you to the ladies from the church for a wonderful lunch after Mom's service. Thank you to Mark and Carol for your gifts of music and song. They were truly beautiful and we know Mom was smiling as she listened. Our most difficult time was made bearable by the wonderful community of Flin Flon. Love, Walter, Shelly, Ed, Brett, Bradley, Kyle, Rick, Katie, Kevin and Kelsey
