Ludwig Krzak and his daughters would like to reflect on the passing of a truly remarkable lady that they were blessed to have had in their lives. One year ago today on November 19, 2013, we lost a significant part of our world, a woman that shone above the rest and made each of us complete. She was a devoted wife, an outstanding mom, and a wonderful grand and great-grandmother. They say time heals, but I beg to argue, I think it just becomes part of a person’s daily living, this tribute was a difficult piece to write for it closes one more chapter on the life of this woman, as a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a friend.
Annie Krzak was born April 4, 1937, in Fosston, SK, to Mike and Helen Ferdirko. There she grew up and obtained her education alongside her three siblings. When she was 14 years old she met my dad when he was hired by their neighbour. She told her sister and others that she would marry that good looking farm hand one day, and she did. On July 18, 1957, Mom and Dad were married and started their life’s journey together making Flin Flon their home. Mom worked various jobs until the birth of their first daughter, Cheryl, followed almost two years later by their second girl, Louise. Being a stay-at-home mom allowed her to be able to help her parents out on the family farm. Each spring with two little ones in tow Mom would head back to Fosston, SK, to help her mom and dad put the garden in and help with the planting of the fields. The trip was repeated in the fall, the exception being, Dad came with us, and he and Mom would help my grandparents take the gardens out and harvest the crops. We have many fond memories from our summers on the farm.
Mom was a foster mom and for many years opened her heart to children that needed a safe and loving home, and did so until she became pregnant with their last daughter, Carrie. Mom started her own cleaning business in 1976 and worked independently until she retired in 2007 due to health issues. She was a strong willed woman, far ahead of her time, and it was an honour to be able to work alongside of her.
Mom had a zest for life that we all admired, always seeing the lemonade past the lemons, she tried to instill in us to see the good and fun in life. “It’s what you make it” were her words. She was dearly loved by her grand and great-grandchildren, they were the world to her, and she to them. She never missed a concert or event involving one of them. She could be found sitting in the stands rooting on a grandson in hockey or a granddaughter in figure skating, whatever they were involved in Mom was there. In their eyes she was magic, being able to transform any piece of material or ball of wool in to a much wanted Halloween costume, sweater, or pair of mittens.
Throughout her life Mom had a kaleidoscope of interests, bowling, berry picking, her flower gardens, and fishing to name a few. We spent most of our dad’s days off trolling around Table Lake, Dad manning the motor and Mom untangling our fishing lines. Picnics at Phantom Lake and the old fire tower just off of the Number 10 highway were numerous, and she always made Dad his favourite potato salad on these occasions.
Mom loved to travel, and she and Dad made frequent trips to the farm and out west to visit family in Alberta and British Columbia. Their last trip was to Vacaville, California, to visit her sister and her family. There is no way to try to describe this truly amazing woman and the wonderful life we shared with her. She was a kind, thoughtful, caring person who loved life and all it had to offer.
What we would give to once more be able to see her smile and hear her laugh.
She is so sadly missed and will never be forgotten.
Annie is survived by her loving husband Ludwig; daughters Cheryl (Gordon) Gilfillan, Louise (Donald) Last, Carrie (Darren) Lyhkun; grandchildren Annette (Keith) Last-Banach, Troy (Destine) Dease, Dillon Gilfillan; great grandchildren Austin, Taylor, Gracie, and Sierra; and brother John Fedirko.
Mass was held for Annie on November 23, 2013, at St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church with Father Paul officiating.
Honourary pallbearers were Gordon Gilfillan, Don Last, Darren Lyhkun, and Keith Banach. Memories of her life was done by her daughter Louise Last and granddaughter Annette Last. Good friend Doreen Roman attended the memorial registry.
Thank you to Darren at Dadson Funeral Home for his understanding and professional manner in dealing with us as we dealt with the daunting task of our loved one’s funeral.
Thank you to Father Paul for the lovely service held in her honour.
Thank you to the Knights of Columbus for being there for Dad.
Thank you to Doreen Roman for attending the memorial registry.
Thank you to the Catholic Women’s League for the wonderful lunch they provided after the service.
Thank you to Brent and Susan Lethbridge for the music tribute.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Dave Koop for stopping by Mom’s hospital room with his two Havanese puppies. Such a kind gesture really made Mom smile. All those puppy kisses, she loved it.
And last but not least, a special thank you goes out to all of you who sent food, flowers, and cards or offered a kind word, you all helped make a difficult time a little bit easier, God bless you all.
We know Mom was met at Heaven’s gates by her mom and dad, her brother Alex, and her sister Vivian.
’Til we meet again
See you in Heaven
Love you to the moon and back!
Ludwig (Louie) Krzak and family
