Obituary of Patricia "Pat" Diana Kozack

KOZACK: Patricia Diana (Pat) passed away peacefully at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on April 10, 2015. Pat was the eldest child and loving daughter of the late Adam and Irene Kozack. She was born September 30, 1949 in Russell, Manitoba and lived on a farm with her parents and two brothers, Dennis and Terry, until they moved to Brandon. She spent her childhood and teenage years in Brandon. After graduating from high school, Pat did some travelling and settled in Winnipeg. She became a licensed optician and worked for 30 years for Cristall Opticians. Being a natural people person, she loved her work. Throughout her career, she had the opportunity to meet a few celebrities over the years who required her expertise, in addition to her regular customers. Another highlight for Pat was the purchase of a condo. Her home was always open for family to visit and a place to stay for medical appointments. Pat always made friends and relatives feel welcome. When her parents visited, she enjoyed shopping with her mother. Occasionally, they would try their luck at the casinos. Pat enjoyed her vacations, travelling with her parents to various places in Canada and the United States. Unfortunately, Pat was diagnosed with scleroderma approximately 20 years ago. She continued to work, despite her health condition for several years. Her health took a turn for the worse in 2009. She returned to Brandon where she lived with her parents and brother, Dennis. Pat was hospitalized numerous times, but her love for life never faded. She faced her health issues with dignity, rarely complaining. Many hours were spent outside on the deck with her mother and brother, Dennis. She looked forward to visits with family and friends, reminiscing and just enjoying each others' company. Pat will be lovingly remembered by family and friends. She is survived by her mother Irene Kozack, her brothers Dennis Kozack and Terry Kozack (Shirley Armstrong) of Melita, a special niece Shannon and Al Hay, their children Skylar and Dayton of Kamloops, B.C., Aunt Evelyn and Eugene Kozun of Brandon, Aunt Sylvia Obedniak of Russell, cousins Malveen Austin, Connie Obedniak-Speirs, Darlene Tanasychuk and their families. Pat was pre-deceased by her father Adam Kozack in 2010 and Uncle Tom Obedniak in 2012. A Funeral Service to honour Pat's life was held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel on Friday, April 17, 2015 at 11 a.m. with Father Michael Tkachuk officiating and Stella Fedeniuk as Cantor. Pallbearers were Dennis Kozack, Terry Kozack, Shannon Hay, Shirley Armstrong-Kozack, Kirk Austin and Wayne Baker. Interment was held at the Brandon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Pat may be made to a charity of choice.