Obituary of Frances Tarnowski

TARNOWSKI: Frances (née Bellas). The family of Frances Tarnowski sadly announces her passing at Valleyview Personal Care Home, at the age of 86, on May 23, 2015. Frances was born on June 1, 1928 in Brandon, MB to Samuel and Annice Bellas. Frances received her education at McLaren, Earl Haig, Brandon Collegiate and Brandon College. While attending College, she worked at the Strand Theatre and the Brandon Hospital for Mental Diseases (Brandon Mental Health Centre) as a nurse's aide during the summer months. Frances went on to further her education and graduated as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse in 1949. She was employed at the Hospital for Mental Diseases as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse. Frances married Stanley Tarnowski on August 26, 1950. Frances was a gentle, loving wife and mother, who was always there for her family. She left her career in psychiatric nursing to raise her four daughters. Frances was an exceptional cook, and passed on her love of cooking and entertaining to her daughters. Time with family and friends was important. Holidays were always a special time that were full of traditions from generations past. She enjoyed company for a quick visit or an evening of cards with family and friends. Mom was loved by all for her caring nature. She was always there to lend an ear or shoulder whenever someone was in need. Mom collected quotes and sayings that were posted on her fridge to share, which offered a laugh or inspirational message. Frances will be missed dearly by those whose lives she touched. Frances is survived by her daughters Charlene Mutchler (Ken), Leanna Fardoe (Kelly), Tess Lelond (Darren), Corinne Kirkwood (Neil) and grandchildren Caelin and Josh Mutchler, Tanner Fardoe, and Mitchell Lelond, brother Ken Bellas (Lois), as well as many nieces and nephews. Frances was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Stan Tarnowski, parents Samual and Annice Bellas, brothers Harold and Delbert and sisters Verna and Eleanor. Frances was a parishioner of St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church and enjoyed attending the Wednesday afternoon "Drop In" at the Ukrainian Reading Hall with her friends. Prayers will take place at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 927 Assiniboine Avenue, on Friday, May 29, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Michael Tkachuk as Celebrant, assisted by Cantor Tony Yuriy. Donations in Memory of Frances may be made to charity of choice. And the children said, "You will always walk with us mother even when you have gone through the gate." And they stood and watched her as she went on alone and the gates closed after her. And they said, "We cannot see her, but she is with us still." A mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence.