Obituary of Adela Svistovski

SVISTOVSKI: Adela. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother (Babcia) on June 22, 2015 at the Souris Personal Care Home. Mom was born in Bolaje, Poland to Franciszek and Hedwig Baranowske on October 8th, 1927. She had two older half-brothers, Peter and Victor, as well as her full brothers, Stanley and Anthony. Life in her village as a child was happy and full; but the war cut her teenage life short with her family and she was taken away as a prisoner of war to work as a labourer on a German farm. Surviving this ordeal; the opportunity came up to come to Canada; so with several other young women they arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, then to Brandon, Manitoba. She and her friends began working at the Brandon Mental Hospital, Mom being a Nurse's aide. Working hard and learning a new language, Mom settled in to her new country. At a social function, she met a handsome young farmer from the Rounthwaite district. She married Raymond Svistovski on October 27, 1951 and her farming and family life began. They had five children who were raised in the freedom of the great outdoors. In between raising a family and working with Dad doing the seeding, haying, harvesting, milking the cows and planting her two huge gardens to provide for the family; Mom found time to enjoy her interests and hobbies. Mom was a great seamstress and made special outfits for special occasions. She liked to crochet and knit and gifted the family with her comfy slippers, beautiful doilies and table clothes. Besides the big gardens for food, Mom had a green thumb and enjoyed surrounding the gardens and farm yard with an abundance of colorful flowers. With Dad and then alone; down-time was to have coffee and share stories with family and friends; be it at the farm, at the Mall in Brandon or at their homes. Mom had lived on the family farm south of Rounthwaite for over 63 years before a stroke took away her independence in May 2014. Being a small statured woman with great strength and a big pure heart, she worked hard all her life and never complained that life was too difficult or too tough. She was kind, gentle, soft spoken and wise. Experiencing all the joys that life could bring but also the sorrows that would test her faith, she kept strong. Mom's devotion in life was her children and grandchildren. She provided and gave us the best that she could. We will be forever grateful for her teachings of life, and keep her in our hearts forever. Mom leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her life; daughters: Frances St-Pierre (Nelson), Romona Courtice (Fred), Kathy Boles (Vaughan) and son Randy Svistovski. Grandchildren: Heather Courtice, Allen, Kim, and Adam Boles. Son-in-law Bert Perey, sister-in-law Stella Zielinski, cousin Gladys Grozny, best friend Christina Polnick; along with nieces and nephews and their families. Mom was predeceased by her husband Raymond in 1998, grandson Terrance Courtice in 2005 and daughter Irene Perey in 2014. She was also predeceased by her parents, brothers, father and mother-in-law Mike and Frances Svistovski, brother-in-law John Zielinski, nephew Steven Zielinski, brother-in-law Adolph Svistovski and sister-in-law Helen Svistovski. Private family prayers and viewing were held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel on June 30th; followed by a graveside service at the Brandon Cemetery, where Mom was laid to rest beside Dad. Celebrant was Fr. Patrick Neufeld of St. Augustine's Catholic Church Pallbearers were: Frances and Nelson St-Pierre, Romona and Fred Courtice, Vaughan and Allen Boles. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. We wish to extend our gratitude to our families and friends for all of the love and support that was expressed during Mom's illness and passing. A special thank-you to the staff at the Souris Personal Care Home for the wonderful care given to Mom. Also thank-you to the Brockie Donovan staff for their guidance, support and compassionate service.