Obituary of Luella Czech

CZECH: Luella Mary (née Cullen) It is with heavy hearts we said goodbye to our beloved Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma, after a valiant struggle with many health issues. Mom passed away peacefully at Fairview Personal Care Home, with family by her side. Mom was born August 6, 1934 to Wilford and Mary (née Moffat) Cullen, in Holmfield, Manitoba. During Mom's school years, she attended Rose Valley Elementary, and later, Killarney High School. Mom's diverse array of jobs included, Brown's General Store (Killarney), Anglo Petroleum (Brandon), Eaton's Catalogue Department, Eaton's Shoe Department, Dr. Runcie's Dental Office and Foster's Floral Fashions, (Brandon) where most people recognized Mom from, as she was employed there for 19 years! Her friendly demeanor and personable nature endured her to all. Mom loved to talk! Everyone she knew, or met, felt welcomed by the warmth of her personality. Mom met our Dad (Lewie) on a blind date. "Blind” being the operative word. Mom often told the story of Dad showing up in a green suit, a bow tie, and brown shoes, with one black shoe lace, and one brown shoe lace. What a catch! Mom obviously looked past Dad's "fashion sense", and 4 years later they were married on June 6, 1959 in Killarney, Manitoba. Mom and Dad were devoted to each other throughout their 54 years of marriage. Their lifelong partnership was not without hardships or struggles but they persevered, and it made their marriage and love for one another even stronger. Four children were born to Lewie and Luella; LuAnne, Lana, Laurie and Lindy. Six people with all the same first initial. What an "L" of a family! Mom and (Dad's) greatest joy was their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Over the years, they loved to spoil the grandkids. Mom was very interested in activities they took part in, and was extremely proud of their many achievements. It gave her great joy when the kids came to visit, and she always had a "treat" for them. Mom had a wicked sense of humour, and her infectious laugh got everybody else going. She was good for a joke or prank! Mom was kind and hardworking. Her integrity, honesty and compassion were some of the life lessons she instilled in us. We always thought Dad was the tough one, but Mom was "scary"! We soon learned how to run fast when Mom was angry. Didn't help much, because when we got home we spent a lot of time in our rooms! Bridge, dancing, various card games, music and bowling were some of her favourite activities. Mom and Dad, had an amazing circle of friends! Barbecues, suppers, card nights, and their famous garage parties were some of the social activities Mom and Dad would love to host. Dad would fire up the old record player, or later on, the 8 track, and off everyone would go, singing, dancing and laughing the night away. Mom being a good cook, always had tons of food, and if you went away hungry (or thirsty) from one of these special times, it was your own fault! Our spiritual upbringing was very important to our parents. They made sure we appreciated the religious teachings of our Church, St. Joseph's, and as such, we have acquired a special connection with our Church Family. Mom and Dad were proud lifetime members of the Polish Gymnastics Sokol Association. So many happy fun times, and great meals were had at the hall. Dad's father, Anthony, was one of the founding members who helped build the old Sokol Hall, so this organization is very important to all our family. Mom is survived by her loving children: LuAnne Williams, Lana Swift, Laurie Czech (Christine Boehlig) and Lindy Mayes (fiancé Jamie Kshymensky); Grandchildren: Jeff Williams (Cassie Campbell), Ryan Williams (Jen Santilli) and Christopher Mayes (Brandi Ainsworth); Great grandchildren: Lily Williams, Mary Williams and Kingston Campbell. Mom is also survived by sisters-in-law, Mavis Cullen, and Margaret Cullen, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mom was predeceased by her parents, Wilford and Mary (née Moffat) Cullen; Father-in-law and Mother–in-law, Anthony and Albina (née Grabowski) Czech; Sister-in-law, Agnes Czech; Brother-in-law, Roy Scott; Siblings: Don Cullen, Jim Cullen and Marian Scott. Also her loving Husband Lewie; Granddaughter, Stefanie Elke David Bakeman Williams; and Son-in-law, Robb Swift. Due to Covid 19 Restrictions, a private family viewing was held Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at Brockie Donovan Funeral Chapel, and Private Family Internment was held at Brandon Cemetery on Friday, August 28, 2020 with Deacon Joseph Stadnyk officiating. A Celebration of Mom's life will be held at later date due to Covid-19 Restrictions. Should you wish to make a donation in Mom's memory, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Polish National Catholic Church, 1111 Assiniboine Ave., Brandon, MB, R7A 0G9 or to the Polish Sokol Gymnastics Association, 30 13th St. N., Brandon, MB, R7A 6T1.