On Monday, December 1st, 2003, Helen Ostrowski passed away peacefully at Pinecrest Home. Born in Poland on June 10th, 1920, she grew up in a close family, the Derewiankos, with three brothers. She attended university where she studied philosophy until World War II began, when she gave up her studies and became a school secretary.
In 1958, she emigrated to Canada to marry Ludwik Ostrowski, settling in Balmertown, Ontario. They had one child, son Ted. Her struggle with multiple sclerosis started a few years later, leading to a permanent stay in the Kenora hospital in 1988, followed by a move to Pinecrest Home in 1995.
Predeceased by her three brothers and husband, Ludwik. She will be sadly missed by her son, Ted, in Thunder Bay, and other relatives in Poland, as well as many friends.
Helen's interests were in music, T.V. sports, and poetry. As a young person, she sang and played the guitar. When disabled, she played hand-chimes with the Sunset Country Handbell Ringers, and enjoyed any concerts she found it possible to attend. An avid fan of baseball and hockey, she cheered for her favorite teams, the Blue Jays and Maple Leafs, watching only those games in which the Toronto team played.
Many hours of reflection gave rise to the writing of poetry, both in English and in Polish. When she could no longer hold a pen, various friends and nurses would take time to write down her words. She published and sold several booklets in each language.
Helen always took an interest in her friends' activities, and in the news of their children and grandchildren. She loved to receive mail, keeping up correspondence in both languages with folks who were dear to her. Her strong personality helped her to cope with the battle against multiple sclerosis for 39 years.
Helen's family would like to extend gratitude to her physicians and to the staff at Lake of the Woods District Hospital, and at Pinecrest Home, for the special care and patience with which they tended to Helen's needs. Many thanks also to the friends who visited her both at the hospital and at Pinecrest, writing her letters, feeding her meals, mending her clothes, doing her shopping, attending to her affairs, and providing a listening ear.
A prayer service will be held at the Brown Funeral Home on Wednesday evening, December 3rd, at 7:00 p.m., with the funeral mass to take place at Notre Dame Church on Thursday, December 4th , at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Balmertown.
Donations in Helen's memory may be made to the M.S. Society, to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital, or to Pinecrest Home.
Funeral Mass - Thursday, December 4, 2003
10 a.m. at Notre Dame Church
Ross Andrew Riddell
November 20, 1932 - December 02, 2003
It is with the deepest regret that we announce the passing of our Dad and Grandfather, Ross Andrew Riddell.
Dad was born on November 20, 1932 in Killarney, Manitoba. Dad was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis in October 2001, his father Frank Riddell in 1977, and his mother Myrtle Riddell in 1994, also by several brothers and sisters-in-law.
He is survived by his son Geoff of Balmertown, Ontario and his daughter Kim Morton (Darcy) and their children, Shauna, Heather and Kyle, all of Keewatin, Ontario.
Dad never wanted to be a farmer like his father so in March 1956 received his Canadian Banker's Association degree from Queen's University. In 1952, while working in Snow Lake Manitoba he met his future wife, Phyllis Riddell (Klywak). They were married on December 4, 1954. Due to many transfers with the bank, they relocated a number of times, mainly in Manitoba, but also in Geraldton and Kenora, where Dad retired from the bank in 1988.
After retirement Dad and Mom would go to Vancouver Island for 11 winters before Mom passed away. They enjoyed their winters on the coast and made many new friends. Dad went out for two more winters after Mom passed.
One of Dad's greatest passions was to fly and in 1974 he received his private pilot's license while with the bank in Thompson, Manitoba. He enjoyed years of flying and when he first moved to Kenora he was a member of the Flying Club. He also loved to golf and was a long time member of the Kenora Golf Club and also enjoyed golfing in the winter when he was in British Columbia.
True to Dad's wishes, immediate cremation has taken place and there will be no service. He asked that you just remember him in your prayers and thoughts.
In lieu of flowers, Dad asked that donations be made in his name to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Lake of the Woods Hospital CAT Scan.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul;
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
For thou art with me; Thy rod and
thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the
presence of mine enemies;
Thou anointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life;
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
- The Twenty-Third Psalm
BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE
ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS
Josephine Bencharski
Josie Bencharski, aged 76 years, passed away on Sunday,
November 9, 2003 at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband John in 1984 as well as her sisters Katie, Frances, Mary and Liz and her brothers Bob, Tom, Charlie and Frank.
She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Russell (Heather), Donna Corderio (Lou), Denise Selinger (Gord), Rhonda Charlton (Mike), and Rodney. Josie will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Tara, Victor, Scott, Wendy, Jodi, Timmy, Vanessa, Declon, Troy, Katie, Breanne and Brendon as well as her two little 'greats', Georgia and Sawyer. Also left to mourn her passing is her brother Billy and her sisters Marge, Evelyn and Annie and sister-in-law Olga.
A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at the Kenora Community Funeral Home, 821 St. Clair Street, Keewatin, Ontario
Should family and friends so desire, please make a donation in memory of Josie to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital C.T. Scanner Fund.
As Mom was hospitalized for an extended period of time, she was fortunate to get to know many of the staff on a more personal basis. We wanted to say thank you for the laughs, the hugs, the support and excellent care given to Mom. We also send a special thank you to nurse McGowan for her assistance during our most trying time.
On Line Condolences may be made at kcfh@voyageur.ca
Kenora Community Funeral Home
547-6000
Memorial Service
Saturday, November 15, 2003 at 2:00 p.m.
Kenora Community Funeral Home
Marian Ellen Cooke
On Sunday, November 9th, 2003 Marian passed away, peacefully, after a long and happy life.
Marian is survived by her sister Norah Mundy; nephews, David Mundy (Lee), Sean Mundy; nieces Maryanne Nilson (Alastair), Shelagh Mundy; great nephews Bill, and Alan; and great niece Leah.
Her father Henry Cooke, and her mother, Hazel Cooke, predeceased her.
Marian was born in Uxbridge Ontario, December 8th 1913, and moved to Kenora Ontario in 1919. After her education was
completed in Kenora, Marian enrolled in The University of Toronto, graduating in 1936 with a Bachelor of Arts. She was a member of the Beta Psi of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Marian worked briefly in the Public Library in Kenora, and later returned to Toronto to study Library Arts. Employed by the Toronto Public Libraries, Marian retired as Head Librarian, after spending most of her career at Boy's and Girl's House. She delighted in her work with the children.
In retirement, Marian enjoyed her work with Meals on Wheels, and the Canadian Diabetes Association where she received an award for her volunteer work as Chairman of the Archives Committee. After moving to Kenora, Marian continued her volunteer work at the Agape Table.
A Memorial Service was held at St Alban's Cathedral, Kenora, on Tuesday, November 11, 2003. Interment followed.
If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers,
donations in Marian's memory may be made to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital, Kenora.
Memorial Service was held
at St. Alban's Cathedral, Kenora
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
Barbara Marion Sandercock (nee Inglis)
July 18, 1932 - November 8, 2003
Peacefully at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital with her family by her side Barbara Marion Sandercock passed away at the age of 71.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband and companion of 49 years, Robert Sandercock, son Brian Sandercock (Andrea) of Kenora, ON, daughter Donna (Rick) Rinker of Bindloss, AB, brothers, Tom (Joan) Inglis, Don (MaryAnn) Inglis, William Inglis, all of Thunder Bay, ON, sister-in-law, Beverly Sandercock, of Burnaby, BC, and many nieces, nephews and special friends.
She was predeceased by her mother Edna Inglis, father Arnold Inglis, an infant daughter, and brother-in-law Norman Sandercock.
Mom was born on July 18, 1932 in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, residing in Richard's Landing, ON, and moving to Thunder Bay at age 12, before attending King's Business College post-secondary. She was employed with Midwest Paper, and then with North American Lumber, meeting Dad, the love of her life in 1954 and marrying and starting a family. They moved to Kenora in 1964, first working as a secretary of Knox United Church, and then at Dad's side in 1976, when they owned and operated Kenora Esso Service Centre and the Self-Serve station until their retirement in 1993.
Mom was an amazing lady, one of her greatest gifts was that for conversation, being able to talk to anyone about anything, her non-judgmental and accepting personality making you feel instantly welcome and comfortable in her presence.
She loved their home on Longbow Lake spending numerous hours on her garden and flowers, and entertaining her family and friends at every opportunity.
Mom also enjoyed many winters at their home in Mission, Texas, and frequent vacations with her brother and sister-in-law, Don and MaryAnn.
At Mom's request, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at the Knox United Church, Friday November 14, at 1 pm with Reverend Eric Matheson officiating.
Special thanks to Dr. Barstad and the Staff at Pine Medical Centre in Minnesota, Dr. Beverage and the Palliative Care Staff at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital for their care and compassion during this difficult time.
The family also wishes to thank Uncle Don and Auntie MaryAnn. No words can express our gratitude for everything you've done for us.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mom's memory to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital or the charity of one's choice.
On Line Condolences may be made at kcfh@voyageur.ca
