Obituaries

MIRIAM IMOGENE ALBAK

(NEE JOHNSON)

1932 – 2018

On Saturday, December 29, 2018, Gunnar lost his best friend and partner of 63 years, Miriam.

Miriam leaves her husband Gunnar Albak; son Russell (Donna) and daughter Carol Gendzelevich (Ron); grandchildren Stephen (Kendra), Laura, Jennifer (Ryan), Gary (Shelia), Bryan (Trina), Mark and Kristopher; and great grandchildren Archer and Liam. She was predeceased by her father William; mother Edith; sister Edie and brother William Johnson.

Born July 21, 1932 in Rosenfeld, MB; her early years were spent on the family farm near Graysville, MB. Her father’s employment as an engineer with CPR, eventually took the family to Winnipeg. After high school, she attended secretarial training then started her career at CPR and later with the Manitoba Milk Board.

Miriam and Gunnar met during the summer of 1951 at Shoal Lake. They married May 14, 1955 and settled in Winnipeg. Miriam was a quiet, kind and industrious person.  She had a keen intellect and powerful memory, especially for dates. She loved to laugh and was quick with a beautiful smile. She loved animals and reading.

Her husband and family were her priority and enjoyed spending time with them. Miriam was very proud of them and willingly provided support and comfort. She was a wonderful cook and homemaker. One of her specialties was baking homemade bread from scratch with her family being the beneficiary.

After Gunnar’s retirement, they moved to Carman, MB to be closer to her childhood farm. The rural lifestyle suited their personalities providing much gratification.

Over the past five years, Miriam’s health steadily declined. This eventually resulted in her loss of her ability to walk. Her independence was reduced, and life became very challenging. She continued to find peace and enjoyment with her husband and family.

Miriam’s Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 1, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in Wojcik’s Funeral Chapel, 1020 Main Street @ Manitoba Avenue.

Gunnar and family wish to thank the caring staff at Brightwater Senior Living for compassionately attending to Miriam’s needs of daily living over the past year. Gunnar expresses his appreciation to Miriam’s personal physician, Dr. C. W. Fletcher, for his care. Also, thank you to the staff of 3S at the Grace Hospital for making her final few days of life more peaceful.

In lieu of flowers a donation to the Winnipeg Humane Society in Mom’s name would be preferred.

Condolences may be sent to www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com