Katherine WONDGA

Katherine Kapla September 21, 1917 - March 7, 2009 Katherine, age 91 of Saskatoon, passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side on Saturday, March 7th, 2009 at Royal University Hospital. Kay is survived by her daughter, Alexandra (Ross) Robertson of Perth, Australia; Son-in-law, Ernie (Wanda) Friesen of Saskatoon; Nieces, Katherine (Brian) Dugan of Saskatoon, Valerie (Gordon) Hultgreen of Humboldt; Grandchildren, Matthew, Sarah, Paul, Laura (Ryan), and Lisa (Shaun); Great Grandchildren, Alex and Julia; and many loving family members and friends. Kay was pre-deceased by her husband, Konrad; daughter, Darlene Friesen; granddaughter, Jillian Friesen; parents, John and Honorata Wondga; five brothers, Peter in infancy, Adam, Joseph, Walter and George Wondga and sister, Josephine Cebry. Kay attended St. Mary’s School, followed by Technical Collegiate. First and foremost, her passions were her family, cooking, gardening, and of course, chocolate! Baba’s delicious homemade perogies and borscht will be missed by everyone, especially her grandchildren. Kay was very involved in the lives of her two daughters, serving as the President of King George Home and School Association, and continuing in a similar role when they advanced to Bedford Road Collegiate. Service to her church and community was a focus throughout her adult life. Baba successfully combined her home life with working at the University Hospital as one of the first cardiograph technicians in the province, and later training others to carry on this role. Following the deaths of her siblings, Baba assumed the role of family matriarch, never missing a birthday or special event for her extended family across the country. True to her belief that ‘we have to celebrate, ’ Baba never declined an opportunity to take centre-stage at family gatherings and social events. She will be remembered by friends and family as a strong, independent woman who instilled in her daughters the value of family, education, career, and service. Vigil for Katherine will be held at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church (301 Avenue Y South, Saskatoon) on Wednesday, March 11th, 2009 at 7:30 pm, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, March 12th, 2009 at 10:00 am, which will be celebrated by M.S.F. Reverend Fr. Bruno Kartanowicz. A private family interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family graciously requests memorial donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan (279 - 3rd Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK S7K 2H8). Family and friends may send email condolences from www.hillcrestmemorial.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jeffrey Sully, Hillcrest Funeral Home 477-4400.