Linda KLUCHKOWSKY

KLUCHKOWSKY, Linda 2009-08-26 “A Mother holds her children‘s hands for a while, their hearts forever`` It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Mother and Baba, Linda Kluchkowsky, on Monday, August 24, 2009, at Pioneer Ridge with family by her side, two days after celebrating her 89th birthday. Mom was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Luke, on December 5, 1996. She is survived by son Brian Kluchkowsky of Vancouver, daughter Mary Bilyk (Walter) of Thunder Bay, and son Michael Kluchkowsky (Judy) of Thunder Bay. Also survived by grandchildren Michael Bilyk (with whom she had a special bond), Patricia Semenick (Michael), and Kevin Kluchkowsky (Kerri), and great-grandchildren Johnathon Semenick, Michaela Semenick, Jaydon Bilyk, and Luke Kluchkowsky. Mom was born on August 22, 1920, in Malahovo, a small village in Poland, the youngest of a family of 10. As a teen, Mom was separated from her family and endured extreme hardships during the war. During this difficult time, she was blessed to meet the love of her life, Luke. Linda and Luke were married on a small German farm in 1945, and together with their family, began their long migration to Canada, their chosen new homeland, with brief stops in Belgium and France. After settling in Thunder Bay, Mom and Dad began their new life, raising their family at their home on Wellington Street, and enjoying many happy years. Mom spent many years working in the Laundry Department of Hogarth-Westmount Hospital, helping to support her family, but her greatest joy was serving as the matriarch of the family, giving her love and support to her husband and children. With her fiery red hair, Mom loved to laugh and dance, and was a joy to be with, always supportive, with a positive and happy outlook. She would make you laugh and feel good, even in difficult times, and would always be there to offer support and comfort to her family. Mom was known for her very deep religious convictions, her honesty, compassion, understanding, and strength in dealing with life‘s challenges. Mom loved Canada, and would always thank God for giving her and Luke the honour and privilege of bringing up their family in “the best country in the world” - her favourite quote was “Canada gave me life“. Mom spent her later years at The Walford Retirement Residence and finally at Pioneer Ridge, where she received excellent care and support, especially in her final days. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 28, 2009 with Liturgy at 12:30 p.m. at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Holy Cross, 415 West Victoria Ave., Thunder Bay, with Rev. Andrija Petresin officiating. Prayers (Panachyda), led by Rev. Volodymyr Chvets, will be offered on Thursday evening, August 27, at 7:00 p.m. in the Blake Funeral Chapel, 200 South May Street, Thunder Bay. A private interment will take place in the Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery. “Thinking of her as living in the hearts of those she touched, for nothing loved is ever lost – and she was loved so much“ VICHNAYA PAMYAT With gratitude and love, your family. A tree will be planted in memory of Linda Kluchkowsky in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 27, 2010. On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com