A Mother's Crown

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Heaven lit up with a mighty presence
as the Angels all looked down ..
Today the Lord was placing the jewels
into my mother’s crown.

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He held up a golden crown
as my darling mother looked on ..
He said in His gentle voice
‘I will now explain each one.’

 

‘The first gem,’ He said, ‘is a Ruby
and it’s for endurance alone .
For all the nights you waited up
for your children to come home.’

 

‘For all the nights by their bedside
you stayed till the fever went down ..
For nursing every little wound
I add this ruby to your crown.’

 

‘An emerald, I’ll place by the ruby
for leading your child in the right way ..
For teaching them the lessons,
that made them who they are today.
 

For always being right there
through all life’s important events...
I give you a sapphire stone
for the time and love you spent.’

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‘For untying the strings that held them, 
when they grew up and left home. 
I give you this one for courage.’ 
Then the Lord added a garnet stone. 

‘I’ll place a stone of amethyst,’ He said. 
‘For all the times you spent on your knees, 
when you asked if I’d take care of your children, 
and then for having faith in Me.’ 

‘I have a pearl for every little sacrifice 
that you made without them knowing. 
For all the times you went without, 
to keep them happy, healthy and growing.’ 

‘And last of all I have a diamond, 
the greatest one of all, 
for sharing unconditional love 
whether they were big or small.’ 

‘It was your love that helped them grow 
Feeling safe and happy and proud 
A love so strong and pure 
It could shift the darkest cloud.’ 

After the Lord placed the last jewel in, 
He said, ‘Your crown is now complete, 
You’ve earned your place in Heaven 
With your children at your feet.’

 

We are disheartened to announce that Mary Patricia Kozak received her calling and arrived in heaven on Sunday, December 3, 2017.  She was born on September 23, 1944 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  Mary will be sorrowfully missed by her daughters, Linda and Laura (Troy); precious grandchildren Jordon (Julie) and Carlynn; in-law siblings: Sonia, Robert (Rody); Joseph (Mary); Barbara (Henry); Edward (Debbie); numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and many close friends.  Mary was preceded in death by her husband Jerry; father Peter; mother Nellie; father in-law Leo; mother in-law Lena and brother in-law Dennis.   

 

Mary was a Transcona girl who found her true love at a downtown dance hall in Winnipeg. Mary & Jerry were married for 53 blessed years. As a couple they lived in a number of places before settling down in Kenora, Ontario, where they resided for 40 years. Mary cherished being a homemaker while her children were younger and then returned to the work force as the neighborhood Avon lady,  then moved on to retail sales for many years. At the time of Mary’s retirement she was a dedicated employee at Newman/Penner’s Jewelers.

 

Mary will be fondly remembered by her daughters and grandchildren, along with others who knew her, as a compassionate, selfless, gracious, woman with a heart of gold. Family and friends could always rely on Mary for her  empathetic ear, supportive nature, gentle ways, kind and encouraging words of wisdom. Mary was an avid angel collector, which is really no surprise for close family members because she was very spiritual and kind. We considered her our own guardian angel.

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Mary’s first priority was ensuring loved ones were safe and happy before tending to her own needs. She was the kind of person who made visitors feel welcomed and was the “hostess with the mostest“when it came to hosting family and work parties. Mary always went the extra mile when it came to special occasions. She would set out her Ukrainian dishes and the good silverware at Christmas time and for birthdays Mary would make others feel loved and important with personalized cakes, and decorating the house with balloon & streamers!

 

Mary was a phenomenal cook and baker! She knew her way around the kitchen and loved ones enjoyed eating her homemade: pies, tarts, perogies, shish kabobs, buns, cabbage rolls and the list goes on! Mary’s menu always varied depending on who her guests were, because she would delight them by making their favorite dishes. Mary recently enjoyed connecting with family and friends on her iPad, (it made her day when she received a funny joke, a kind word or an uplifting thought) her daily coffee time with the McDonald’s gang, trips to the casinos and spending time with family and friends.

 

As per Mary’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no funeral service will be held.  A private family cemetery service will take place in Winnipeg at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, The Humane Society or any charity of your choice.

 

Friends and relatives are encouraged to share in a photo-tribute, stories and condolences for the family by visiting Mary’s memorial page at IntegrityDeathCare.com.

 

“Mom/ Grandma, mournfully we were unable to say our good byes before you had to leave us. We know in our hearts that you will always be with us in spirit even though, you have reunited with Dad/Grandpa and other loved ones in your new heavenly home.  We love and miss you with all our hearts; will always cherish all the family moments we shared together and know that we will join up again one day.”

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Never Forgotten

You'll never be forgotten

That simply cannot be.

As long as I am living

I'll carry you with me.

Safely tucked within my heart

Your light will always shine;

A glowing ember never stilled,

Throughout the end of time.

No matter what the future brings,

Or what may lie ahead,

I know what you will walk with me

Along the path I treat.

So rest my angel, be at peace

And let your soul fly free.

One day I'll join your glorious flight

For all eternity.