Obituary of Molly Szarkowicz

SZARKOWICZ - Mrs. Molly Szarkowicz of Ituna, beloved wife of Joe passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in the early morning hours of Saturday, October 29, 2011 at St. Peter's Hospital in Melville. Molly Irene Szarkowicz was born on February 13, 1929 along with her twin sister in the Beaverside district to Maria (nee Marshall) and Nick Patsula. She was raised on the family farm and attended Beaverside school. Molly found employment in Edmonton for 1 year before returning back home. On June 27, 1960 she was united in marriage to Joe Szarkowicz at St. Stanislaus RC church in Ituna and settled on the farm 10 miles SW of Ituna. It was there that they raised a family of 2 daughters and 1 son running a mixed farming operation. She worked hard to provide for her family, milking cows, feeding pigs and chickens, growing huge gardens with an endless fleury of cooking, canning and baking. She found enjoyment being outdoors tending to the constant duties and also where the farm pets would constantly follow her as it was her hand that fed their mouths. She took great pride in her beautiful flower gardens and flower pots which were always a beautiful sight to see. While living on the farm she enjoyed playing a good game of 3-spot with friends & neighbors and many a times mom and dad went home in the early hours after playing cards til 5am. Her love of music was enjoyed to the fullest and she loved dancing to the old time polka's, waltz's and fox trots. She enjoyed country & western music with her favourite singers being Allan Jackson & Shania Twain. A kind, loving and beautiful mother with a smile as big as her heart, and with a happy and positive attitude and a big sense of humor, she found spiritual comfort and satisfaction in prayer and told us many times how she always thanked God for her health & happiness, her family & friends. Her greatest love and happiness was being around her family and grandchildren to which she has numerous photo albums and pictures of grandchildren. After being diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2001, she became a resident of the Ituna Pioneer Lodge in 2002. It was here that she enjoyed playing bingo, horse race games & Loonie bingo and would call us to let us know she won a dollar or two or to tell us she won a bag of chips or chocolate bar and that she was saving it for when Tasha, Kenton, Presley and Troydon came to visit. Saturday night she would turn up the volume on the radio in her room to listen to GX94 Saturday night dance party. She folded many bibs for the residents there, and it was important that she would always set aside a nice one for herself for meals. She looked forward to all visitors and especially Agnes bringing her strawberries. In 2010 Joe & Molly celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with family present. Molly was predeceased by her mother Maria in 1945, father Nick in 1947, Peter in infancy in 1923, Kay in 1965, Bernie in 1972, Stanley in 1979, Louie in 1986, Frank in 2000 and twin sister Agnes in 2010. She leaves to mourn & celebrate her life, loving husband Joe of 51 years, daughter Agnes (Gerald) Petrowski, son Micheal and his children Presley and Troydon, daughter Brenda (Mitchell) Kolanko and their children Tasha and Kenton all from Ituna and numerous nieces and nephews, friends & relatives. The Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, November 2nd at St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church in Ituna with Rev. Father Albert Schmitz as the Celebrant. The cross bearer was Agnes Petrowski. The readings were given by Presley Szarkowicz and Tasha Kolanko. Prayers of the Faithful were led by Janet Brunger. Serving as the Gift Bearers were Troydon Szarkowicz and Kenton Kolanko. The organist, Len Gadica led members of the choir and congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Be Not Afraid", "Amazing Grace", "You Are Near" and "How Great thou Art". The interment followed in the Ituna R.C. Cemetery with Micheal Szarkowicz serving as the urn bearer. Memorials honouring Molly's life may be made to St. Stanislaus Church or Ituna Pioneer Health Care Centre. Condolences to the family can be forwarded by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011, St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church Interment Details Ituna R.C. Cemetery