Doris Prygrocki

DORIS PRYGROCKI (KOLISNYK) (BOZYK) March 25, 1922 - February 4, 2014 In loving memory, we share the passing of Doris Prygrocki, whose long, rich life ended peacefully on February 4, 2014 at Bethania Personal Care Home, her home since 2010. Her family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Bethania for their compassionate care, especially these past few months. Our gratitude also goes out to Concordia Hospital staff for their excellent care during Doris' final days. A first generation Canadian, Doris was born in Rock Lake, ND, second of eight children born to Ukrainian immigrants Mike and Verna Bozyk. Her family soon crossed the border and settled first in Arbakka, then Vita, MB. In 1939, Doris married Bill Kolisnyk, and moved to his three generation "most mixed farm in Manitoba", according to the Free Press Prairie Farmer, as there was a little bit of everything there! While they raised their family of four, with Bill teaching, Doris worked hard keeping up with life on the farm, as well as being involved in the church, the UCWL, Vita Hospital Guild, and 4-H Club. Their life was full of adventure and change: In the 1950s, a first car, electricity, and a party line phone arrived, but not running water! In 1962, with daughters off to university, the family moved to Fort Garry, and Doris began working outside the home for the first time. She was a valued member of the University of Manitoba food services team, eventually becoming Supervisor at Pembina Hall until she retired in 1987. As the children grew up and moved on, Auntie Doris welcomed into her home nieces, nephews and other young people who left their country homes to attend university. Soon, much to her delight, grandchildren arrived (one of whom lived at Baba's with his parents for the first three months of his life, while their country home was being built), and eventually great-grandchildren. After Bill passed away in 1975, Doris devoted more time to her church, where she came to know and marry Bud Prygrocki, with whom she would spend 17 happy years until his passing in 1999. Together they travelled, enjoyed retirement, and, as part of the Centennial Choir, sang for the Pope when he visited Winnipeg. In addition to Bill and Bud, Doris was predeceased by her siblings Eileen, Rita, Luba, Nestor, and Victor, and their spouses; the husbands of her surviving sisters, and son-in-law Jim. Left to cherish her memory are children Lydia, Pat, Ellen (Ken) and Wally; Bud's children Greg (Alison) and Joanne; sisters Myrtle and Sonya; sister-in-law Olga; grandchildren Jonathan (Wendy), Kris (Roman), Catherine (Stephen), Connie, James (Roisin), Steven (Karin), Gerry (Kelsey), Daniel, William, and Robin; great-grandchildren Tegan, Brock and Gwendolyn, and many nieces and nephews. We will all remember the many life lessons we learned in her garden and kitchen, and will miss her generous spirit and caring kindness . As a student, Doris was known for her artwork, a talent that would star in her many roles in life. She was an excellent cook, always making sure there was "something for colour" in everything she served! She was an amazing gardener, winning many awards at the fair. She especially loved roses, coaxing them to perfection. When Doris and Bud moved to their Seniors' Condo in 1995, she was very involved in the flower gardens there, and was known as "The Rose Lady". She enjoyed MANY roses at her 80th and 90th birthday parties! In lieu of flowers, we invite you to celebrate Doris' life by planting a rose bush or some flower seeds in your garden this spring...she would enjoy that. Pallbearers will be Doris' grandchildren. Prayers - Thursday, February 13, 7:00 p.m. at Thomson "In The Park", 1291 McGillivray Blvd. Funeral - Friday, February 14, 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 1001 Grant Ave., Father Darren Kawiuk officiating.