Marie Brinkac passed away Sunday, January 11, 2015 at the age of 97 after a long life of service to family and community. She was predeceased by her husband John in 1997. Marie is survived by her 4 children; Annie (Pat) Benson of Kamloops; Georgina (Ken) Stearns of Burns Lake; Mary (Darrell) Wick of Victoria; son John Jr. (Brenda) of Terrace; 16 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren. Surviving also are numerous relatives in Czechoslovakia and New York, USA.
Marie was born August 3. 1917 in Seredne, Czechoslovakia, the 3rd child of 8 children born to Michael and Julia Cuchta. Marie and John were married in Seredne February 28, 1935 then moved to Canada to begin their married life in Prince Rupert where John was employed by the CNR. They were transferred to Skeena and Barrett and then on to Smithers in 1951 so the children could attend high school.
Mom and Dad lived in Smithers until 1992. There they enjoyed a busy life with a growing family. Church was an important part of life and mom was very active in CWL and Hospital Auxiliary. Their home was always open to friends and neighbours a well as taking in a border from time to time. Their greatest joy was family gatherings at which mom excelled in preparing delicious meals with breads, pastries, cabbage rolls and perogies of which none of us could match. Mom always had a very productive garden and dad kept a beautiful yard surrounded by a perfectly trimmed hedge. As grandchildren came along, no matter where they lived, mom was always right there to help and babysit whenever needed. Mom became affectionately known as Nana by family and all who knew her.
They traveled to visit relatives in New York and family in Czechoslovakia. Upon retirement they enjoyed bus tours around B.C. and Alberta and as far as Florida. They also traveled with family to Arizona and Hawaii.
Mom and dad enjoyed bowling with the seniors and almost every Saturday night was ‘card night’ at their home. The game of choice was canasta. There was hardly a day when friends didn’t drop in for tea and enjoy the fresh cinnamon buns or other baked goodies. If mom wasn’t busy in the community she did a lot of sewing for the family, beautiful needle work, knitting and crocheting.
They moved to Kamloops in 1992 where they could enjoy the warm climate and all the amenities the city had to offer. Here mom got into playing crib several times a week and made many new friends. As mom’s health began to fail she moved into Kamloops Senior’s Village. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to all her care givers at KSV for their wonderful care and support.
Prayers will be recited in Sacred Heart Cathedral Friday, January 16, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Funeral Mass on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, if friends wish, donations may be made to Sacred Heart Cathedral or Royal Inland Hospital.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.schoeningfuneralservice.com
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