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Elizabeth Kostefko

Image by Nick Andréka

ELZBIETA KOSTEFKO

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February 17, 1942 – October 7, 2021

It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the peaceful passing of Elzbieta Kostefko on Thursday October 7, 2021.

 

Left to mourn her are her son Greg and daughter-in-law Sylvia; grandchildren Logan, Gavin, and Ferris; brother Andrzej and sister-in-law Krystyna; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Janusz and Lucina; niece Agata and numerous cousins and close friends. She was predeceased by her husband Boleslaw and brother Leszek.

 

Elzbieta, or Elizabeth as she preferred to be known, was born in Zeglce, Poland in 1942. As a young girl her family moved to Lubaczow, Poland. It was there at the age of 17 that she met and married her husband of 49 years Boleslaw. Together they explored the four corners of Poland. They enjoyed camping and hiking. Often, they could be found in the woods picking wild mushrooms or berries. In 1972 they embarked on their greatest adventure. They hopped aboard the TSS Stefan Batory and made their way to Canada. Life was difficult at first. Mom was homesick and wanted to return. But in very short order she grew to love Canada as much or more than her native Poland. Once in Canada Mom and Dad rediscovered their love of camping and foraging the woods. So much so that summer weekends would find them off in the Whiteshell doing what they loved best. Eventually they found their special place in Pinawa. Mom continued to go there every weekend in the summer even after Dad passed. She made so many friends there over the years. She lived a full life and made the most of every minute of it. Mom was a pain in the butt sometimes, but it was always done with love in her heart. She only ever wanted what was best for those around her.

 

In lieu of flowers we request that you all get a bottle or case of your favourite drink and raise a toast to her. Mom would have wanted nothing less.

 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, In the meantime, Elzbieta’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Kirk & Carole Edwards

October 30, 2021 at 12:37 PM

We were so very sad to hear of Elizabeth's passing, and wish to extend our deepest condolences to her entire family and special friend John.  It was always such a pleasure running into Elizabeth at Pioneer Bay, and her boundless energy was an inspiration to us all.  Rest in peace Elizabeth, and know that we are keeping your family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.
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Blair & Candy Heaps

October 27, 2021 at 11:00 AM

We met Ben & Elizabeth in 1999 when we were all carving out our little piece of paradise in Pioneer Bay. Elizabeth was always ready to help out anyone and generously shared some of her culinary treats...the mushroom sauce was our favourite.  We shared many campfires, cocktails and laughs with them both and Elizabeth never failed to tell it like it was. She was proud of her family and loved to share stories about them all. We'll definitely miss her spark. Rest in peace Elizabeth. Our sincerest condolences to Greg, Sylvia and family. Blair & Candy Heaps
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Renata, Pat & Laura Lelliott

October 24, 2021 at 11:06 PM

Dear Greg, Sylvia, Logan, Gavin and Ferris. Our sincere condolences on the loss of your lovely mother, mother-in-law and babcia. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We have fond memories of our Ciocia Ela. We will miss all of her delicious baking and spring rolls, but most of all, our talks almost every week. She was always so happy and shared many stories of when we were younger and we always had such good times together. Visiting her at home or at the lake, we always had stories to tell, sing or just enjoy each others company. Ciocia Ela travelled with my mom to Chicago, and even just across the border for shopping. Our family even joined them one time. They also cruised the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Alaska. Ciocia Ela and my mom belonged to the Forever Young Club and the Ladies Lunch Group. Many times you would find them both at the front door taking in tickets at the dances. Ciocia Ela enjoyed attending our daughter Laura’s Polish ethnic dancing concerts, including Folklorama, and Polish School concerts for a number of years. We were always so happy to see her there with her smiling face. Our family really enjoyed making perogies and uszka (mushroom dumplings) with Ciocia Ela for our Christmas Eve dinners. She was like a machine making these with us and we are very fortunate to have had her teach us some little tricks. We will continue on with this tradition every year. Ciocia Ela will be truly missed. May she Rest In Peace.   With all our love, Renata, Pat and Laura Lelliott ❤ 
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Marek and Lucy Hajkowski

October 23, 2021 at 4:21 PM

Greg, our deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of your mom. She was loved by so many, which is a testament to the kind of person that she was. Our family will remember her as very giving of herself; always telling it like it is (whether you wanted to hear it or not); joyful; full of zest; caring; with that sharp-witted humour, and a beautiful singing voice wherein she could, at the drop of a hat and no matter the topic of conversation, poetically string together hilarious scenarios, leaving us in tears and deep belly laughing. We will miss not having our dear ‘property manager’ get our camp site in order, while leaving lovingly prepared gifts in our fridge before our arrival. Camping, farmer markets, garage sales, berry and mushroom picking, will never be the same. Our hearts are broken. Everything she said or did was done with a loving heart.    Marek and I have been so blessed in knowing your mom for so many years and although we’re not blood relatives, Elizabeth will forever be our ciocia.   Greg, you should know that your mom shared with us on numerous occasions that she was so very proud of the man you’ve become. She adored YOU and your family, and your babies were the apple of her eye.  We send healing hugs and prayers to you and yours.❤
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gordana landygo

October 23, 2021 at 2:35 PM

Dear Greg, Sylvia, Logan, Gavin and Ferris.  You all know how much your mom meant to my family and I.  We have memories which go back 50 years and in each and everyone of them Elizabeth was a force to reckon with (a good one!). Her vivaciousness will always be remembered as well as her fierce hugs and kisses. She is in our thoughts daily....as are you all. ❤
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Ilze C.

October 23, 2021 at 11:41 AM

The talks and laughs whenever we saw each other at Pioneer Bay were thoroughly enjoyed. Elizabeth was outgoing, funny, knew the best berry and mushroom picking locations, and told it like it is - the advice on men that she gave our daughter was priceless! 😄 She was a "firecracker" and will be dearly missed ❤ Ilze Ceplis and Mike Mahood
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Terri and Jack

October 23, 2021 at 11:26 AM

You have left such a deep imprint in the hearts of many my dear friend. Your love and friendship will be cherished always. 
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JoAnn Negrych

October 23, 2021 at 11:25 AM

My sincere condolences and prayers to Greg, Sylvia, Logan, Gavin, and Ferris; as well as extended family. Your dear Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Sister-in-Law, and Aunt will be deeply missed.  Cherish those special memories for she lives on in these.  She had a wonderful warm smile and a great sense of humour.  She was "fun"! Rest in Peace.  JoAnn Negrych
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Uliana Kapty

October 23, 2021 at 10:32 AM

I will remember Mrs. Kostefko as a warm and vivacious woman who loved her family more than anything in life. I love how she affectionately referred to Greg as "Greggy." My deepest condolences to the family. May she rest in peace. Memory Eternal!
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Lori Gawiak

October 23, 2021 at 8:33 AM

Sincere condolences to Greg and family, to Elizabeth’s Pioneer Bay friends/family. So many good memories keep flooding our minds….Elizabeth was a whole world of things to our family…friend and neighbour, Mom, Grandmother, my confidant…Although she was mad at us for leaving Backer and moving to “the water” Elizabeth always had a warm hug and a kiss, an ask about Matt before giving us a quick loving update on her grandsons when we would meet. She was a “force to be reckoned with” and she will be missed immeasurably by everyone one of her fellow Pioneer Bay friends/family… Rest In Peace Elizabeth💗
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Raymund Pichora

October 23, 2021 at 8:29 AM

So sorry for your loss. Elizabeth was a great lady. I enjoyed her mushrooms every year at Pinawa and admired her fearless determination. 
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Anne & Dennis Hruda

October 22, 2021 at 8:35 PM

Pioneer Bay will certainly not be the same without our dear friend Elizabeth.  We would often pop in on each other; share stories of our family and have an occasional beverage.  Elizabeth was a dear friend to both Dennis and I and we will miss her great smile, her stories and most of all her friendship.  Heaven certainly has gained a very special Angel!!  Rest in peace, our dear friend!! Sincerely, Anne & Dennis Hruda ❤❤
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John Brady

October 22, 2021 at 7:36 PM

I miss you dearly Ella. You in my thoughts. I’ll miss the fun and good times we had.❤
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Sheryl

October 22, 2021 at 3:30 PM

it has been many years but my memories are filled with nothing but smiles ,laughter and love ❤ .....  Sheryl Twardoski 
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DEATH CARE SERVICES OF WINNIPEG INC.  Copyright 2019
EMPLOYEE AREA

Ethical Death Care (Death Care Services Inc.) is privately, independently, and locally owned. Shane Neufeld and the original team of Integrity Death Care own and manage this organisation.

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