Obituary of Joyce Adamski

Joyce Adamski of Brandon, beloved wife of the late Michael J. Adamski, passed away peacefully with her children by her side, at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at the age of 81 years. Mom was born in Hemsworth, nr. Pontefract, West Yorkshire, England on June 14, 1931. She was the second of five girls born to Edith and Frank Miles. Mom was predeceased by her oldest sister Molly in October, 2011 and her sister Irene in December, 2009 and is survived by her sister Jackie Jarvin (Brandon) and Greta Miles (Calgary). Mom and her four sisters had to grow up quite fast at a very young age as they lost their mother in May, 1941 two weeks shy of our mom's 10th birthday. Mom's father passed away in December, 1980. Mom will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by her son Michael (Shannan) and grandchildren Jordan and Aisha; daughter Michelle Kukurudz (Ken) and grandchildren Scott, Cory, Kali and Joshua; daughter Jennifer Badgley (Norm) and grandson Samuel; son Mark (Jerri) and grandchildren Micaela, Tessa and Jack. Prayers were held for mom at the Brockie Donovan Chapel in Brandon on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. and a celebration honouring mom's life was held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel on Thursday, November 22, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Kevin Smith of St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church officiating. Interment followed at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Growing up for mom in England during the 1940's with one parent was difficult enough but it was even more strained as England and the rest of Europe was engulfed in the Second World War. Mom often recounted with us the many times she and her sisters huddled under their beds as air raid sirens echoed and the flash and thunder of bombs could be heard in the distance. While living in England, mom's family attended church on a regular basis at St. Helen's Anglican Church where mom proudly sang in the church choir, an art she thoroughly enjoyed throughout her entire life. Mom and her family emigrated to Canada in 1948 aboard the RMS Aquitania arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia on October 25. Mom had already completed her high school education in England prior to moving to Canada and once here, entered into nurse's training at the Brandon Mental Health Centre. She worked there and also at the Brandon Sanitorium later renamed the Assiniboine Centre where tuberculosis was being treated. Mom would work many long hours alongside Dr. Povah and specialized in the care of sick children sent to Brandon from the northern communities of Manitoba and the Northwest Territories. Mom and Dad married on October 25, 1958 ten years to the day mom had arrived in Canada. They would be the first couple to be married in the brand new St. Hedwig's Roman Catholic Church and proudly raised four children. Along with the many responsibilities associated with raising a family, mom often found the energy to devote time to her love of music and singing. Mom joined the Mental Hospital Ladies' choir and also sang with the choir at St. Hedwig's. A lot of activities around our home were often filled with the sound of mom's singing voice. Mom and dad were married for fifty years and celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in October 2008. Unfortunately, five weeks later Dad would pass away on December 1, 2008. Mom managed on her own for two more years and then made the very difficult decision to part with the family home and take up residence at the Victoria Landing. It was here that mom reacquainted herself with many old friends and also met and made many new ones. Mom will always be remembered for her love of life, her unconditional love and devotion to her family and the level of fondness she bestowed upon her kids and grandkids. Throughout her entire life family was most important to her. She was an amazingly giving person never wanting much for herself but instead putting the needs of others first and foremost. Mom worked incredibly hard for everything she had and always taught us to appreciate the small things that life provided. We know that God has a place where mom can now sing to her heart's content. Heaven is her kitchen now and there she will have the opportunity to once again ensure Dad is looked after with all of her great meals and baking delights. With the difficult times mom faced these past few years with her health, we are all comforted to know she is in a better place now and is finally at peace. We are sure she is happy there, because in heaven there is peace. Mom we know we will see each other again. In the meantime, continue to guide us as we live our lives, watch over us, your four children and our families you loved so dearly. You will always be remembered mom each time we enjoy a cup of tea and you'll continue to always hold a warm place in our hearts for as long as we live. Farewell Mom, we love you. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of our mom may be made to a charity of your choice.