ANTONIA (TONI) SPUZAK

ANTONIA (TONI) SPUZAK
It is with sorrowful hearts that the family of Antonia (Toni) Spuzak announces the passing of our loving mother, grandmother (Baba), and great-grandmother on Friday, March 30, 2007 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Antonia was born Feb. 28, 1919 in Cooks Creek, Man. to Vasile and Sophie Luchka. In 1940, she married Alexander Spuzak and they made their home in Crozier, Ont., where she resided ever since.
Antonia dedicated most of her life to the art of providing for family and home in Crozier. She was “the glue” that nurtured her children.
She had a keen ability to make spectacular home-made meals following Ukrainian traditions using little or no recipes. To her children, she was the “best cook” in the world; excelling in many delights such as cabbage rolls, pyrohy, and borsch.
In Mom’s kitchen, there were many chairs where family, friends, and neighbours would enjoy good food, conversation, laughter, and warm hospitality.
The community knew of the fresh farm eggs, sweet cream, milk, and cheese that she had available. She also enjoyed picking wild mushrooms, blueberries, and grew many organic vegetables in the garden.
Her pantry was always plentiful with home-made jams, relishes, and preserves.
She kept a strong interest in many farming activities and cherished outdoor country living. She enjoyed spending time at her daughter June’s shop, and travelling to British Columbia and southern Ontario to visit her daughters.
Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy; Baba always had a variety of baked goods when they came to visit.
Mom will be sadly missed by her eight children, Sylvia (James) Delaurier of Prince George, B.C., Nadia Felix, June (Deane) Cunningham, Steve (Jackie) Spuzak of Thunder Bay, Ont., Peter (Kathy) Spuzak, Marie (Ron) Solvason of Grimsby, Ont., Paul Spuzak, and Irene (Wayne) Henry; and daughter-in-law, Carol Spuzak.
She also will be sadly missed by her 17 grandchildren, Todd (Kim) Cunningham of Boise, Idaho, Tracey (Mike) Coran, Stephen (Shae) Felix, Michelle (Barry) Basisty of St. John, B.C.; Tamara (Dereck) McLean, Jason (Anna) Cunningham, Corey (Rhonda) Spuzak, Nadine (Kevin) Eikum of Prince George, B.C., Micheal (Chantelle) Spuzak, Peter Jr. (Danielle) Spuzak, Krista Solvason of Calgary, Alta., John (April) Spuzak, Steven Spuzak of Vancouver, B.C., Stacey Solvason of Grimbsy, Ont., Anthony (Rachel) Spuzak, Lindsay Solvason of Grimbsy, Ont., and Natalia Spuzak; and 21 great-grandchildren, Kane, Cameron & Carli Cunningham, Jackson & Jessica Coran, Nicole, Cohen & Piper Felix, Kelly & Christopher Basisty, Rhyan McLean, Kaylen & Ty Cunningham, Nolin, Brant & Kenna Spuzak, Kyle & Taylor Eikum, Alexandra & Roman Spuzak, and Ander Spuzak.
She will be sadly missed by her brother, Norman (Therese) Luchka of St. Thomas, Ont.; sister, Ann Turgeon; and sister-in-law, Anne Luchka of Dryden, Ont.
Antonia was predeceased by her parents, Vasile and Sophie Luchka; husband, Alexander; brothers, John, Walter, and Paul Luchka; sister, Dora Bodnar; brothers-in-law, Joe Bodnar and Albert (Bert) Turgeon; sister-in-law, Mary Luchka; brother-in-law, Jack and sister-in-law, Eva Spuzak; son-in-law, Albert Felix; and grandson, Kelly Busse.
She also will be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews who knew her as Auntie Teenie.
A celebration of her life will take place Thursday, April 5, 2007 at 10 a.m. at St. John’s Anglican Church in Fort Frances, with Rev. Wayne McIntosh officiating.
The honourary pallbearers will be all her grandchildren.
Arrangements for cremation made through Northridge Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to “Just Imagine” campaign c/o Riverside Foundation for Health Care, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 1B7 or a charity of your choice.
Memories last forever.
To meet again in God’s Heavenly Garden.
We miss you, we love you.
A Mother’s Love is Forever.