With sadness, we announce the passing of Maizie Russell (nee Wasykowski), who passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on the morning of Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, Man. at the age of 89.
She was predeceased by her parents, John and Nettie Wasykowski; two brothers, John and Bill; and sister, Jean.
Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Cyril; sister, Nettie Ann (Dennis); children, Barbara (Robert) and Douglas (Wendi); and nine grandchildren, Christina, Benn, Monica, Luke, Jon, Melissa, Kalli, Carter, and Justine.
Maizie was born on May 16, 1928 in Fort Frances, Ont. The oldest of five children, she enjoyed spending her summers at Point Park and swimming in Rainy Lake with her dad and younger siblings.
Her mother passed away of tuberculosis when Maizie was only 11. Shortly afterwards, her Aunt Ann moved in with her children to help raise Maizie and her siblings.
Maizie graduated from Fort Frances High School with honours in 1947 and began working at the Ontario-Minnesota Pulp and Paper Company as a stenographer. She always was proud to have worked for the same company as her father, “Big John.”
Maizie met her husband, Cyril, when he was transferred to Fort Frances to work with the Dominion Bank and dared to splash her with his boat.
They were married in 1952 and moved to Winnipeg, where Maizie proudly worked for the Comptroller of James Richardson & Sons until the birth of her children, Barbara and Douglas.
The family purchased a cabin at Falcon Lake in 1968, where Maizie spent many summers swimming, reading, and playing Bingo.
Maizie also spent a great deal of time using her secretarial skills to assist with various office duties for Fort Ignition Ltd., and regularly would accompany her husband on trips to visit company branches and attend conventions.
She also enjoyed her annual trips to Maui, as well as several road trips to Florida.
At home, she was an avid baker and loved to complete crossword puzzles.
As per Maizie’s wishes, no funeral or memorial service will be held.
MAIZIE RUSSELL (nee WASYKOWSKI)
