Obituary of Kay Hyrsak

HYRSAK: Kay. The heart of a gentle woman, the one with a kind, thoughtful soul has come to rest. Kay Hyrsak (Waytowich) peacefully passed away on July 22, 2013 at the age of 96 years. Mom was born in Gimli on May 9, 1917 and moved to the Olha district when she was still a baby. She attended Oakburn and Randall Schools until Grade 8 when a family accident forced her to stay at home and help out on the farm. On October 7, 1939 she married Paul - a union which would last almost 74 years. From this union they were blessed with three children. During her time in Oakburn, Mom was very active in church and community activities. It was here that her association with the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League began and would last more than 65 years. In 1958, Dad and Mom moved to Brandon. Although Mom never worked outside the home, she supplemented Dad's income by taking in many boarders over the years, many of whom became like sons and daughters to her and remained close friends throughout her life. Mom enjoyed knitting, gardening, being outdoors, but her greatest love was cooking. Anyone who visited her home never left hungry. She could produce a scrumptious meal in mere minutes. Mom never refused a good game of cards. Evening card games with friends were very special. Mom had a heart of gold. She was generous, kind, patient and never raised her voice. She always had a strong affection for all animals. Kay is survived by her husband Paul, son Nelson (Judi), daughter Linda (Garry) McIntosh, grandchildren Calla (Don) Cooper, Darron (Leah), great grandchildren Mitchell and Kylan Cooper, Rachel and Bryce Hyrsak and special sister-in-law Anne Waytowich. Kay was predeceased by an infant son Delmar, her parents, five brothers and four sisters. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 927 Assiniboine Avenue, on Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Michael Tkachuk as Celebrant, assisted by Cantor, Stella Fedeniuk. A private interment will be held at the Brandon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Kay may be made to Funds for Furry Friends, 208-740 Rosser Avenue, Brandon, MB, R7A 0K9 or to the Brandon Humane Society, 2200-17th Street East, Brandon, MB, R7A 7M6.