Obituary of Carol Winnifred Kokorudz

Carol Winnifred Kokorudz (née Pender), passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Sunday, July 3, 2011 at the age 71 years. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wife, mother, grandmother and sister Carol Kokorudz. Leaving to cherish her memory are her husband of 46 years Ernie, children Todd (Diana), Shauna and Leanne (Chuck), beloved grandchildren Brendan, Ryan, Daralee and Kylie. Carol is also survived by brothers and sisters Joan (Chuck) Wardrope, Jim Pender, Norma Zagwyn (Mark), Judy Pender, Brian Pender and Linda Pender. She was predeceased by her parents Winnifred and Norman Pender and sister June Venn (Bob). Carol grew up in Toronto and was very involved with her brothers and sisters. She met and married Ernie in Toronto in 1964. They decided to take the city girl west and try farming in Decker, Manitoba. Carol was always up for a challenge and quickly maneuvered her way around the country way of life. Looking for their next adventure, Carol and Ernie decided to move their family to Brandon, where Carol owned and operated the Brandon Boarding Kennels. Her love for animals - of all kinds - made her the perfect person to care and love for the many pets that visited the kennels. Making Brandon her home, she was involved with several charities such as The Christmas Cheer Board and The Hearing Impaired Association. Carol's greatest joy was being the number one fan of her grandchildren. Carol could be heard yelling the loudest at her grandson's hockey games, or replaying her favourite dance move or song from the latest play or dance recital. Carol loved nothing more than watching all her grandchildren in their many varied activities. She always took great interest in what her children and grandchildren were doing and was proud of all their accomplishments. Carol was definitely a force to be reckoned with when she took on a cause for family, friends or strangers. She always had an ear to lend when you needed someone to listen and an opinion to give if you wanted it or not. Her kindness for others, her love for her family and friends and that feisty spirit will be sadly missed. At Carol's request cremation has taken place and a private family graveside service was held at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, a donation can be made in Carol's memory to the Brandon-Westman Christmas Cheer Registry, P.O. Box 50003, Brandon, MB, R7A 7E4 or Westman Dream for Kids Foundation, Unit 2-37-11th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4J2.