Barbara Bazak

In loving memory of Barbara Bazak who left us on July 28, 2022, for her home in heaven. She was born in the village of Kornin near Rovno, Poland (now Ukraine) in 1922 to Ukrainian parents and immigrated to Canada at the age of 14 with her father and brother to join her brother Sid Koziol in Hyas, SK. A year later they moved to the farm at Thunder Hill, close to Benito.

Barbara had the privilege of living on a fruit farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake with her husband Jim and daughters, later St. Catharines, Winnipeg, and Kelowna before she moved to Swan River in her 90's.

Our mother was a giving person who welcomed many into her home wherever she lived. The gift of hospitality was evident in her home whether you stayed for the day or for several. She was well known for serving up mountains of food for family and friends, and her cabbage rolls and dill pickle recipes were often requested. She could often be heard singing in her kitchen as she went about her tasks.

The gift of music was hers, as she sang in choirs, duets, groups in her church and could harmonize effortlessly. She also played the violin.

She was predeceased by her parents Katherine and Fred Koziol and brothers Clifford, Sid, and Jack who she looked forward to meeting in heaven. She was also predeceased by her beloved husband Jim who she missed immensely.

She is survived by her two daughters Donna (Roy) Calleran and family in Winnipeg, Ruth Confrey in Kelowna, special niece Mary Yakelashek and husband Florian, many nieces and nephews and friends.

Her extended family, the Tim Koziol family of California, the John Koziol family of Alberta, Lydia Burtnack family of Saskatchewan, Mary Yakelashek family of Minitonas, Carol and Tony Thomsen of Denver, and her brother Clifford's family in Ukraine were important to her. Jim's extended family was also special to her, along with their families: Paul Bazak families, Peter Bazak families, and Tina Doroshuk families. 

Her daughters are amazed that she reached the age of 99 and a half and would like to thank all those who helped look after her during her last years. Thank you staff of Swan Valley Lodge for the excellent care that you provided. A graveside service will be held on August 9 @ 1:30 at Brookside Cemetery, Winnipeg.

If friends so desire, memorial donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to International Fellowship of Christians and Jews of Canada PO Box 670 STN K Toronto, Ontario M4P 9Z9.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Bazak, please visit our floral store.