Patricia (Patsy) Kozak

With broken hearts we say goodbye to our beloved wife, mother, sister, Nannie and Great-Nannie on July 30th, 2024, at the age of 81 years.

Patsy was born in Elma, Manitoba on Feb 28th, 1943, to loving parents John and Jean Podolchuk. She grew up on the farm with her parents and brother Jack and attended Elma School. She met and married the love of her life Edward (Ed) Kozak at Holy Cross Ukrainian Catholic Church in Elma on May 24th, 1958. Their love was blessed with five children: Judy, Laurie, Audrey, Tammy and Ryan. Patsy loved all animals but her many dogs held a special place in her heart. She also loved to write. One of her greatest achievements, and one that filled herself and her family with great pride, was her weekly column in the Carillon News. Patsy was one of Manitoba’s longest serving news correspondents having written for over 54 years. Every week, Patsy would sit at her kitchen table with pen and yellow note pad, and with her beautiful cursive, she would record the area’s important events and happenings. For the past five decades, Patsy has been the community’s keeper of precious memories, dedicated to sharing news of births, weddings, anniversaries and birthdays, as well as events that impacted the community like train derailments (right in her own back yard). Patsy was known as a social butterfly and loved to visit, dance and sing. Patsy and Ed never missed a party. She had a beautiful voice and loved her Ukrainian and country music. She was known to get up on a stage and sing her heart out. Patsy’s health declined in recent years, and she eventually moved into care homes in Beausejour where the kind nurses took good care of her until her passing.

She leaves cherished memories for her husband Ed, daughters Judy (Bob), Laurie (Rob), Audrey (Glenn), and Tammy, son Ryan (Athina), and brother Jack (Pat). She was a loving Nannie to Kim (Geoff), Alyzia (Gregg), Bobbi-Jo (Fransisco), Tyler, Tanner, Dallas, Tyson (Jordan), and Aris. And Great-Nannie to Caleb, Abby, Anika, Marina and Lucia. Patsy is predeceased by her Mom Jean Podolchuk and Daddy John Podolchuk.

Our thanks to the wonderful staff at Beausejour Health Centre and East-Gate Lodge for the care and kindness shown to Patsy and to all of us in these trying times.

There will be a private service held for Patsy in the coming days.

In lieu of flowers, if friends and family so desire, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3. Winnipeghumanesociety.ca.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace our beloved Mom and Nannie. Chloe and all your fur babies are waiting for you. Give Baba and Gee-Gee our love.