JESSIE MARIA GIRASEK
(1921-2013):
Jessie Girasek (nee: Kozak) passed away peacefully on April 3, 2013 at the age of 91 years.
A woman of faith, she attended church regularly until her health prevented her from doing so. She taught catechism, was a Eucharistic minister, loved her bible study classes, attended retreats on occasion and for a time was a member of the C.W.L. She also volunteered at the Women’s Resource Centre.
Her first priority was always her family, but she also worked outside the home. Her first job in Calgary was at a flour factory, and after she married Steve, they moved numerous times because of his jobs in the mining industry. After they settled in the Crowsnest Pass in the forties, Jessie worked waitressing at the Turtle Mountain Motel complex and later as a housekeeper and cook for the Rectory.
She had many talents and hobbies. Aside from being a wonderful cook and baker, she also loved growing fruits, vegetables and flowers. She crocheted, embroidered and knit, and made many keepsake doilies, tablecloths and even a couple of bedspreads for her daughters. She especially loved reading and music and received many compliments during her life regarding her “light as a feather” dancing ability. She also enjoyed travel of all sorts. Her trips ranged from day trips out of town and camping holidays, to a couple of trips to Hawaii and one to Czechoslovakia.
Jessie had strength of character seldom seen these days. Her faith supported her successful fight against cancer, as well as the death of her husband and grandsons. Her optimism, courage, strength, gentleness, compassion and generosity touched many lives and will always be an inspiration to others. Although soft-spoken, she was feisty and spoke her mind when necessary. It would surprise some people that she was as strong-willed as she was.
She was beautiful not only in body but also in spirit, and she demonstrated her Christian values and ethics throughout her life.
She is survived by her daughters Margaret (David) Sykes and Susan Wright; granddaughter Kellie (Stu); great granddaughter Tristyne all of Sparwood, B.C.; and her son Ron Frulling and his large family
She was predeceased by her father, Kaisan Kozak; her mother, Annie Kozak (nee: Jasinska); her granddaughter, Maria in 1960; beloved husband, Steve in 1983; grandson, Tyler in 1984; grandson, Michael in 1998,; son-in-law, Tom Wright in 1999; brother, Nick in 2007; and sister, Molly in 2009.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, April 12, 2013 at 11:00am at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Fr. Ben Marino as Celebrant.
Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca. Donations in memory of the late Jessie Girasek may be made to the Crowsnest Pass Health Foundation “Long Term Care”, Bag 1, Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0.
Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements.
(403) 562-8555.