GURBA: The death of Cecelia Gurba, widow of the late Andrew Gurba, occurred peacefully at her residence on Thursday, November 18, 2004. Funeral arrangements are pending with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

GURBA: The death of Cecelia Gurba, widow of the late Andrew Gurba, occurred peacefully at her residence on Thursday, November 18, 2004. Prayers will be said at Memories Chapel, 330 - 18th Street North, on Tuesday, November 23, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Hedwig's Roman Catholic Church, 223 - 11th Street, on Wednesday, November 24, 2004 at 10:30 a.m. Celebrant will be Fr. Anthony Korewa. Interment will follow in the Brandon Cemetery. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Cecelia to St. Hedwig's Roman Catholic Church, 223 - 11th Street, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 4J7. Complete obituary information will follow. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to memorieschapel@mts.net. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

Gurba: The death of Cecelia Mary Gurba (Chmiel), beloved wife of the late Andy Gurba, occurred peacefully at her home on Thursday, November 18, 2004. Cecelia was born in Brandon on April 19,1926. She was the eldest child of the late Joseph and Susanna Chmiel of Brandon. Cecelia received her schooling at King George and Earl Haig schools. She furthered her education by attending college and received a business course. She moved to Boissevain where she worked at the Royal Bank but returned back to Brandon to not only work at the Met but also to marry her one true love, Andy in July of 1947. Mom then devoted her entire life to her family, a life that she would not trade for anything. She made certain that her family had what they needed and she would spend endless hours cooking, cleaning and making goodies for them. She was very good to her parents and together her and Dad looked after them in their golden years. Mom loved being at home with her family and celebrated with them all their accomplishments, whether it was Dad and his sports or the boys and theirs. She was always on the sidelines doing her part and she was a deserving team player of everything they received. Mom may not have received credit for the goals they got but she sure assisted on each and everyone. She was a lifelong member of St. Hedwig's Church and in her earlier years a member of the Catholic Women's League and did a stint as President of the League. Mom always liked to help people when she was able to. She did canvassing for charities and helped out for both provincial and federal elections for many years. As a young family Mom always made certain that we took a holiday. They would do anything and everything. The last full Gurba family holiday was in December 1976, when the family drove to Texas and over to California, where on New Years Day Mom was thrilled that she finally got to see the Rose Bowl parade live and in person. The holidays seemed to always revolve around seeing family as that was so important to her. In retirement Mom and Dad spent time in Florida, Nashville, Branson and Minot. But it was at her home that Mom loved to be. She enjoyed and was proud of Dad's yard. She may not have had the green thumb that he had but she was very much a part of the selection and placement of all the flowers. Mom loved Dad's roses. Grandma never forget anyone?at was her nature. She was so thoughtful and caring. She devoted endless hours with the grandkids. She was there biggest supporter and fan at many ball and hockey games, dance recitals and festivals and also earned the right to be their biggest critic. Even when her son Don and his family moved to Selkirk 18 years ago, Mom was still able to remain close with them as her and Dad then began their trips to Selkirk to see the kids. Since they were the adventurous souls that they were, Don and Sue would often take them on day trips to Lower Fort Gary, Lake Winnipeg and of course the favourite, Winnipeg Zoo. Mom was so proud of all her kids and told them that all the time. She really was a special person to those who really knew her. She had strong opinions and was clear in voicing them and that was one of the qualities that we all admired in her. You may not always agree with her but you had to respect the fact she did not beat around the bush. She was entitled to her opinion like everyone else and we loved her for it. Mom lived a full life and we believe with no regrets. When Dad passed away it left a huge void in her heart. Not a day went by that she didn't think of him. She missed him terribly. If ever a person could die from a broken heart, we believe she did. We will miss her but like the headstone reads, they now will truly be "Together, Forever with the Lord" Mom has gone home to join Dad and peace they have found. Mom will be lovingly remembered by her two sons: Greg (Judy), grandchildren, Andrew and Angela of Brandon; and Donald (Susan), grandchildren, Crystal, Mitchell and Ryan of Selkirk, Manitoba. She is also survived by her brother, Stan Chmiel (Jean) of Dauphin; and her sister, Gladys McCulloch of Kelowna, B.C.; brother-in-law, Jim(Mary) Gurba of Marathon, Ontario as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Andy and an infant son. Prayers were said at Memories Chapel on Tuesday, November 23, 2004. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Hedwig's Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday November 24,2004.Celebrant was Fr. Anthony Korewa. Active pallbearers were: Greg, Don and Andrew Gurba, Stan Chmiel, James Smidt and Randy Cameron. Honorary Pallbearers were Mitchell and Ryan Gurba. Flowers are gratefully declined. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Cecelia to St.Hedwig's R. C. Church, c/o Fr. Anthony Korewa, 223-11th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 4J7. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to memorieschapel@mts.net. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel &Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

Thank-you note for the Brandon Sun
The family of the late Cecelia Gurba would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to their friends and neighbours for the support they received during the sudden passing of our mother and grandmother. The flowers, food, cards, phone calls, mass and memorial donations on behalf of Cecelia were very much appreciated. Thank-you to Constable Heather Mowat of the Brandon Police Service, the ambulance attendants and Dr.Norman for their compassion while attending mom. Special thank-you to Father Anthony Korewa for the funeral service, St.Hedwig's choir, Frank Szturm and organist Joan Britton for the music, and Mr.Bob Mackalski for the reading. Thank-you to Mrs. Julie Jason for all your help?u are an angel. Mom was lucky to have you as a friend. To Randy Cameron, James Smidt and Stan Chmiel, we thank-you for helping Greg, Don and Andrew with the pallbearer duties? is greatly appreciated. To Vern Schneider and staff at Memories Chapel?ank-you so much for once again making a difficult task so much easier. You truly are God's helpers on earth. May God bless each and every one!
Greg and Don Gurba and families
Memorials
St. Hedwig's Parish