Gladys "Audrey" Zurkan
October 22, 1925 — December 26, 2013
Gladys Audrey Sarah Zurkan
nee Caister
Peacefully on Thursday, December 26, 2013 at the Portage District General Hospital, Audrey Zurkan passed away at the age of 88 years.
She is survived by her husband Boris of 66 years; daughter Sherry (Jim) McCreadie of Rimbey, AB, son Kal (Val) of Quenell, BC, daughter Wendy of Sylvan Lake AB, son Rodney (Diane) of West Curtis Ridge, daughter Tanis Zurkan-Wilson of Winnipeg; seven grandchildren, Sonya, Chris, Leon, Jason, Tiffany, Graham and Brendan; seven great grandchildren, Evan, Erin, Benjamin, Nicholas, Hannah, Brett and Carter. She is also survived by brothers Leslie (Donna) Caister of Edmonton, AB, Albert (Marion) Caister of Portage la Prairie, MB as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Audrey was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Mary Caister; brothers Cecil, Leonard, Edwin and Allan.
She received her primary education at West Curtis School, Portage Collegiate Institute and Winnipeg Teachers College. She enjoyed a long career in administration and finance ending with 35 years of service with the Children’s Aid Society in Portage la Prairie before retiring in 2006.
Throughout her life she enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking and entertaining friends and family. Audrey loved robins, roses and maple trees. She was a lifelong member of the Royal Purple Lodge #66 where she participated in numerous fund raising events. Also, she was an avid fan and supporter of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers beyond the days of Jack Jacobs.
A Celebration of Audrey’s life will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2014, at 1:00 pm at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, 36 2nd ST, Portage la Prairie led by Rev. John Dolloff. Interment will follow in the columbarium at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.
As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Audrey’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba – Portage Office, 103 Wilkinson Crescent, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1A7.
A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. 204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com