Mary - Liz Miazga

Mary Elizabeth Miazga

(nee Corden)

Peacefully, with her family by her side, Mary-Liz Miazga passed away, after a brief illness at the Portage District General Hospital on Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at the age of 77 years.

She was predeceased by her husband Frank, parents Wilbert & Annie (nee Fetterley) Corden, and sister Marjorie Hargrave and Frank’s family; parents-in-law, Josef and Johanna Miazga; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mike (Mary) Miazga, John Miazga, Helen (John) Mateyko, Anna (John) Wolkowski, Jake (Irene) Miazga, Alex Grosh, Rose (Eli) Zalusky, Peter(Millie) Miazga and Bill Plohr.

Mary-Liz will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Elizabeth Miazga (Darren Lutz), Jane (Chris) Odnokon and Susan Miazga (Owen Johnson);  grandchildren Keira (Justin Threlfall) and Teryn Penner; Ntalia, Russell, Nikolai Odnokon; Kyla, Emily Miazga, Alex and Ashley Johnson; great grandchildren Hale and Kinley; sister Elsie (Ted) Slursarchuk and brother-in-law Dave Hargrave; cousin Judy(Irvin) McCallister; sisters and brothers-in-law, Rose Miazga, Mary Grosh, Steve (Lena) Miazga, Kay Plohr and Nick Miazga; friend of over 50 years Lynn Eisner as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Mom was born September 7, 1940 in Miami, Manitoba, the eldest of three daughters.  Her first memories are on the farm.  She often spoke of a helping her mother in the garden and canning what they grew.  Farm life was hard and it taught her lessons that molded for the rest of her life.  In 1953, the family moved to Magnus Avenue in Winnipeg.  During the years to follow Mom graduated from Sisler High Schools’ first graduating class, and then attended Teachers Collage.

Mom began to teach school in 1960, she enjoyed teaching and the highlight of her career came early when in 1965 she spent a year in England as an exchange teacher.  She spent the year exploring Europe and thoroughly enjoyed the adventure.  Mom returned to Canada and taught in Toronto and Winnipeg.  While continuing her education she met Dad at the University of Manitoba and they were married in August 1969. They moved to Portage la Prairie, bought the house on Roe Street and she taught at High Bluff.  The daughters began arriving in 1972, 1975 and 1979. Mom stayed home to raise us kids and spent her time taking care of us and working in her beloved flower beds.

Mom was an active member of the United Church in Portage, Winnipeg and Toronto.  She was at one time or another on most of the committees at Trinity, most recently Ministry & Personnel.  Mom was a social person and made many friends though TOPS and her various activities.  Mom was always ready to go for a coffee and she looked forward to her MTC trips with friends.  In later years she enjoyed travelling particularly, a trip to the Canadian east coast with a granddaughter and a greatly anticipated return to England after a 50 year absence.  Mom adored her grandchildren and was thrilled by each new arrival.  She was proud to say she had 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

After a short illness, Mom knew what she was facing and never lost her faith.  We have no doubt she is now with Dad, having a coffee and catching up on seven years of news.

Mary, Mom, Grandma, Granny we will think about you with a smile in our hearts. You are greatly missed.

A Celebration of Mary-Liz’s life will be held on Monday, January 15, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity United Church. Interment will take place at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

If friends so desire, donations may be made in Mary Liz’s memory to Trinity United Church, 15 Tupper Street S, Portage la Prairie, MB  R1N 1W7 or Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524 5th St.SE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3A8.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com. 204-857-4021