It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Caroline Zimak announces the passing of a mom, a nanny and a great nanny.
She is now with waiting loved ones, especially her beloved husband of 57 years, Bruno Zimak. She died on April 22, 2016 with family by her side at St. Joseph’s Hospice after a difficult but strong battle with cancer.
Caroline was born May 21st, 1935 and raised in the East End of Fort William. In her younger years, she worked at Chapples Department Store and later as a book keeper for Tom’s Texaco and Go-Mar Motors as she was excellent with numbers.
Caroline was most happy enjoying time spent with family and friends at home and especially at the family camp on Eldorado Beach where she was known for her “Christmas in July” hockey parties. Caroline devoted her life to raising and teaching her family. She was an excellent cook and we will never forget her traditional smorgasbord at Christmas Eve dinners and Easter lunches featuring spectacular perogies and cabbage rolls. In later years, Caroline began to find entertainment in taking trips with her husband Bruno (known as Bonzo) and family to Grand Portage, Hinckley and Las Vegas.
Throughout her life, Caroline always valued hard work. She was proud when her values carried through the generations seeing her children and grandchildren’s accomplishments. Caroline was an extremely humble person, never wanting to burden anyone. She was remarkably generous, always considerate of others by willing to lend a hand and a listening ear when we needed it.
Caroline will be wholeheartedly missed by her children Linda (Bohdan) Zubatuk, Kenny (Gwen) Zimak, Pat (Lesley) Zimak, Debbie (Edoardo) Veneruz, and Diane (Lorne) Brett. Caroline’s nine grandchildren Neil and Trevor (Lori) Zimak, Paula Zubatuk, Krysta, Breanna and Matteo Veneruz, Alex Zimak and Maura and Kell Brett were blessed to have her in their lives and will also miss her presence. She was also blessed with two great grandchildren, Tori and Lyndon Zimak.
Caroline was predeceased by her husband Bruno Zimak, parents Steve and Annie Wallek, sisters Amelia and Margaret in infancy and Sophie Pielka. Brothers-in-law Walter Lysak, Steve Labdik, Walter Pielka and nephew Allan Lysak. She is survived by sisters Albina Lysak and Anne Labdik as well as many nieces and nephews. Funeral services for the late Caroline Zimak will be held at St. Peter’s Church, 615 Connolly St., on Thursday April 28th, 2016 at 11:00am. celebrated by Rev. Terry Sawchuk. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Joseph’s Foundation (Hospice) or TBRHSC Northern Cancer Research will be greatly appreciated.
“We can remember her only that she is gone, or we can cherish her memory and let it live on. We can cry and close our minds, be empty and turn our backs or we can do what she’d want: smile, open our eyes, love and go on.” – David Harkins
Caroline Zimak will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 11, 2017.
