It is with heavy hearts that the family of Denise Traskowski announce her passing at age 82, on Monday, August 30, 2021, after a courageous battle with pneumonia. Denise was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba on June 14, 1939, to Alec and Lea Rondea and then moved to Fort William at an early age.
She attended St. Stanislaus and graduated from St. Patrick’s High School. Denise was very hard working and started her working life early on working for her father’s company, Rondeau Sheet Metal. She worked in many places in administration including Gwell Investments, Spicer’s Tires, Belluz Realty, and Lakehead Newsprint. She was a pioneer in the world of working women and was a full time working mother before that was common.
On September 3, 1960, she married the love of her life, Stan Traskowski and went on to have 3 beautiful children. Her children provided her with an immense amount of joy and satisfaction.
Denise loved curling, both with the ladies and with Stan in the mixed league. She enjoyed travelling for bonspiels and her regular Monday evening games. She was also a great fisherwoman and spent many happy hours in the boat with Stan. A love of camping and fishing led to the acquisition of the much loved camp on Shebandowan Lake. Endless happy days were spent there with her children and grandchildren.
In later years, when Denise and Stan moved to Sudbury, she went to Cambrian College and completed a diploma program in Addictions and Mental Health. This was motivated by her quest for knowledge as well as her desire to help others. She was a compassionate woman who cared for her fellow man. She taught adult literacy, answered the Telecare Crisis Line and volunteered at the Dew Drop Inn as well as the library at the 55 Plus Centre.
In 1997 Denise and Stan acquired their standard poodle Remy. She enjoyed their obedience training and showing him. Her world grew to include many new friends who shared her passion for obedience school and other dog events.
Denise is survived by her daughters Jackie (Allan) Caddo and Andrea (Scott) Buck, and son Alex (Philana) Traskowski. She is also survived by her grandchildren Trevor and Chelsea Caddo, David Buck, Taylor and Allan James (AJ) Traskowski as well as nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her parents Alec and Lea Rondeau, husband Stan Traskowski, brother Gerald Rondeau and in-laws John and Teena Traskowski.
A private funeral service was held at Blake’s Funeral Chapel. Interment will be held at a later date.
Special thanks to Dr. Zaib for her incredible care and kindness as well as the nurses in the Emergency Department and on 2A and the emergency services personnel who help us.
Memorial donations can be made to The Alzheimer's Society, St. Joseph’s Manor House Adult Day Program, or the charity of your choice.
