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Cecilia ZAK

September 28, 2007

ZAK Cecilia (nee Huchula) Feb. 9, 1924 - Sept. 26, 2007 Cecilia passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at the Rosefield Care Centre, Innisfail at the age of 83. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Thomas Zak and is greatly missed by her seven children: Lucinda, Ken (Linda), Rosemary (Michael), Allen (Kristen), Greg (Louisa), Pat (Lisa) and Neil. Grandma is fondly remembered by her beautiful grandchildren: Angeline, Andrew, Christopher; Mark, Emma; Isabel, Alexandria; Mitchell, William and great-grandson, Liam. Cecilia was predeceased by her sisters Juliana Nakaska and Margaret Huchula and is survived by her loving sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Woodburn, brother-in-law, Ken Woodburn, and brother-in-law Joe Nakaska. She is fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews. Her special gift for friendship leaves many with warm and fond memories. Born in Nizna, Slovakia, Cecilia came to Canada at age 14 and settled with her family in the Three Hills area. As an adult, she worked and went to night school for a short time in San Francisco, California and worked at an air force base in High River, Alberta near the end of World War II. She married Thomas Zak on August 10, 1948 and settled down on the family farm near Delburne, Alberta. Cecilia displayed enourmas courage and resilience when she continued to farm and raise six children, ages five to seventeen, after her husband Tom died in 1972. Cecilia and her family never forgot the enormous support the whole community provided during that difficult time. After Cecilia moved to Delburne she enjoyed traveling, gardening, participating in the Catholic Women's League and visiting the Seniors Drop-In. She also devoted time to her favorite games shows, becoming (in her children's eyes) a potential "Jeopardy" contender. She relished her role as grandmother and felt blessed that her son, Ken, and daughter-in-law, Linda, lived close by and always included her in family events. Cecilia's family is grateful for the great care and compassion that Ken and Linda devoted to Cecilia particularly during her battle with Alzheimer's over the last years of her life. The family is deeply grateful for the support and compassion of staff at Paragon Place, Stettler and the Rosefield Care Centre, Innisfail. We also thank Dr. Davies for his concerned and timely care. A memorial mass led by Father Parenteau will be celebrated at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, 1834-22 Ave., Delburne, Alberta, on Monday, October 1, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family will appreciate donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or the Canadian Down Syndrome Society. Arrangements entrusted to HEARTLAND FUNERAL SERVICES LTD. Innisfail.