Obituary of Theresa Catherine Walzak, New Waterford

It is with great sadness the family of Theresa Catherine Walzak (nee MacKinnon) announces her passing on February 1, 2019, surrounded by her loving family at The New Waterford Consolidated Hospital. Born in Dunakin (Glencoe) on April 25, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Willie and Cassie (MacQuarrie) MacKinnon.

Theresa was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and wife.

She is survived by her three sons, Michael 'Bucky' (Christine), New Waterford, Joe (Marilyn), Sydney, and Mark (Juanita), New Waterford; her eight grandchildren, Laura, Nancy, Tyler, Brandon, Kayla, Taya, Eric and Amy and her great-grandchild, Peyton. Theresa is also survived by brothers, Dan Willie and Michael 'Spikey'; sisters-in-law, Nancy, Lucille, Phemie and Virginia 'Babes' and numerous nieces and nephews all of which held special places in her heart.

Besides her parents, Theresa was predeceased by her brothers, John Alexander 'Jelly' and D.A.;sister, Ann Margaret; brothers-in-law, Albert and Russell 'Russie' Walzak; sisters-in-law, Margaret and Mae MacKinnon; father-in-law, William Walzak; mother-in-law, Gertrude (Stepaniak) and her loving husband, William 'Bucky' Walzak, who passed away in 1994.

Theresa worked in New Waterford for JT MacMillan Jewellers as well as the Medical Clinic early on and spent the remainder of her life caring for her family at home.

She was an enthusiastic Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan. She could always be seen supporting her children and later grandchildren, at every baseball field, hockey rink, soccer field and gymnasium where she could easily be heard encouraging the officials.

Theresa  will always be remembered as a loving and benevolent soul. She was a long-time member of the CWL and devoted much of her time to the Carmel Centre where she developed lifelong friendships she held so dear. Nothing brought her more joy than being surrounded by her family and friends, laughter and her fiddle music. She had a wide circle of dear friends and cherished family, testament to the life of quality and substance that she lived. Theresa leaned heavily on her very strong Roman Catholic faith throughout her life. She was a devout Catholic, a lifelong member of the Parish of Saint Leonard (formerly Our Lady of Mount Carmel), and practiced her religion with great faith and reverence. She found much solace in the church’s many rituals and sacraments that she held so dear. She faced her health issues with great courage, dignity and grace, never complaining and always offering up her suffering. She fought stoically and with great calm, comforting those around her with assurances that she was fine, as she enjoyed time surrounded by family and friends to the very last, including this past Christmas in her own home.

We would like to take this opportunity to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Azer and the special staff of the second floor of The New Waterford Consolidated Hospital, VON and Homemakers who helped make our mother’s journey much more bearable for her and for us.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 4 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 5 in The Parish of St. Leonard Catholic Church, Mount Carmel Avenue, New Waterford at 10 a.m., officiated by Fr. Anthony O’Connor. Burial will be held in Mount Carmel Cemetery at a later date. A luncheon will follow at St.Leonard’s Parish Hall, Convent St, New Waterford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of one's choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at:www.vjmcgillivray.ca.