Shirley Elaine Ostrowski nee Kindrat

Our glorious mother Shirley, left us and her pain on April 12, 2023. Our family was fortunate enough to celebrate her 84th birthday with her on March 22 at Middle Church Personal Care Home. She was predeceased by her husband Bill, brother Frank and parents Fred and Pauline Kindrat. She leaves behind her daughters Diane and Janice; sons Gary (Sheri) and Wayne; as well as grandchildren Tori (Russell Ronsky) and Callie Hislop, and Tristen and Cole Ostrowski.

Mom was born in the Bird’s Hill area and attended school there. She went on to secretarial school and worked for several years at the Winnipeg Free Press. She met her husband Bill Ostrowski, of Springfield, and they married on October 1, 1960. During their 53-year marriage, her and Dad were very busy and involved parents, then grandparents, to very active children. There was always some sporting game or event to attend. They were also like secondary parents in raising their grandchildren rarely ever saying no to sitting or sleepovers. Also, because Mom put away all the family allowance payments, we all had the opportunity for secondary education after high school.

Mom was the referee during many family camping trips in our Steury pop-up camper. We would be fighting in the back seats of the family wood-paneled station wagon, and constantly yelling “When do we get there?”. Dad would calmly reply by singing the song “One more mile to Louisville the Hometown of my heart”. That didn’t help Mom much though. Even later in life, our parents could show up for a day visit wherever we may be. Mom was always a welcome sight with food brought. This would include our homes as well.

As we grew up in Elmwood our home was a center point for friends as well. This included many basement parties and family birthday events. Our friends all thought our parents were the coolest ever and how lucky we were. It was no wonder most of us kids were very slow in leaving home. Even after we left home it was still a focal place to visit for a meal. Mom eventually went back to work at Rossmere Golf Club. She worked in banquets for over 20 years, made many friends, and enjoyed being back in the workforce.

After Dad’s passing in 2013, she kept busy and lived independently driving until late last year. She loved to go out shopping and if we had anything on our list she would diligently go out and find a good deal for us. She had several good friends she stayed in contact with.

Mom was only at Middle Church for one month, but our family extends a big heartfelt thank you for all the extra care and consideration she was given. She will rest with dad at the Ukrainian National Cemetery in Springfield. There will be no service. We shall have a hot dog for her at the Half Moon soon as that was her wish once the weather gets better. Oh, Mom and Baba – rest now – you did well.