On the 25th of March 2015 in her home (Vancouver) surrounded by her loved ones, our dearest MOTHER and GRANDMOTHER was embraced by God’s loving arms to join her husband August (Gus), parents Sarah & Peter Rurak, sisters Mary Rieben, Anne Medloski, Helen Samborski, brothers Alex Kudeba, Mike Kudeba and Steve Kudeba. Elizabeth is survived by her daughters Gail (Ric) Hager, Deborah Magdee (Brahim Attalaoui), Kimberly Magdee (Andy Duncan), brother John Kudeba (Olga), grandchildren Alanna Hager (John Mikula), Colleen Hager (Bill Mackey), Landen Hager, Khaled Attalaoui, Brennan and Lauren Duncan, great grandchildren Kayla, Mitchel, Haley Tomczak, Courtney Hager, Ryder and Grayson Mackey and the youngest Jacob Mikula.
Elizabeth was born September 16th, 1927 in the district of Gold Bank, SK. On the 29th of June 1947, she married the Love of her Life August Magdee. They started their life on the Magdee homestead where she taught her husband to cross-stitch. The young couple eventually moved to Winnipeg in the fall of 1949 only to have their lives compromised by the Red River flood of 1950. This was only one of Mom’s many challenges including the contraction of tuberculosis that required treatment in a sanitorium. After the birth of her first child Gail, she was unable to conceive another child due to a tubal pregnancy. Working six days a week alongside her sister in law Nellie she confided in her that she was exhausted and prayed to God for a miracle. Her prayers were answered with the births of Deborah and Kimberly only two years apart. This was the beginning of her career as a stay at home Mom which she embraced with all her heart and soul. Sadly on the 26th of December 1980 the Love of Her Life died unexpectedly. Mom was now faced with raising teenagers (Deb and Kim) on her own with a need to return to work. The job kept her physically fit but her struggles with depression was her greatest hurdle to which she could not totally overcome. It was not until late in life that she was diagnosed with bipolar. The missed diagnosis and treatment for her depression along with the diabetes resulted in the development of vascular dementia.
Mom was actively involved with the Ladies Auxiliary of the Monte Cassino Legion Branch 178 (Winnipeg) from fundraising to holding an executive position. Her volunteering continued with the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the clown club, visiting members and friends who were in the hospital and being a chauffeur to those in need.
She loved to travel whether it was to the lake at Beaconia, Manitoba, trips back to her roots in Saskatchewan, B.C. or touring France and even shopping trips to Grand Forks and Fargo with the ladies. Mom was proud of her flower garden and had a talent for floral arranging. The love of music and dance were an integral cog in her wheel of life.
The crowning glory for Mom was her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She taught them to knit, make perogies and the most important life lesson was the gift of her unconditional love.
Mom, thanks for the memories, with all our everlasting LOVE.
Gail, Deborah, Kimberly and family xoxoxo