With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Winnifred Rogalsky, on September 28, 2009 at Chilliwack General Hospital. She was born December 31, 1923 in Ladicopp, Russia.The family emigrated to Canada in July of 1925 and settled in Winkler, MB. Following some very difficult times, including the passing of her mother, 1925 and father, 1934, the young Winnifred moved to Abbotsford with her stepmother and 2 half brothers in her grade nine year. At the age of 14, Winnifred went to work in Vancouver, in the Kerrisdale district.
At 16, she enrolled in the Pitman Commercial College where she took business and secretarial training, before heading once again into the workforce. In 1947, she met and married Leonard Rogalsky, a young man from Winnipeg. They returned to farm in Manitoba until 1961 when they moved to Rosedale, BC with their two sons, Leonard and Edward, purchasing a dairy farm on Annis Rd. Unfortunately, Leonard was in poor health and passed away in 1969. After 2 years more on the farm, Winnifred moved to Beverly Dr. She completed many courses over the next few years, including her Real Estate License, a Hospitality course and more secretarial upgrades. She served on a panel of arbitrators for the Better Business Bureau. Once she retired, she enjoyed traveling extensively. She loved the outdoors and nature.
Winnifred is survived by her sons Leonard and Edward; three granddaughters who were her pride and joy and she loved dearly, Amber, Angela and Ashlee and great-granddaughter Jada Lee.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 11:00 am from Chilliwack Cemetery, 10010 Hillcrest Dr. Chilliwack. A Memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm at Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home, 45865 Hocking Ave., Chilliwack.
Online condolences can be left at www.WoodlawnFH-MtCheam.com