Dehlia Witzko

   Witzko, Dehlia (nee Gondziola) January 2, 1923 – June 23, 2017, aged 94 years entered eternal rest at the Gateway Lodge, Canora. Dehlia was born on the family farm, 6 miles south and 3 miles east of Rama, SK.  She was the 2nd child of nine children born to Joe and Helen Gondziola (nee Tomchyshen).  She attended Bellenden School and assisted in looking after younger siblings and with farm chores.

   In 1944, Dehlia moved with the family to Canora, and began working in the laundry department at the Canora Union Hospital.  It was here that she met her husband-to-be, Metro Witzko, whose family farmed near the hospital.  Dehlia and Metro were married, and blessed with the birth of their daughter, Gloria, in 1947.

   Following that, the family moved to Flin Flon, MB, where Metro was employed by the Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Co.  An accident at the mine disabled Metro for a time.  It was then that Dehlia and Metro started a successful business, Snow White Laundry, in Flin Flon, where they did laundry for Hudson Bay Mining, as well as for private customers.  The family was forced to close the business because of Metro's ill health.

   Following Metro's passing and her retirement, Dehlia and Mike Strelezki took up residence in Canora, and lived together for 27 years prior to her passing.

   Dehlia is survived by her spouse, Mike Strelezki, his son Barry (Val), and their children Crystal, Darren, Brent, and Brenda-Lee, and six great grandchildren. sisters, Olga Sackney, Mary Witzko, Verna Toffan, Lucy Toffan, her brother, Jim (Delores) Gondziola, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

   Dehlia was predeceased by her parents, Joe and Helen Gondziola, her husband Metro Witzko, her daughter and son-in-law, Gloria and Ted Figura, sisters, Mathilda Tiechko, Myrtle Sliziak and Nettie Sliziak.

   Dehlia was known for her sense of family and family get-togethers with her were always great fun.  She was a great cook and card player and had a unique sense of humour.  You would never know what she would say next.  Dehlia had a wonderful spirit and zest for life.  We will always remember the love and the joy that she brought to our lives.

Prayer Service was held June 25, 2017 and the Funeral Service was held June 26, 2017. Services were held at the Chapel of Wolkowski Funeral Service – Canora, with Very Reverend Mel Slashinsky officiating. Interment followed at the Canora Cemetery. Those who so desire, may make memorial donation to the Alzheimer Society or the Canora Gateway Lodge as gifts of remembrance. To leave a note of condolence, please visit Wolkowski.ca

Rest in peace.  Eternal Memory.  Vichnaya Pam'yat.