MILDREDPAULINE YORKE

MILDRED PAULINE YORKE Affectionately known as “Millie”, “Nanny” and “Mom” died peacefully in her sleep the morning of June 28, 2016 at Eden Villa, Chatham, ON. She was born June 5, 1923 in Radgoszez, Poland. Eldest child of Frank Wawzonek (1951) and Sophia Toczak (1978). Much loved and adored sister of Gladys (1994). The four arrived in Canada on the ship Ascania in 1931. The two sisters were inseparable all their lives and later became known as the “L’Oreal Twins”. Four brothers were later born in Alberta: Leo (1944), Edward (1998) and Victor (2007) – (Joan, Owen Sound) and surviving Ted of Ajax – (Carolle, 1990). From roots in rural Alberta, Millie married Paul Yurkowski (Yorke), April 1940. They made their way to Toronto to begin their lives together. In 1967, came their cottage at Wasaga Beach with bonfires, bike riding and poison ivy… a haven for all! Millie was hardworking, determined and always “on schedule”; she kept her home and gardens immaculate. A self-taught woman she enjoyed the pursuits of travel in her later years, gardening and fresh air, reading, crocheting and dabbled in art. She was best known as “the banker” who worked over 21 years at CIBC, Parkway Plaza. Her daughters Gwen (John Wigglesworth), Whitby and Terry (Dave Mifflin), Thamesville, were always busy visiting back and forth, sharing preserves, recipes for borscht, perogies and cabbage rolls and of course gardening. Many birthdays and graduations were celebrated with eight grandchildren (Matthew, Brooke, Jacqueline (Chris Nemisz), Patrick (Shannon Buell), Jennifer, Gregory, Mark and Michael) and three great-grandchildren (Treston, Jaxson and Colton Nemisz). Also surviving, several nieces and nephews, first cousins Ed (Bev) Wawzonek, Calgary; Steve (Lillian) Wawzonek, Edmonton and the Smerychynski families in Westlock, Alberta. A huge Leafs fan (her latest jersey was Kessel No. 81) and also a great supporter of the late Rob Ford. Millie bought her first computer at the age of 80 and she drove her Olds til 90 years – when she announced at Easter she was hanging up the keys, the streets of Toronto would never be the same! Many thanks to past neighbours and staff of Eden Villa and her nieces Monica and Mary Anne, for everything you have done to ensure Millie was happy, safe and well cared for. To Uncle Ted for his nightly phone calls as far back as we can remember and granddaughter Brooke for just always being there for Nan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, July 2, 2016 at the Church of Annunciation, 3 Combermere Drive, North York. Interment will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Thornhill. Visitation Friday, July 1, 2016 at Paul O’Connor Funeral Home, 1939 Lawrence Avenue East (between Pharmacy and Warden), from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Flowers or donations to The Hospital for Sick Children will be appreciated by three generations of Millie’s family.