ALDEGONDA “GONDA” JOHANNA WYROSTOK (née Van Buuren), beloved wife of the late William Wyrostok, formerly of Coalhurst and now of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at the Good Samaritans West Highlands, on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at the age of 90 years.

Gonda is survived by her loving children, Joanne (Doug) Nash of Courtney, BC, Irwin (Kyla) Wyrostok of Lethbridge, Larry (Penny) Wyrostok of Lethbridge, William (Teresa) Wyrostok of Calgary, Ron (Leanne) Wyrostok of Vernon, BC and Rosemarie (Melvin) Roth of Coalhurst, as well as her grandchildren; Ryan (Karen) Nash, Reid (Kerri) Nash, Riley Nash, Chris (Charlene) Wyrostok, Kathy (Curtis) Volovich, Danielle, Taylor, Tiffany (Rory) O’Brien, Vanessa Freel, Kerby (Beth) Magierowski, Danielle (Jordan) Sutton, Chelsey (Stephan) Hautz, Lauren Wyrostok-Zakaluzny, Jason (Jana) Roth, Adam (Chrissy) Roth and 19 great-grandchildren: Sarah & Caitlyn Nash, April & Hilton Nash, Taylor & Nixon Nash, Caleb & Kieran Wyrostok, Zachery Freel, Lola & Harvey O’Brien, Lewis Magierowski, Eli & Holly Hautz, Reuben, Julia, Eli & Tyson Roth, Zander & Jaxon Roth. She is also survived by her sister, Johanna (Jermaine) Soenen and three sisters-in-law, Louisa, Maria and Dorothy Van Buuren.  As well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, William, as well as four brothers  Harry (at a young age) Bill, Conrad & Harry (Squeek) and three sisters-in-law.

In the beginning, Gonda’s life focused on raising her six children, taking care of the household and market gardening on the Wyrostok homestead just outside of Coalhurst.  Her vegetables were taken to the Farmer’s Market in Lethbridge to sell and – at times – were entered in the Lethbridge & District Horticultural Society where she won many prizes.  She worked for years at the Coalhurst Greenhouse, Wesselman’s Gladiola Farm, Sakon’s and Joe Buck’s.  She also enjoyed working at Coalhurst Community Dances for the Hilltopper’s Gymkana Club, Coalhurst Fire Department, Coalhurst Miner’s Days and some private functions.  She did these for many years and enjoyed the social aspect of the jobs.

In 1972, Gonda started working at the University of Lethbridge as a nighttime caretaker, working her way up to the daytime shift foreman.  She celebrated her retirement in 1992 from there after 20 years of dedicated service.

In her retirement years, she focused more on her creativity with her crocheting and knitting and attended many craft shows in Lethbridge and Coalhurst.  There are many newborn babies that received a sweater or blanket made with her loving hands.  The slippers she made were a big hit and one of her best sellers.

Gonda was a very hard working and independent person and never asked for much from her family.  She enjoyed her family gatherings every Saturday for lunch where anyone available could come. Coconut and lemon pies were a favourite. The door was always open, the coffee pot on and a variety of treats on the table.

Unfortunately, in 2012, Gonda was diagnosed with Alzheimer disease and a new chapter of her life started.  She was unable to be independent anymore and was moved to West Highlands Care Centre where she resided until her passing.  We would like to acknowledge the West Highlands Staff (especially Darcy and Norma) for their loving care that was given to Gonda during this time.

Gonda will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by her family and all those who had the personal blessings of knowing her.

A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Frank Peta officiating.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB on Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. with Father Kevin Tumback, celebrant.

Gonda will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery.

Those who wish to make a donation in Gonda’s memory may do so with the Canadian Diabetes Association, 210D – 12A Street North, Lethbridge, AB T1H 2J1 or with the Alzheimer Society, #40, 1202 – 2 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0E3.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2018-06-20
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta