Obituary of Katherine (Kay) Ann Machej (nee Listmayer)

It is with profound sadness that we the family announce the peaceful passing of Katherine Machej on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at the Vita & District Personal Care Home, Vita, Manitoba.

Katherine is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Carl Machej. She will be remembered by her loving children Virginia (John), Valerie (Neil), Murray (Corinne), Melodie, (Colin), grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mom was predeceased by her parents, Katherina and Andrew Listmayer, brothers, Andrew, George and sister Elizabeth.

Mom was born on June 5, 1934, in Sprague, MB. She attended Golden Branch School. When mom was 16 years old she went to work in Winnipeg. In February of 1954, mom came back home to work at the Sprague Hotel. In September she attended a dance and met our dad, Carl Machej. The courting started and they married on September 17, 1955. In the next 12 years they were blessed with four children who kept them very busy.

Mom was active in the Catholic Women’s League, volunteered on various committees and at special community events.

In 1974 Mom and Dad bought a general store in Sprague. Mom worked beside dad in the store and Post Office for 20 years.

Mom had many talents and interests. She was a hard worker and always kept busy. Her favorite thing to do was to bake, cook and feed people. She also loved to tell stories about the history of Sprague. She had a great memory for details about the people and events of the past.

Mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 60 years old. She was unable to continue working at the store. MS challenged the way she usually did things, but she was determined to do everything by adjusting. She did not let MS stop her!

Dad was the love of mom’s life. Mom adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mom loved our big family dinners, visits and many phone calls. Her family was everything to her.

As a family, we would like to thank Dr. Trish Penner, Vita Personal Care Home nurses and health care aids for the exceptional care of Mom during her time there.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Southern Health/Santé Sud (In cheque memo line: Vita Personal Care Home), P.O. Box 470, La Broquerie, MB R0A 0W0, or CancerCare Manitoba, 1160-675 McDermott Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. As per Mom’s wishes she would like guests to wear flowered or coloured clothing attire to celebrate her life. Mom always said, “Flowers are the colours of life!”