It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Adelaide Jean Husack. Mom passed away peacefully on Saturday February 19, 2022 at the age of 91.
Jean is survived by her children-Jeanie (Mike) Crawford, John Husack, Tom Husack, Tammy (Blake) Cowles, and Clifford King. Grandchildren-Kim (Tom) Reid, Arthur (Cathy) Crawford, William (Erin) Husack, Andy Husack, Ben Husack, Cody Husack, Brock (Karyn) Cowles, Jasmyne (Patrick) Vezeau, Dawsen King. Great-Grandchildren-Alysha (Anthony) Newcomb, William and Alexander Crawford, Jaycob and Quinton Husack. Great-Great-Grandchildren-Zachary, Greyson, and Octavia Newcomb. Jean is also survived by her sister Gertrude Litwin and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jean is pre-deceased by her parents, Adelaide and Albert Volkart; husband, William (Bill) Husack; son, Doran King; grandchildren, Ryan Husack and Shelly Crawford. Also brothers’ Ed (Nell) Volkart and Doug (Winnie) Volkart; sisters’ Joan (Wilbert) Hayward and Irene (Karl) Habermann and brother-in-law, William (Billy) Litwin.
Mom was born in Birdshill, Manitoba on May 23rd, 1930. She spent her younger years in Birdshill on the farm helping to look after horses and cattle. Then in 1947, Mom moved to Finntown with her parents and siblings. It was then that Bill got his first glimpse of the love of his life, while doing some plumbing work for her parents. As per mom’s parents’ wishes, Dad had to wait until mother turned 18 to have her hand in marriage. He wasted no time and on May 29, 6 days after mom turned 18, their wish finally came true. Shortly afterwards they started on their family. One year later, Jeanie was the first to arrive. In 1952, dad, mom and Jeanie moved to McKenzie Island and shortly thereafter John was born. Years later, Tom and Tammy arrived. Mom and dad resided in the same house for many, many years on McKenzie Island, where beautiful memories were made. During this time in 1980, mom and dad started Fostering and with open arms gave a wonderful, warm, loving and caring home to many children for over 30 years. Doran and Clifford joined our family as babes and became part of the family from their early beginnings.
Mom and Dad’s home was always open to everyone whether they knew you or not. Many celebrations were held within their home from birthdays, holidays, and every other special occasion. Christmas Eve was always held at mom and dad’s every year with a big celebration held with family, friends, and neighbours. Tons of food was had by all and enough was made for everyone to take some home. You could not beat Jeans perogies, cabbage rolls, dinner buns or homemade delicious pies. She was the best cook around and could make anything out of nothing and make it taste good. Their home was filled with laughter, good food and music. Many, many card games were hosted at mom and dads and laughter could be heard streaming out the open windows or doors, trying to cool the house off from the heat of the wood stove. Mom was the only person that family and Islanders knew who wore shorts in the dead of winter!
The door was always left unlocked even when no one was home. The radio would be left on, a plate of homemade dainties left on the table with a note saying, “Make yourself a coffee and help yourself to a dainty”; for those who may have “popped by” while she was away. Whoever came always left a note saying, “Thanks for the homemade dainties, Jean”. Mom loved to paint, it was her passion. She painted every rock in her yard and anything else that stood still. If something was painted blue, you knew Jean had been there. She loved bright colours and could brighten up a place and make it so cheerful and welcoming. In 2020 she moved to Red Lake into the Follansbee Apartments. She continued her “painting” career there and could often be seen painting rocks, planters, cupboards, and railings-whatever didn’t move! Mom continued her tradition in Red Lake of always keeping her door open to those who may have wanted to “pop in”.
Mom had a heart of gold and would help anyone in need whether she knew them well or not. It didn’t matter about their background history; she always made everyone feel welcome. She did everything in her power to help them out in their time of need. She also had a love for animals and would often take them into her home, whether it was a bird who hit the window or a dog that needed some love. Our mother was a beautiful, kind, loving, caring, thoughtful, strong, generous and courageous person.
Our dear wonderful mother will forever be in our hearts and the hearts of many others. Even though her heart grew tired and she needed to leave us behind, memories with her will be cherished forever.
Cremation has taken place and a public celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Donations in her memory may be made to K.A.R.E. (Kids Are Recreationally Equal) or Lucky Mutts Dog Club through the Red Lake Chapel, Box 237, Red Lake, ON P0V 2M0.
