SPIZAWKA, VELMA:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Velma Audrey Spizawka on April 5, 2013. Velma was born on May 26, 1934 in the community of New Finland, SK, to Jack and Irene Tuokko. In 1940, Velma moved with her family to Pinawa Lake, MB. Her school years began at home, taking lessons from her mother until Poplar Bay country school was opened. Velma later moved to Lac du Bonnet to attend high school. After completing high school, she began nurses' training at Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg and graduated in 1958 with her Registered Nurse degree. Velma accepted a nursing position at the hospital in Spalding, SK. Velma met Bill Spizawka, and they were married in October of 1961. They lived on their farm near Spalding. Painting, drawing, sewing, needlework, photography, and gardening were Velma's favorite hobbies. She was an avid reader, and enjoyed a lifetime of continual learning. Velma was involved in many community projects and clubs. She loved nature and participated in bird and amphibian surveys. Velma was a generous, kind, and gentle person and will be lovingly remembered by her children and grandchildren: Karen (Larry) Durell and family, Michelle (Mark Thevenot), Mark, and Eric; and Kerry (Nancy) Spizawka and family, Christina and Jamie; her siblings: Polli Tuokko (James Girvan), Miriam (Leo) Simoens, Marlene Tuokko, Wayne Tuokko, Paul (Janice) Tuokko; in-laws of the Spizawka family; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Velma was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Irene Tuokko; husband, Bill Spizawka; son, Kevin Spizawka; brothers, Albert and Raymond Tuokko. Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Five Oaks Shared Ministry, Naicam, SK with Rev. Evelyn Rigby officiating. Internment to be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Reynold Rapp Museum in Spalding, or Naicam and District Ambulance. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Melfort Funeral Home of Melfort, SK.
