Mary K. (Rostek) Musial
Passed on: November 29th, 2014
Following a long, eventful life, Mom died peacefully on November 29, 2014.
The eldest child of Frank and Mary (Krofchick) Rostek of Scotchtown, she will be deeply missed by daughters Charlotte (Sydney), Marilyn Jones (Annapolis County) Mary Lou (Darcy) Lawrencetown; sons Chuck (Bonnie), Mississippi; Fred (Kathy) Whitehorse; Michael, Falmouth; and Kevin, Gardiner Mines; sister Darlene Zanth, River Ryan, and brothers Fred and Frank (Anne) of Lower Sackville. Surviving as well are 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved and cherished.
Also surviving, Ruth (Giebitz, formerly of Scotchtown) and Ambros Boser of Karlsruhe, Germany, whose status as ‘extended family’ spans several generations.
Besides her parents, Mom was predeceased by Charlie, her husband of 70 years; daughter Barbara; sisters Violet, Esther, and Frances; nephew Blaine Arnold; son-in-law Roy Jones, and ‘darlin’ son-in-law’ Maurice Currie.
As a student at St. Agnes High School in New Waterford, at age 16 Mom was recruited to temporarily teach lower grades, and she remained a life-long learner, reader, and letter writer. She returned, in mid life, to studying, receiving numerous certificates in Adult Education and awards for community service. Among the latter were recognition for many years of devotion to the St. James Altar Society and for participation as volunteer in the Mt. Carmel Elementary School program.
Renowned for her culinary skills (as well as her wit), Mom’s original ‘Cape Breton Cherry Tort was a contest winner, and her entry in “Quilts of the Island” travelling exhibit merited a certificate for original design...all in keeping with her knitting, crocheting, and sewing skills.
A lovely dancer, Mom (and Dad) hosted many parties at our home, where Johann Strauss waltzes and Frankie Yankovic polkas (along with a dram or two of assorted liquid ‘refreshments’) and excellent food enlivened the celebrations.
Mom dearly loved her home on the edge of Lingan Bay and modeled for us a deep and abiding respect and appreciation of nature’s gifts. In this, as in every other way, she nurtured the world around her.
Visitation will be held at McLellan Brothers Funeral Home on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9. Mass at St. Leonard Church Saturday at 10 AM followed by interment at St. James Cemetery and by a reception at the KOC Hall, Plummer Avenue.
In honour of Mom’s request, donations may be made to Cape Breton Right to Life, Transition House, or to St. James Cemetery Fund.
Online condolences may be sent to
www.mclellanfuneralhome.com.
