Viktor Szpika (Son)

Entered January 11, 2018

I will always love you mom.

Peter Szpika (Husband)

Entered January 11, 2018

Love you lots always.

I am so sad that God took you away so early, but I am grateful for the years that we had together and that you are in your final home in God's loving arms.

You made me such a better person and took care of your family very well.

Who is going to correct my bad behaviour and fashion faux pas now?

Looking forward to seeing you again.

Iz Bohom!

Edwin Dobutowitsch (Cousin)

Entered January 11, 2018 from Germany

A famous cousin which kept contact between our familys. A wonderful Person is gone . We will missed you .

Rob Penyk (Friend)

Entered January 11, 2018

Peter and family, I offer my deepest condolences at this time, I am so sorry. Wishing you strength at this tough time.

Len & Carol Lane (Friend)

Entered January 11, 2018 from Bethany Community

Peter & Andrea
Our prayers were answered in unexpected ways. So sorry for your loss.. Keeping the prayers goin for all of you.

My mother always said that I would make a good lawyer or teacher growing up. Because I not only inherited her stubbornness, diligence and her empathy for others, I had such a way with words that we would frequently butt heads and have some surprisingly deep discussions just before bedtime.

My mom raised me and my sister from a very young age to be self-dependent. This is not only vital trait to survive and thrive in life, it is also a virtue that can only be learned through another's example. It was my mother's example which she showed us for over two decades that did this, and it is something I shall never forget.

However, the greatest thing she did for me was allow me to make my faith my own. True faith can only come from one's personal decision to follow Christ; something she knew very well. While she did make sure that I always went to Church and knew God's word as I grew up, during my adolescent years she truly gave me the freedom to discover Christ and develop a profound relationship with him.

At times I found it difficult to take care of my mother with my family during what would unexpectedly be her final days at home. To be completely honest, it was only by the grace of God that I had the patience, kindness, and self-control I did then. Yet in hindsight, I am so grateful that God blessed me with the strength and endurance to be with her at all times. Not only because it finally gave me a sense of all the hard work she put into managing the family, but also because it allowed me to be a good son to her one last time.

My mother was truly my best friend.

As her daughter, I admired my mother growing up. She could become friends with strangers in a heartbeat, had absolutely the best taste in clothes and jewelry, and she knew every colour under the sun due to her talents in graphic design and interior decorating. From relationships, shopping and high school art projects, I always went to her for advice.

But that doesn't mean we didn't butt heads. I was perhaps equally as stubborn as her because our "discussions" could get loud! I'm smiling as I'm writing this and I remembering the great times we had together.

My mother was my perfect example of how a Christian woman should be.

Giver of Gifts,

You came into my brother’s life at a time when he was feeling the loss of our mother. As you got to know him, you shared your faith and introduced him to your best friend, Jesus. This was the greatest gift that you could give anyone, ever. I am so grateful to you for that. Then came your marriage to Peter. This was the gift of love and companionship. The next gift was that of two wonderful children, Andréa and Viktor. However, you also extended your love, guidance and time to help not only your family but many others: Sunday School, editor of various newsletters, helping our church pick the right colours to repaint the chapel even though this meant a trip to Toronto, helping our son in setting up his new home for himself and his bride, as well as ourselves with our move, keeping an eye on your elderly neighbour especially when she was ill in hospital. All this was done on a volunteer basis. I am sure there are many other times that you expressed your love for the Lord through giving to others. You will be truly missed but I know we will see each other again and rejoice once more.

Marina Wieland (née Szpika) sister-in- law