VIVIEN GLADYS ROGALSKY

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It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Vivien Gladys Rogalsky on February 3, 2025, at the age of 79. Vivien was a loving and caring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be fondly remembered for her warmth and love to all who knew her.

Vivien was predeceased by her son, Lorne Boisclair, and her former husband, Herman Rogalsky. She will be dearly missed by her children, Charlene Zawasky (fiancée Reid Kenyon) and Cindy Morden,grandchildren, Matthew Zawasky (fiancée Jane Funk), Megan Zawasky, Courtney Kenyon, Jazmin Boisclair (husband MagnusJohnson), Jaclyn McBride (husband Dave Stewart), Natasha Flores(husband Frankie Flores) and Bryan Morden; and great-granddaughter, Emma Flores. She also leaves behind her daughter-in-law, Sandy Finkel, sister-in-law, Marion Doerksen, boyfriend, Brad Patrick,and a large extended family and friend network. 

Vivien met Herman Rogalsky in 1965 and remained married until 1987. In 1988, she met Brad Patrick at a local legion. Their connection was instant; by February 1989, they were living together in NorthwestWinnipeg. They remained best of friends until Vivien’s passing.

Vivien was born in Fisher Branch, Manitoba, and was raised in Winnipeg, where she attended King Edward School and St. John’s High School. Over the years, she nurtured her love for cooking and animals and cherished the many summers she spent camping with her family. Blue Lake and Rushing River were some of her favourite places to camp, creating lifelong memories with loved ones. She was also known for her famous pineapple upside-down cake, lazy Susan, refried spaghetti, sweet and sour stir fry and coleslaw, family favourites that she enjoyed sharing.

Vivien loved celebrating special occasions, especially her birthdays, at The Pony Corral. She was energetic, young at heart and loved to party,dancing the night away with family and friends. She maintained a special connection with her extended family by sending cards and making regular calls, always ending them with “I love you.” Whenever the family saw Vivien in person, she greeted everyone with open arms and kisses, makingeveryone feel special and adored. She filled every room with laughter, music, and cherished moments. She will be remembered for her kindness, caring, upbeat, and loving nature, as well as the many ways she touched the hearts of those around her.

Her daughter Charlene fondly remembers her weekly shopping trips to Safeway and Sears with Vivien, as she was particular about where she shopped but eventually broadened her horizons to other stores. Charlene cherishes her special memories of delightful dinners after shopping excursions on Thursdays. Andrew Cramer, a great friend of Vivien’s and the family, and her grandchildren, Matthew and Megan, assumed the roles of companion and helper regarding grocery shopping over the last few years, often with lovely dinners afterward as a reward due to her generous nature. Vivien cherished her connections with family and maintained a regular rhythm of calls and outings with loved ones. Thursdays were for chats with Marion Doerksen, other weekday evenings were devoted to calls with her children, grandkids and extended family, and Fridays were for dinners and shopping with Andrew. She often took the lead in initiating calls to maintain strong family bonds.

Vivien was a stylish lady with a flair for modern fashion, sporting a contemporary hairstyle and pink glasses. She befriended her hairdresser of over 30 years, Larysa KCare, who generously provided her with complimentary haircuts and gifts on her birthdays. Vivien had impeccable taste and meticulously selected products that met her high standards. She was a lady who knew what she wanted and expressed her preferences boldly.

Vivien worked at City Alarm for 17 years, retiring in 2010. She loved working there, and it was her last job before retirement. Throughout the years, she worked in various roles, including at the Thunderbird Restaurant, a mail-order business, a coat manufacturing plant, General Motors, and as a childcare provider for many families. She was highly versatile, with a diverse skill set that allowed her to excel in various clerical, customer service, and childcare roles, all while fostering positive relationships with her coworkers and customers.

Vivien loved the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and never missed a Bombers game on TV, so the team has lost one of Winnipeg’s most devoted fans. Vivien’s health declined in her 70s from rheumatoid arthritis and osteopenia, but she always maintained a positive attitude toward life. One of Vivien’s regular departing phrases with family and friends was, “Prayfor me, and I’ll pray for you,” because God held a special place in her heart, and she clung to hope for healing. Let’s all grant her wish and pray for Vivien one more time. 

A celebration of Vivien’s life will be held for close family and friends; details will follow.

Vivian’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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