Obituary
Verna Sophie Matt (nee Szostak, Bretchka)
February 19, 1932 – March 3, 2022
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother Verna Matt (nee Szostak), grandmother, great-grandmother, aunty, and friend to so many.
Mom came into this world on February 19th, 1932 to parents Frank and Maria Szostak. She always spoke of the happy childhood growing up on the farm in Mayfield. Grazing cows with her sister Emily, making dolls out of logs and makeshift doll houses out of sticks. Those were simple but happy times.
In 1950, Mom met and married the love of her life Martin Bretchka. They moved into a little home in Selkirk where they welcomed their beautiful son David. She took pride in their home and their home was full of love, laughter and welcoming to friends and many family gatherings. She told stories of the parties they had, Martin playing guitar and every one singing.
In April 1955, that world came to a tragic end when they were on their way to an Easter Dinner at the Bretchka farm, they were in a car accident where Martin lost his life and she was left as a young widow at the tender age of 23. With the love and support of her family, they helped her and her young son David go on with living when she felt she couldn’t.
In 1959, she married our dad, Walter Matt, and moved the family to a new home in Transcona. Mom started working in a ladies fashion (Hollinsworth and later Grays). Her passion was fashion and she had impeccable style, second to none. She was in her glory working in a dress shop. Without a doubt, she spent all of her paycheques on dresses at the store! From her high-heeled shoes to purses, hats and jewellery, every outfit was perfectly coordinated. With style and grace, Mom was our family’s very own “Elizabeth Taylor”.
On November 27th, 1974, she would yet be faced with another unbearable tragedy that no parent should ever have to face, loss of her beloved son David to cancer. She would be at the hospital every day to care for him and be by his side. When he succumbed to the terrible disease, her heart was broke to the core and our family was devastated. Being a woman of strong faith, prayers guided her and kept her going knowing that David was safe in the arms of his father Martin in heaven. We take comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with them.
She loved her family but the grandchildren, Alexis and Josh, were her pride and joy. They had so much fun at Grandma’s house. She would bake their favourite treats (especially the deep fried pancakes!) and spoil them with love. Alexis would spend many hours playing “dress up” with grandma’s clothes and jewellery. Mom was an amazing baker and cook. She always had yummy cakes, pies, perogies, cabbage rolls, etc. for family and friends. You never left hungry from Mom’s house. The coffee or tea was always on and her kitchen was open to many friends and family, even into the wee hours of the night! She was such a giving soul. She also was an active member of the Catholic Women’s League at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Transcona and later at Notre Dame Parish in Selkirk.
Mom and her dear companion, Alex Katazinski, had many good years together until he passed away in February 2017. They were like 2 teenagers. They were always the first couple to be on the dance floor at weddings, socials and Malanka! Even well into their 80’s, they had such a zest for life, attending family functions, casino outings, dinners and pretty much any social event. They knew how to have fun!
Mom’s life had many tragedies and she suffered many hardships but she persevered with dignity and grace.
Mom leaves to cherish her memory her children; Gordon (Lisa), Diane; grandchildren, Alexis (Shane) and Josh, extended family Sarah (Gavin, their son baby Huxton); Ryan (Melissa, their children, Clark, Walter, Stella and Audrey); Alexis (baby Eleanor); her beautiful great-granddaughter Mariah, many nieces and nephews and their families.
She was predeceased by beloved son David Bretchka; husband Martin Bretchka; Our dad, Walter Matt; special companion, Alex Katazinski; parents, Frank and Maria Szostak; sisters and brothers, Agnes Ostrowski (John), Helen Jaslowski (Phillip), Joyce Bazan (Peter), Joe Szostak (Terry), Annie Szostak, Emily Niebel (Gerald), Stanley Szostak (Shirley). She loved them dearly.
We are forever grateful to the wonderful Staff at Tudor House who referred to mom as “Hollywood”. They took such loving care of mom during the last few years.
Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 18, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. in the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church, Selkirk, MB
God, wrap your loving arms around our dear Mother and keep her safe.
Until we meet again Mom, Dance up a storm!
To honor our Mother, we ask that you perform a random act of kindness. It could change the world for someone.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Verna Matt, please visit our floral store.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Verna Matt March 3 2022..
Décès pour la Ville: Selkirk, Province: Manitoba