Obituary of Louise Pukal

LOUISE PUKAL Mrs. Louise Pukal, beloved wife of Joseph Pukal, of Regina and formerly of Invermay SK, passed away with her family at her side on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at the Regina Wascana Grace Hospice. She was 75 years of age. Louise Barteski was born on July 21, 1938 in Invermay SK, the daughter of Ben and Sophie (nee Kowaski) Barteski. She was the eldest of six children and always the greatest big sister to them throughout their lives. Louise attended Loch Sloy School near Invermay. She had many fond memories of her school years and helped organize school reunions in later years. A cherished moment came when Louise was united in marriage to Joseph Pukal on October 30, 1954. Joe and Louise then settled on the Pukal farm where they would live for 55 years and raise their two children, Ben and Karine. Louise was an excellent cook and always had a superb meal on the table for family and friends. Her garden and raspberry patches were huge in the summer and her freezers always full in the winter. Louise farmed beside Joe and did every task that was required until the new crop was safely in the bins for the year. Joe and Louise moved to Regina in November 2009. They enjoyed many memorable events in Regina, such as being television stars on Polka Rama. Louise and Joe were extraordinary old-time dancers. She was a woman of great faith. St. Andrew’s country church near their farm and St. Anthony’s Church and Grotto to our Lady of Lourdes in Rama held a special place in Louise’s life. She was a member of the Catholic Women’s League. Louise was a lay minister, communion minister and reader. Louise’s greatest love was her husband, children and grandchildren. There isn’t anything she wouldn’t do for them. She was always there with love, support and great faith. Louise did everything she could to make everyone happy and create everlasting memories. Louise was an excellent organizer of events as proven by her ability to prepare for two children’s weddings in the same year, just one week apart. Louise had many friends and relatives who were always very important in her life and they all shared many wonderful get-togethers on the farm and in Regina. Louise loved life, loved people, had enduring patience and everlasting strength. She fought her battle with cancer so courageously right till the end, never wanting to miss a moment of life. Louise was predeceased by her parents, and two brothers in infancy. She leaves to mourn her passing and celebrate her life, her loving husband Joe; son Ben and his wife Lorna, and their daughters Sara and Vanessa of Toronto; daughter Karine and her husband Bob Mayes and their children Clark, Dean and Karah of Assiniboia; one sister Margaret Palchewich of Toronto, Ontario; four brothers, Ralph of Grande Prairie, Alberta; Lawrence of Yorkton, SK; Ernest of Toronto, Ontario; Ron of Peach Tree City, Georgia; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church, 2049 Scarth Street, Regina, SK on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Barry Anwender. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Louise, may be made to St. Anthony’s Church and Grotto to our Lady of Lourdes in Rama, payable to Archdiocese of Regina, 445 Broad Street, Regina, SK, S4R 2X8 or Regina Wascana Grace Hospice, 50 Angus Road, Regina, SK, S4R 8P6.