Minetta SIWAK

1933 - 2021

Minetta, who loved to be called Minnie, Gramma or Mama passed away at St. Peter's on September 25th. Her daughters, Lisa (Benning) Annette (Homewood), grandkids, Hannah (Benning), Cole (Benning), Landon (Homewood) and her son-in-law, Steve (Homewood) have great memories of Minnie - oh boy the times we shared together. Mama was the heart and soul of our little family and she loved being the centre of attention...we'll miss her dearly. Minetta struggled with ALS for two years, but she still kept herself sharp and playful. She was witty, so, so stubborn, and lots of fun while she communicated with us on her 'Boogie Board' (Thanks Glen and Angela for giving her this outlet). She's been missing some loved ones who passed before her and whom now she'll have a 'good 'ole time' with - Husband Leo, Sister Helah, Mom and Dad Dora Kate and Cecil, her little boy Beau, and her dear friend who was her 'partner in crime' Shirley... (oh the 'trouble' they got into).
Although Mama left 'down home' Keels, Newfoundland more than 70 years ago our family feels the connection to the East because of her stories and visits back 'home'. Mama brought to us Newfoundland pride and culture and a feeling of joy every time we hear East Coast Kitchen music - she loved dancing in her seat when that was her only way possible. She asked to go 'home' near the end and knowing the beauty of Keels - we know why. Minnie is there now - on 'backside' shore in Keels just down over the 'Big Chute' waiting for us all to join her for Newfie Jiggs dinner. Thanks to Rick, Patti, Ryan Siwak, Danno and Ruby, who kept Mama's spirits as high as possible when there wasn't much to be happy about anymore. Thank you to the large health care family who put their arms around us to guide us everyday. Dr. Dibenedetti, Dr Turnbull, Barb and Jenneca, Dr. Samantha Winemaker, Dr. Sender, Clarissa, the Bayshore and CBI PSW team and countless other therapists and home care nurses. Special thanks to St. Peter's for making her final days peaceful. You'll never know how much this helped us. Great times shared with Dr. Joe, Nick and Daniel - thank you for giving her joy through therapy and love in her last year. Cremation has already taken place. donations to ALS society welcomed. Online condolences and notes of sympathy may be left at www.donaldvbrown.ca