Nettie (Nastia) Monastyrski, 89

Nettie (Nastia) Monastyrski

Nettie Monastyrski, age 89 passed away on August 8, 2009 after a courageous battle with Ovarian Cancer. She was preceded in death by her husband Mike (1959), granddaughter Pam Walsh (2006), her parents Dimetro and Ann Serafin, brothers Anthony, Alex, John and sisters Stella, Marie, Margaret and Frances.
Nettie is survived by her daughters Roseanne (Ray) Koob of Richfield, Mn, and Janie (Lyn) Thomas of Chandler, Az, grandsons Michael (Leslee) Koob, Kyle (Julie) Thomas, John-Michael Thomas and granddaughter Lindsay Thomas. Great grandchildren Amanda and Emily Walsh (their father Tim Walsh), Ryan and Mark Koob, Amelia and Austin Thomas. She is also survived by sisters Ann and Jean, many nieces, nephews, extended family and special neighbors Susan and Wallace Armstrong.
Nettie grew up in Manitoba, met Michael Monastyrski and they were united in marriage on October 14, 1939. The young couple moved to Rainy River in 1943 to the new farm they had purchased for $ 3000.00. Mike also worked on the railroad. Their home was a favorite gathering place for friends and family. Peter Picklyk played his wonderful violin at many weddings and parties held on the farm. We’re sure many have fond memories of their time at Mike and Nettie’s home.
A year after the tragic death of her young husband, Nettie sold the farm and moved to town. She worked various jobs, including a couple summers at Sharflo Island on Lake of the Woods. She moved to Minneapolis in 1966 to be near her daughters.
Nettie retired from McCourtney Plastics in St. Louis Park, Mn and returned to her home in Rainy River where she enjoyed gardening and she loved tending to her flowerbeds. She often gave away more garden produce than she took in for herself. She had a giving spirit and a kind heart. She wouldn’t have anyone leave her home without giving them something. Mom enjoyed meeting her friends at the Bakery for coffee, tea and a little of the town talk. Mom was a member of the Rainy River Legion Ladies Auxiliary, also the Rainy River Hospital Ladies Auxiliary. Mom moved to the Rainy River Long Term Centre, May 2008. We “Thank” the staff (her Angels) as she called them for their tender, loving care. You are very special and true “Caregivers”. We “Thank” all the wonderful friends who would come and sit with mom during her painful times or who would just come in to let her know they cared. That gave more comfort to her daughters than they will ever know. God Bless all of you with much love.
Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday August 12, 2009 at 10 a.m. from Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Rainy River, Ont, with Fr. Alan Albao Celebrant. Interment will take place in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Rainy River, Ont.
If desired memorial donations may be made to Rainy River Health Care Centre Ladies Auxiliary or Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, c/o Northridge Funeral Home, Box 89, Emo, Ontario P0W 1E0 Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com