July 22, 1944 – September 20, 2023
at the age of 79 years:
Eleanor Kuzak (nee Antifaiff) was born July 22, 1944 in Kamsack, Saskatchewan to Alex and Mary Antifaiff, the second of three children.
On October 9th, 1965, Eleanor married Stanley Kuzak, her high school sweetheart and together they raised two children. Eleanor worked at the Manitoba Telephone System (MTS) after graduating from St. John’s Tech and a secretarial course at Tech Voc in 1963 and then Bell Telephones in Toronto. She also worked at the Mercantile Bank of Canada in Vancouver before raising her family as a stay-at-home mom, a job she thoroughly loved. Once her children were adults, she got a real estate license and worked as a licensed assistant for Stan at Re/Max Balloon Country Realty and then at Sutton.
Moving with her husband as he was transferred, Eleanor would live in Manitoba, Ontario, BC and Alberta and retiring in Sorrento, BC. She lived in Langley for over 18 years raising her children. She actively volunteered for Canadian Red Cross and was a baseball coach for girl’s little league baseball in Langley. Eleanor was an exceptional cook and one who loved to entertain and have company. She made lifelong friends in every area she lived in. She loved to sew, making dresses for herself, plus she liked to knit.
She leaves behind her husband of 58 years, Stanley, children Stephen (Nancy Kuchta) of Kamloops, BC, Jennifer of Sorrento, BC and her only grandchild Dawson Kuzak-Kolley of Richmond, BC.
She was predeceased by her parents Mary and Alex Antifaiff, brother Harvey and sister Arlene.
There will be no service at this time with plans to spread her ashes in the spring of 2024 as per her request. Cremation has already taken place is Salmon Arm, BC.
I called her “Sunch” my pet name for her. It came from the word sunshine. When I was 16 years old my life came apart with the death of my parents and nephew in a head on collision just south of Lockport on July 1st, 1960. Eleanor came into my life a year and half later by agreeing to a date in January 1962. It came about by my longtime friend Peter suggesting I ask her out. I was in grade 11 and Eleanor was in grade 10 having a problem with her math. I started to help her by staying with her after school and we would use the back board in her room. At the end of the tutoring, I would write on the front back board “Good morning, Sunshine” She was indeed the sunshine that came into my life. She was working at the Metropolitan Theater on the weekends, so dating was a bit difficult because she worked until 10 pm on both Friday and Saturday nights and I did not have a car or access to one. We dated using public transit and it was never an issue for her. We became high school sweethearts lasting over 60 years.
When Eleanor entered her class along with her classmates and teacher they would see “Good Morning Sunshine” on the backboard. She got a lot teasing from her class, but she loved it. Sunshine was eventually shortened to “Sunch”. She got 35% in her Christmas math test, and with my help she got 76% in her Easter test. Her teacher told the class she was his most improved student he ever had.
Eleanor lived in Shaughnessy west of McPhillips. It was the end run for a Winnipeg transit commuter bus. When I took Eleanor home the bus driver waited for me to walk her home as he has a smoke break at the turn about. It was always the last bus to run. If he did not wait, I had to walk home about 4 to 5 miles. In -30 F, it was not pleasant.
In her grade 11 class she was chosen tom run for sophomore Queen. The picture shows her in the beautiful dress she made. It was a beautiful blue colour and she looked spectacular in it. I thought I was the luckiest guy in the world to have her as my girlfriend. I would graduate from the Manitoba Institute of Technology in Mechanical Technology (RRC Polytech) in June of 1965, and we would marry on October 9th, 1965. Eleanor had a “Heart of Gold” and I loved her very much.
Dear Uncle Stan, Stephen, Nancy, Jennifer and Dawson,
Aunty Eleanor was my favourite aunt. She had a creative soul, dabbling in oil painting, gardening, cooking and sharing her love of flowers. She was kind, generous and could see the good in people. She always welcomed us to her home throughout the years no matter where she and Uncle Stan lived.
The world will miss her love, laugh and kindness. A true caregiver. We will miss her greatly.
Dear Stan, Steve, Nancy, Jennifer, Dawson,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you.
El touched so many lives and left us all with wonderful memories. ❤️ Deb & Family
Just heartbroken. Aunty El will be missed forever. I expect mom and her are together again though in the afterlife!
Eleanor was my cousin.
What can I say that hasn’t already been said. The thing is, it’s all true, anything to do with her home or family, immediate and extended, and her friends is what Eleanor excelled at. Words that come to mind to describe Eleanor: devotion, selflessness, wisdom, thoughtfulness, kindness and laughter.
For me, the family dinners (Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s) and Sunday visits form the basis for my memories, memories I am certain to carry with me.
Stan and family, sorry for your loss, Eleanor will certainly be missed, but she has left a lasting legacy for her family and friends.
Darling Eleanor;
I wanted to share some of my fondest memories of dear dear Eleanor. She will be missed and was so loved!!
Eleanor always made me feel accepted and welcome right from the very first day we met. I couldn’t have asked for a better mother-in-law…
She was always so encouraging of all my creative pursuits and I felt really blessed for that. Eleanor was very creative and had a good eye for colour and was so appreciative of anything creative. This she showed in so many ways! She was welcoming of everyone and always put everyone at ease immediately!!
She was such a vibrant shining light in the room! Always with a funny witty story. She was such a good entertainer and just loved people and especially feeding them!
You could never meet a better cook, and I was blown away by her culinary skills!! Going for dinner was such an extravagant event and you always knew she would serve amazing meals!! I loved to help her in the kitchen and she happily shared all her cooking tips. Luckily Steve has inherited these skills and he is always creating dishes that El taught him to cook and everything is more than delicious!!!
Her Gardens always looked like they were professionally manicured and I never knew how she did it, as I do not have a green thumb. Everything she touched just flourished!!! She loved beautiful colours and all sorts of trees and exotic flowers that sometimes grew to heights taller than her!!!
She strived to always put everyone first and was so caring and loving to everyone around her.
I couldn’t have asked for a better mother-in-law and I will miss her every day. I feel like a part of her spirit is always with me.
Love you Eleanor!!!
Stan, Steven and Nancy, Jennifer, Dawson, please accept our deep condolences on the passing of Eleanor.
We will remember Eleanor as being very caring and loving, she always made us feel at home on all of our visits.
She will be missed.
Love brother Walter and Sandra
xoxo
Dear Stan, Steven and Jennifer,
We are so sorry for your loss.
We will always remember Eleanor’s laugh and her beautiful smile. We will remember how welcoming she always was. We will remember her hospitality and generosity.
We will not forget her.
Uncle Stan, Stevie, Jennie, Nancy and Dawson…
I am so very sorry for your loss… my heart and prayers have been with you.
Aunty Eleanor was a beautiful person, inside and out. She was so very warm and kind. When I was just 12, I used my babysitting money to buy a train ticket and visit your family in Edmonton, I think it was… I remember how warm and inviting she was… how she made the awkward preteen that I was feel that I was part of your family. Over the years there were occasions for many visits…. always, Aunty was so warm and loving.
We shared many good conversations. When my mom Patricia died, Aunty sent a loving card. And when I visited you, she and I talked for hours…. she helped me to know and understand my mother with her own stories….
I hope that somehow you feel her connection with you still… that you know she is always with you. Dear beautiful Aunty Eleanor…. thank you for your beautiful soul, a life spent giving love to others….
Stanley, Steve and Jen,
I am so sorry for the loss of Eleanor. She was always so warm and welcoming during my visits with Karen over the years. Her stories of your family history spoke to the great love and pride she had in your family journey. She will be sorely missed and remembered for the joy and love she brought to those that were fortunate enough to know her. With love.
Stan. I am very sorry for your loss.
My most sincere condolences to all who loved Eleanor. She was such a beautiful fun and warm person. I will forever value and hold onto visits out west with our family where we stayed with Uncle Stan and Aunt Eleanor. She always made us children feel special and loved, and took us on many adventures. She was always happy, upbeat and welcoming. I remember her visits to Winnipeg, and the and grateful that she was able to enjoy dinner in my home in 2016. She will be so sadly missed but will never be forgotten. Thank you Uncle Stan for caring so well for her during her decline. May you be comforted knowing she knew how much you loved her.
Stan and family,
Our deepest condolences to all of you on the loss of such a beautiful soul Eleanor. Eleanor was a bright light in all our visits and conversations and it was so obvious her love for her family and dogs!! It was a blessing to have been a Neighbor not only once, but twice!! And a friend forever❤️❤️ Big hugs to all❤️
Eleanor will be missed. She was a person who cared deeply for family and friends. Sincerest condolences Stan and family ❤️