Obituary of Aloysia Gutek

Aloysia (Rusty) Gutek, beloved wife of Harold passed away peacefully in Calgary on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at the age of 60 years. Rusty’s life journey began in Macklin, SK and took her through Edmonton, Calgary, Lloydminster, Saudi Arabia, and finally a return to Calgary in 1984. It reflected a passionate appreciation of nature’s beauty which was sharpened by countless mountain hikes and international travel with many treasured friends. In early 2008 Rusty’s enthusiasm for travel and adventure took her back to the Middle East with her husband to visit Israel and Palestine. She was inspired by the biblical sites with their enduring messages. Rusty’s drive for perfection, taste, and beauty was captured in every social feast she created for family and friends. She revelled in taking hospitality to its highest levels. Devotion to her family provided them with meticulous loving care and concern. Later, grandchildren were nourished by this same constant dedication and attention. Rusty’s focus on detail and commitment to her work colleagues were the hallmark of an accomplished career as a medical lab technologist. Her community involvement included participation in her church’s folk choir and a stint as an executive member of the Calgary Foothills PC Association and was highlighted by her selection as an ambassador for Alberta’s centennial celebration in 2005. Besides her loving husband Harold, Rusty is survived by daughters Colleen and Patricia; their spouses Peter and Bryan; and grandchildren Avery and Emerson; as well as eight brothers, three sisters and numerous nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her parents, two brothers and one sister. The family extends a special thanks to the physicians and staff at the General and Princess Margaret Hospitals in Toronto as well as the physicians and staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary for their care and encouragement during the past two years. Rusty was cared for in her NW home overlooking the city she loved with assistance from the Calgary health region’s Home Care Response Team and friend Rose until the day before her passing. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at St. Luke’s Catholic Church (Corner of Northmount Drive & Northland Drive N.W.) on Monday November 3, 2008 at 7:00 p.m Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at St. Luke’s Catholic Church (Corner of Northmount Drive & Northland Drive N.W.) Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 521-3433. In living memory of Rusty Gutek, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.