Euphemia "Phemie" Walzak

WALZAK, Euphemia "Phemie" With profound sadness, the family of Phemie Walzak regret to announce her passing on November 9, 2020. Born in New Waterford to Colin and Helen (MacLellan) MacKinnon, she lived her life in a way that endeared her to all. Her kindness, quick wit, and sense of humor were enjoyed tremendously by friends and family. Phemie truly took pride in her 42-year career within municipal government, a career she began at the age of 18 as a payroll clerk with the Town of New Waterford and ended by being seconded to the CBRM as part of the transition team for the newly developing government structure. Phemie was the first married woman in Nova Scotia to be employed by a municipal government, a distinction she held humbly. She valued her daily interactions with the public as well as with her dear colleagues, many of whom would become personal friends. Upon retirement from the CBRM, Phemie wasn't finished getting out into the world and continued her work life as a clerk with Walmart, where she worked for 18 years. She would respectfully share stories about interactions with her favorite customers, those who would intentionally place themselves in her checkout line so that they could continue their conversation from the previous visit. It's difficult to envision how friendships could possibly develop in a checkout line, yet Phemie was central to countless examples. With the passing of her devoted husband, Russell, in 2008, Phemie lost her traveling companion, cooking sidekick, true life partner and confidant. She courageously moved forward by filling her life with frequent travel to Alberta to visit her daughter, Lisa, and by spending time with family, developing a love of reading, and by engaging in stiff competition during Saturday night poker games with the card ladies. Phemie will be forever missed by her loving daughter, Lisa, her brother Colin (Betty), sister-in-law Virginia Walzak, brother-in-law Irvin MacNeil, as well as many nieces, nephews and much loved Big MacKinnon and MacLellan cousins. She was predeceased by her husband Russell Walzak, parents, brothers Paul, Duncan (Shirley), Colin (in infancy), sisters Anna (Joe) MacArthur, Florence MacNeil, cherished niece Helen MacArthur Hall, father and mother-in-law William and Gertrude Walzak Sr., brother-in-laws William "Bucky" (Theresa) Walzak, and Albert Walzak. Cremation has taken place. Service specifics through St. Leonard Parish have not been finalized, owing to Covid-19 and family travel considerations. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Haven Memorial Gardens. In her generous and charitable way, Phemie was a committed supporter of St. Vincent de Paul. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation to this vital community organization.

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