For Posterity's Sake         

A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project

In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar 

POLAKOFF, Constance Diana (Connie) (née Bird) - Mon passed away peacefully on July 8, 2019 at the Victoria Hospital in Winnipeg at the age of 97. Connie was predeceased by her husband Joe. She leaves a lifetime of memories and devotion and will be greatly missed by sons, Chris (Elizabeth), Jeff (Debbie) and Dave (Karen). She also leaves behind grandchildren, Matthew, Mason (Lyndsay), Daniel (Erin), Jamie (George), Nathan (Marian), Derrick and Dayna; as well as great-grandchildren, Olivia, Logan, Sofia, John, Savannah, David and Eve, all of whom were the light of her life. Mom was born in West Leicester, Nova Scotia into a large Maritime family on September 15, 1921 to parents, Ira and Marlon Bird. She is survived by her sisters, Gwen and Betty Anne as well as her brother Bill. She was predeceased by sisters, Audrey, Francis, June and Nathalie as well as brothers, Gerald and Alvin (Buster). After a childhood on the farm in Nova Scotia, Mom joined the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and served as a "WREN" during the Second World War, primarily in Halifax. During this time she met her future husband Joe who was also serving in the RCN and Royal Navy during the war. They were married in 1947. Mom and Dad began married life in Toronto and Burlington, Ontario and moved to Winnipeg in 1957 where they were to spend the majority of the next 38 years raising their family, sharing their values and teaching life's lessons. Much of this period was also spent at the cottage that they built on Long Bay, Lake of the Woods close to Sioux Narrows, Ontario where they had many friends, enjoyed living close to nature and making many memories for the entire family. Mom and Dad were very involved and enjoyed many years of service with the Khartum Temple Shrine and the Shrine ladies auxiliary. In later years, Mom and Dad had an opportunity to travel extensively and saw much of the world. They loved to travel together but more than that they loved to be back home in either Winnipeg or at "The Lake" in Sioux Narrows with family and friends. Mom had a deep faith and was very committed to her church, St. George's Anglican on Grosvenor Avenue where she served for many years on the Altar Guild and as one of the "Dragon Ladies," preparing and serving food as well as supporting the many and various church events. The entire family is very thankful to her many friends both at church and elsewhere who have played such an important part in Mom's life. The family would also like to thank Dr. Chantelle Braun, the staff at Victoria Hospital as well as the staff at Lindenwood Manor for their dedication and thoughtful care in support of Mom. Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons, Mathew Polakoff, Mason Polakoff, Daniel Polakoff, Nathan Polakoff and Derrick Polakoff. The funeral service will be held on Friday, July 19 at 11:00 a.m. at St. George's Anglican Church (Crescentwood), 168 Wilton Street. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. George's Church, Altar Guild. An interment service will be held in Sioux Narrows, Ontario at a later date. (Winnipeg Free Press 13 Jul 2019)