Elaine Kozak

In the early morning hours of Sunday, October 19th, our beautiful, one-of-a-kind mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Elaine Kozak, gained her angel wings. Elaine passed away peacefully at the age of 87, after living a full life surrounded by the people she loved. She had a wonderful sense of style, a charismatic personality, and above all, a great devotion to her family and friends.

Elaine was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and she grew up in the St. Boniface area. In 1954, she met her true love, Marty, whom she married in 1956. Together they raised four daughters and later enjoyed six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, who all held a special place in her heart. Elaine was a source of unwavering love, strength, joy, and guidance to her family who will miss her dearly.

Over the years, Elaine and Marty shared a fun-filled life, often entertaining and opening their home up to family and friends. Many happy hours were spent with the Gagnons, Walkers, and Toynes, along with so many other special families. Elaine and Marty also enjoyed travelling to many parts of the world together and then, later in life, Elaine continued her travels with her daughters and close friends. One of Elaine’s favorite places to travel was Barbados, where she stayed multiple times a year at her brother John and sister-in-law Debbie’s place.

Elaine’s life was filled with wonderful moments and unforgettable experiences. She had a gift for capturing the hearts of everyone she met and spreading joy and laughter wherever she went. Elaine lived her life like every day was her birthday (and convinced most people it was). She was known as the “life of the party” and her family and friends planned their vacations and celebrations around her schedule, because it just wasn’t a party without Elaine there.

Elaine is survived by her daughters, Cindy Hourd-Knight, Kim Kozak, Kathy Kropla (Jamie), and Kristy Kozak (Jason). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kiara Kozak, Talulah Kozak (Julian), Brendan Murray, Darian Murray, Jordan Kropla (Pam), and Ashley Couzens (Dustin); and great-grandchildren, Molly and William Kropla, and Chloe and Harper Couzens.

She leaves behind her devoted brother John Bruneteau, sister-in-law Debbie Bruneteau, goddaughter Stacie Bruneteau (Collin), godson Greg Gagnon (Chris), and close cousin Karen Tanghe (Ted).

Elaine was predeceased by her loving husband, Marty Kozak, and her beloved sons-in-law, Raymond Hourd and, more recently, David Knight, who lovingly referred to her as “La Suegra”.

On the morning of October 19th, after a life well-lived, Elaine took her final trip to the big party in the sky to join all her loved ones who went before her and were waiting with open arms.

Though Elaine will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her, her legacy lives on in the laughter she shared, the endless love she gave, and the cherished memories that will forever warm our hearts.

A celebration of life for Elaine will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Society of BC in Elaine’s memory.