Last time I was in Stellarton your mom and I had some humourous visiting. Your mom and I talked on the phone quite a bit over the past 6 years. We loved to re-live our younger days in Stellarton when we were with our mutual Russian relations and friends. Your mom and my brother Stan were close, in age and affection. They went to school together and partied hardy as well. Stan died Nov of 2004 and I know Tosha really felt that one.
I hope that you will find some comfort and strength from your mom's life. One thing I know for certain, you'll have lots of Paint by Numbers, crochet, knitting, preserves and every craft imaginable from her! And maybe even some of her garden.
My nana and grandad (Maggie Kowalski and Andrew Dudka) always called her Antosha. She and I talked about that as well. She loved it when I brought it up as she had forgotten that till I mentioned it.
Your mom worked at Woolworths Lunch Counter in New Glasgow for a long time. She was the best cook (so said my dad, Stan Dudka Senior) and he would show up at her place if he found out she was making his Russian foods that he loved, especially her soups) .
May it be well with you and your family, Lori.