On July 2, 2010, Marie Brejnik passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family and closest friends. Even in her last days, she demonstrated strength, courage and good humour while showing compassion, hope, and love to all. The life lessons she taught through her words and her actions will never be forgotten. She instilled in her beloved children Michael, Stephanie (Rafauli), Peter and Mark, the virtues of goodness and charity towards all. Marie's devoted husband Walter, faithfully stood by her, loved her and diligently cared for her. In the last 4 years, they continued to journey hand in hand, living with her illness until she was called home to God.

Marie cherished her role as Babi to her grandchildren, Claire and Marcus Rafauli. She loved and was equally loved by her son-in law Ferris, who considered her his second mother. Marie was caring and loving to her mother Ludmila, her late father Josef Bilek, her brother Josef Bilek and his wife Bojana.

Marie's vibrant and caring heart warmly embraced many friends, including the Rafauli, Vajdik, Riehl and Estrela families, as well as her family and friends in the Czech Republic, her homeland. She was well known for opening her home and her heart to visitors, treating guests like family, and her children's friends as if they were her own.

Visitation will be held on Monday July 5th and Tuesday July 6th from 3-5 pm and 7-9 pm at Smith's Funeral Home, 1167 Guelph Line,(one block North of QEW) Burlington.(905-632-3333) Vigil prayers Tuesday at 7 pm. A Funeral Mass will be offered at Holy Rosary Parish, 287 Plains Road East, Burlington on Wednesday July 7, 2010 at 10:00 am. Interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Family requests that donations in Marie's memory be made to Chalice, a Catholic Children's Sponsorship Programme and for memorial Holy Masses.