Obituary of Elizabeth Hozack

Muriel will be sadly missed by her husband Jim; four children: Colleen Hozack, Rick and Cindy Hozack, Eileen Hines and Dale Wagner, Brian and Shelly Hozack; ten grandchildren: Sean and Mandi Hozack, Kim and Mark Dupperon, Cody and Janet, Tim and Wendy, Amanda, Zachary, Meaghan and Steve Raye, Charity and Travis Cooke, Lisa and Dean Bender, Justin and Joan; sixteen great grandchildren: Cira, Kaleb, Brittan, Blaire, Morgan, Teagan, Darby, Dallas, Dawson, Daryn, Emaly, Evan, Ean, Ellie, Eve and Brett; sister: Eileen and Dale Spence; brother: Jack and Pauline Tyner; sisters-in-law: Pat Bibaud, Betty Gurney; brothers-in- law: Gordon Hozack, Jack and Joan Hozack and cousin Bill Hozack. Muriel was predeceased by her parents: John and Elsie Tyner; brothers: Bob and Marian Tyner, Richard Tyner, William Tyner; sisters: Mary Bareson, Norah Sked, and Doreen Hozack; son-in-law Lyle Hines; father and mother-in-law Albert and Margaret Hozack; brothers-in-law Bid Bibaud and Maurice Gurney. Grandma Muriel Written & Presented by Crystal (Hozack) Tobler It was exactly 2 years 11 months and 22 days ago I stood at the front of the Alliance church to share a story of a very important Grandma. Here I am today to share again very special memories of a very important "Great Aunt". Not many families get to have an "extra" mom or grandma. In fact, I'm sure there are people here today that still don't know who belongs to whom. I know that I will continue to add to the confusion by calling Auntie Muriel, Grandma Muriel. For the word Grandma is more than a name. Grandma is a feeling, a deep devotion to family, a monarch that runs the show. Someone that worries for us, is proud of our every accomplishment, who cuddles the babies, ensures that we are fed well and bundled warm…and she was that for us, not just after we lost Grandma Doreen but as we grew up. When you grow up on a farm with so many families, it was just natural to call "Aunty Muriel" Grandma Muriel because half of the other kids our age did, and she always answered!! For Uncle Danny, Auntie Dawn, Auntie Kerri and my Dad Murray, Grandma Muriel was a second "mom". Someone who cared about all of their activities: sports, school and social and, eventually, their growing families. Someone who was always there for Grandma Doreen to get her through the tough times, the busy times and to multiply the joy found in living every day in the midst of the family farm. Grandma loved the farm, not because it was always easy on the farm, but much like Grandma Doreen it was home base. A gathering place. A safe place to bring together family and friends. A place where we will have to find a new normal. One thing is for certain change is the only constant. Thank god for memories and all the special times we spent together… We all have special memories of her…. Many of you will remember the teacher…believe me all of our family does…almost all of us sat in a desk while she introduced us to Dick and Jane. She instilled in all of us the love of books, and introduced us to Mr. Mugs, and Mrs. Mouse, there were a lot of perks having a grandma at the school, especially if you forgot your lunch…however we were more scared of grandma finding out we were in trouble than the principal, sorry Mr. Mevel…but it's true! Grandma was a strong role model for all of us. The experience must have been a good one because many of us, myself included have found ourselves following in her footsteps as teachers. I must say I am very blessed I get the best of both worlds. The opportunity to teach four days a week and I often find myself helping at the Farm almost every Friday. My dearest memories are of her at home. Grandma always took time for all of us. Whether it was playing cards, which is a family tradition, if you played with grandma there were special allowances…particularly if the great grandchildren were playing. She would always read a book to the little ones when they crawled up on her lap. She was quick to share her baking duties and never cared if it got a little messy. It was okay for them to get soaked while "helping" peel potatoes. It was even okay to race stick horses throughout the house. She didn't sweat the small stuff. Unless it was an abrupt noise and she would jump like a cat!! Grandma was always the one that made sure we knew the date and time of the next family gathering. Streamstown Christmas concert was one of her favorites. And you can be sure every child showed grandma their gift because her face would light up even if she had no idea what it was or how it worked. She loved Christmas and often her Christmas tree was the last one to come down. She loved this time of year, all the new family pictures were delivered, we gather at the Streamstown hall. She even thought the inflatable bounce house was a marvelous idea for the kids. She loved hearing about the newest toy and how the kids were doing at school. I'm sure if you have had the opportunity to stop at the farm you could have heard the most recent updates… Dallas' last hockey game and the goal he scored, Cira's outfit at the dance recital and how well she did, how Braden was doing in lacrosse and Miranda's new job even though she really wasn't sure what it was…she would bring out pictures of Brittan, Blaire, Morgan and Teagan and their latest adventure on horseback. She marveled at the idea that all Charity and Travis's kids helped chase their cows. And the way Brett was already skating with Uncle Brian. She loved her tea with Amanda. And you can be sure noticed if she hadn't seen one of the great grandkids in awhile. If you know the Hozack's, then you know I could go on for a very long time. She was so proud of her entire family. She always thought of others before herself. And as we all grew up we learned that most times it was easier to sit where you were told and have a second helping of food and dessert when offered…. She will be greatly missed…our lives are forever changed again and we are all so grateful for the impact she made, the time she spent and memories we will treasure and share with our families for years to come… We love you…please give grandma Doreen a kiss from all of us Love, Crystal Elizabeth Muriel (Tyner) Hozack August 22, 1927 - January 31, 2012 Eulogy Written and Presented by Brian Hozack February 4, 2012 Good Morning everyone and thank you for coming today to help us remember and celebrate Mom's life. Elizabeth Muriel Tyner, was born in Lloydminster on August 22nd, 1927 to John and Elsie Tyner. Thus began the life of Muriel, Mom, Grandma and Mrs. Hozack to so many people. She lived on a farm in the Willow Lea district with her Mom and Dad, four sisters: Mary, Norah, Eileen and Doreen and two brothers: Bob and Jack. Mom was predeceased by her parents John and Elsie Tyner, Dad's parents Albert and Margaret Hozack, 2 infant brothers: William Thomas and Richard John, 3 sisters: Doreen, Mary and her husband Johnny Bareson, Norah and her husband Don Sked, brother Bob and his wife Marian, brothers-in-law Maurice Guerney and Bid Bibaud, sister-in-law Helen Hozack, and son in law Lyle Hines. She is survived by her loving husband, Jim, her children Colleen, Rick and Cindy, Eileen and Dale, Brian and Shelly, 10 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 1 sister: Eileen and Dale Spence one brother Jack and Pauline Tyner, brother in law Jack and Joan Hozack, sisters in law Pat Bibaud and Betty Gurney, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mom went to school from grades one to nine at Willow Lea, and then attended school in Streamstown where she graduated. Mom continued on and received her teaching diploma from the University of Alberta. At home, Doreen and Muriel were the typical middle children, running errands, chopping wood, melting snow, washing floors, picking berries, learning how to cook and can, tending to Jack and generally helping Granny. Growing up their lives revolved around home, school, and church. Sunday school picnics, community plays, and skating parties filled their days. Mom was very athletic, enjoying ball, track and field and excelled in both of these. This love of sports she would pass on to her children. Mom was born a teacher. Uncle Jack was telling of how Mom would come home from Grades 1 and 2 and would take him and Aunty Doreen out to the old white grainery where they played school. Mom would line them up and teach them what she had been learning; she was either a good teacher or Uncle Jack a quick learner, because when he started school he already knew how to read. As Mom and her sisters got older Uncle Jack remembers there always being lots of young men around on a Sunday afternoon. I asked him what he remembered of Mom and Dad's courting days and he said it was more like a community event. You have to remember this would have been in the late 40's and that Dad and Uncle Gordie were dating sisters. Uncle Jack recalls Dad doing the driving, Uncle Gordie was the mechanic on board, and they would arrive in the Jeep as he called it. It was an old Model T with a wooden box on the back of it. Everyone would pile in and away they would go with the cab and box full of people. It was not uncommon for them to be going down the road with Uncle Gordie standing on the running board, the half hood open, and Gordie tinkering with a coil to make the Jeep go a little faster. Uncle Jack claimed it was already going like a bat out of hell. After receiving her diploma Mom began teaching at Jumbo Hill School. Her first year of teaching Mom was only 18 and taught students who were not much younger than herself. Mom would leave home on Sunday and travel by horseback, in a cutter, or sometimes with a vehicle to the Davenports where she stayed for the week. Often Dad or her brother Jack would ride up and bring her home for the weekend. This would have been an 8 to 10 mile ride. The school only had one road leading up to it and Mom always said that you could see people coming down the road by looking through the cracks in the wall. At that time the only person who would be travelling in a car and visiting the school would have been the School Inspector who had the authority to fire you on the spot. Mom had her students well trained and they knew that if they were on their best behavior when the Inspector was there that the next day they would have a party. Mom believed that all kids should have a chance to participate and so in the spring of that year she organized a ball team and made the trek to Kitscoty for the annual County ball tournament. Her team played early in the day and before the first inning was over Mom was praying for darkness. There were no mercy rules in those days. She did not want anyone to lose, or if that could not happen then perhaps everyone could win. I know that years later her students still treasured that event as it was the first time they had ever been able to participate. Mom often mentioned the kindness of the farmers in the area, they started the fire in the schoolhouse on cold winter mornings; fixed her car on the occasions she had one, and treated her kindly. On July 31st, 1951 she married Jim Hozack and started their lives together. For more than 60 years they have raised a family that has branched out to include 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Mom always loved to have kids around. When we were young we would go for walks in the spring every year to look for crocuses and buttercups, a sure sign that spring was here and summer on its way. Summers found us all taking turns weeding in the garden and if we got enough done we would be off to Sandy Beach for the afternoon. I assume that because none of us can swim we must not have been very energetic weeders. Falls were always busy with the start of school, harvest just beginning and everyone was required to pitch in and help. Christmas's were always special as Mom would be off work, us kids would be excited and lots of family would be coming to join in the fun at the farm. It was not uncommon for us to have 30 or more people together for Christmas at Auntie Doreen's or Mom's. Mom has always enjoyed seeing kids open their gifts and the noise and excitement that came with this. Mom was a teacher, a mother, and a farm wife all at the same time. She taught for 38 years and many of you here today learned your ABC's from Mrs. Hozack and were introduced to reading through Dick and Jane and Mr. Mugs. Mom fondly recalled that she taught kids, and then she taught their kids, and for some even their grandkids. Elaine Bills, who taught with Mom for many years commented that she never got over wondering how many eyes Mrs. Hozack had. I am sure some of you may have thought that as well. John Mevel and Mom worked together for many years. Mom as the teacher and John as the Principal. Mom had seen many principals by the time John came along. John she held you in the highest esteem and treasured your professionalism, your concern for the students, and your friendship. This past Sunday John and Marilyn were at Mom and Dad's and they had a great visit. Mom enjoyed it immensely. For 38 years mom taught and she could not have done this without Aunty Doreen. Most of you are aware of the special bond that these two sisters shared. They were close as children, married brothers who farmed together, lived in the same farm yard, and shared their lives together until Auntie Doreen passed away. Mom and Dad together were very involved in the community and were always busy helping with community events. Mom was still a member of the Streamstown Ladies club and in the spring the phone would ring and she just wanted to let you know that the community garage sale would be on Saturday. Sure enough on Saturday you would look around and find that you were at the Garage Sale. In December the phone would ring again just to let you know that the Streamstown Christmas concert would be that week and indeed you would be singing Christmas carols in the back row in a couple of days. Mom was a member of the Royal Purple in Marwayne and was always willing to help at their events. She enjoyed the comradery and friendships that were created there. I can only imagine the number of turkeys that she and Dad would have cooked, along with pies, salads, and buns that would have just come along. Mom was among the group that established the Public Library. Reading and the availability of books were very important to her. Winters found her donating her time as a member of the Arena Ladies Club and along with Aunty Doreen and others she worked many a shift in the arena booth. For 22 years Dad was the coach of the Marwayne midget team and while you would not find Mom at many of the games she was a staunch supporter of the team. Dad she was very proud of your accomplishments as a coach and until recently she would be insisting that you go to the rink and watch some little person play hockey. It was important to her that you be there to support the community kids and she would listen to how the games had gone when you got home. She especially loved to hear how games with her grandkids had gone, how they played, and did they win. Figure skating carnivals and competitions, along with dance competitions were must events and always found Grandma and Grandpa in the crowd. Grandma loved the whole event. What costumes they would wear, what dances were to be done, what jumps or spins they might be doing all had to be gone over with Grandma. She loved hearing it all. I know that it was always special for the grandkids when Grandma and Grandpa would both be at their events. I read a quote that I think summed up Mom's life as a Grandma: Grandma always made you feel she had been waiting to see just you all day and now the day was complete. ~Marcy DeMare For all of her Grandkids and Aunty Doreen's grandkids also this was true. When they arrived for a visit or to stay they would play games or cards, have snacks and drinks, and Grandma was never too tired for another game of cards. Grandma always made sure that Grandpa was not too tired also. There would be laughter, stories, and visiting while they played and Grandma loved every minute of it. Mom you and Dad have set an example for all of us kids, grandkids, and great grandkids to follow. Your love for each other, your commitment to family and community are a legacy that will be tough for us to emulate but we will try. Mom always told of working as a young girl at Olive Hardstaff's. She would stay there through the week and then on Saturday's after the work was done she would walk home. By the time she left it would be starting to get dark and the walk home was several miles. She always said it was such a relief when she could see the lights of home. On Tuesday morning God saw that you were tired, he turned on the lights, and called you home. Mom the work is done, the men are all fed and the kids are okay. You can rest and enjoy a cup of tea with Aunty Doreen. Jim and Muriel's Family Colleen Hozack Sean, Mandi, Cira & Kaleb Hozack Rick & Cindy Hozack Kimberly, Mark, Brittan & Blaire Dupperon Cody, Janet, Morgan & Teagan Hozack Eileen (Lyle) Hines and Dale Wagner Tim, Wendy, Darby, Dallas, Dawson & Daryn Hines Amanda Hines Charity, Travis, Emaly, Evan, Ean, Ellie & Eve Cooke Zachary Hines Meagan Hines Brian & Shelly Hozack Lisa, Dean & Brett Bender Justin & Joan Hozack Donations in memory of Muriel may be made to the Streamstown Cemetery, the Marwayne Community Hall or to a charity of donors choice.