Obituaries

ELIZABETH “LIZ” CULLINGHAM
(nee BASTABLE)
  Elizabeth Phyllis Cullingham left us quietly and unexpectedly at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2018. It feels like Liz knew just about everyone, and we’re all left scratching our respective heads, wondering how to fill the void left by such a tremendous life.    She is survived by a long list of heartbroken people who loved Liz beyond measure, including her husband Garry; daughters Sherry, Erin, and Elaine; granddaughters Georgie and Maggie; and eldest sister and best friend, Sandra. Literally innumerable friends, family, quasi-family, former coworkers, and loved ones, far and wide; too many to list. It’s beautiful to imagine Liz rejoining the loved ones who left before her, including her beloved and dearly-missed mother Phyllis; eldest brother Terry, youngest sister Judy; and many dear, lifelong friends.   Liz cared deeply, and that’s why she drove, pushed, and challenged those important to her, to do better and be better. She could make anyone feel welcome in any situation; bringing even the shyest, quietest person into the fold of the conversation, so they could belong. She nudged us out of our shells.   Liz touched lives. She simply was – and is! – a memorable human being whose legacy will live on for all she knew, forever. The immediate and heartfelt outpouring of grief, support, and “Liz stories” in the days since her passing have made it known to all who held her close: she was important; we are so incredibly fortunate to have had her; and we won’t soon be able to imagine a world without Liz in it.   Despite, spending her last years, managing a debilitating chronic pain condition, Liz rarely showed a shred of vulnerability. To those closest to her—who knew of her constant struggles—her unwavering stoicism and bravery is perhaps one of her most unsung legacies. She is, at long last, free of hurt; at peace, once and for all. Dancing pain-free to a Bob Seger or Neil Diamond song somewhere in the afterlife.    Liz was almost always the life of the party and, with that in mind, we’ve committed to celebrating the life of the one, the only Liz Cullingham, at her request, this Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Dugald Community Club, 544 Holland St, Dugald, MB (a place Liz, as a community leader, spent countless nights and weekends of her life helping to host community events, horse shows, ball tournaments, Brownie camps, school dances, socials, Bingo nights, and more). The extended family looks forward to shaking hands, spilling tears, and sharing laughs with all of those who will miss Liz’s big, bold, brave energy in their lives.   Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com