In Memory Mural
This beautiful mural is a depiction of the view of a landscape typical of what you might see in our local area from the eye of the artist, Donnie Burchat of Wilno. The elements on the mural are made from the many different types of wood native to this area.
Elements like leaves, ducks, stones etc. are engraved as a way of honouring or remembering someone special. The Foundation allows for In Memoriam donations to be used by family members towards the purchase of an element in appreciation for their support of the Hospital by directing In Memoriam gifts to the hospital.
For more information and pricing, please click here to view our In Memory Mural brochure, call us at 613-756-3045 ext. 217 or drop by the Foundation office and pick up a brochure.
Meet some of our In Memory Mural families:
RONALD LORBETSKIE
Ronald Lorbetskie of Barry’s Bay was somebody who made it a priority to help others. Married to Joyce Lorbetskie, the pair would volunteer in the Auxiliary gift shop inside St. Francis Memorial Hospital together. They enjoyed chatting with everyone who came in for appointments or visits. Ronald was also a volunteer with Meals on Wheels and the local food bank.
The Lorbetskies knew how important local healthcare was to the community. Ronald experienced a long battle with cancer before passing away on May 7, 2022 at the age of 72. He managed to stay home as he had wished up until the last few days, where he passed at hospice.
Joyce asked loved ones to donate to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation in memory of Ronald. The Foundation raises funds for three local healthcare partners, including Madawaska Valley Hospice, Valley Manor and St. Francis Memorial Hospital.
“We ourselves have used the hospital many times,” Joyce said. “The staff is wonderful, and I am grateful for the treatment that Ron received in the last moments of his life.”
As someone who loved to spend time at the hunt camp and enjoyed being outdoors, Ronald had always been interested in a duck element on the Memorial Mural inside St. Francis Memorial Hospital.
Joyce honoured that wish by purchasing the element in her husband’s name.
“I think it is fitting because he spent a lot of time at the hospital,” Joyce said.
It surely was the perfect tribute to a man who gave so much to his family and his community.
MONICA BURCHAT
Monica Burchat of Wilno had a deep love for her community. A woman of great faith, Monica was active in her parish of St. Mary’s and always enjoyed helping with the annual chicken supper fundraiser there.
She enjoyed baking and quilting, and could be found at her parish’s Christmas craft sale, selling her knit ware and crafts. As her children put it, her doors were always open; she always had treats on hand to welcome friends and family to her home.
“She was an easy-going private person, who always put everyone else’s needs before her own,” her son Don Burchat said. “She was an optimistic person.”
Monica recognized the need for quality healthcare in her community, especially during after her husband Felix was admitted to St. Francis Memorial Hospital in 1993 with Stage Three cancer.
“She saw a lot of what was going on in the weeks he was here at the hospital,” Monica’s daughter Carolyn Prince said. “She saw the excellent care that he received.”
Monica became involved with the hospital auxiliary and frequently donated her knitted items to sell in the gift shop.
St. Francis Memorial Hospital always felt like home to Monica, especially after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She became nervous when she had to travel for out-of-town appointments. That all disappeared when she came back to St. Francis.
“It was home,” Carolyn said.
Monica passed away at the Valley Manor at the age of 83 on February 15, 2021. Her family will eternally be grateful for the quality care Monica received at St. Francis and at the Manor.
When Felix had passed, Monica wanted to purchase an element in his name.
“It was important for mom to get a leaf for dad because of the care he received at the hospital,” Carolyn said.
When their mom passed, the family wanted to do the same for Monica to recognize the excellent care she received at the hospital throughout her lifetime.
JOHN "JACK" GOLKA
The hospital held a special place in the heart of the late John “Jack” Golka.
Although he started life as a humble dairyman delivering milk around the Valley, he eventually relocated to work in the mines.
It was there he suffered a workplace injury that would change the trajectory of his career forever.
John joined St. Francis Memorial Hospital first working as an orderly and eventually becoming a pharmacy technician. He was asked by Sister Rosenda Brady if he would be interested in starting the ambulance service, which he did on January 1, 1971.
Although his healthcare career led him to other places over the years, his daughter, Joanne Truskoski, said St. Francis Memorial Hospital was always home for John and his family. John’s wife, Ursula, was born and raised in Barry’s Bay and served as a member of the hospital auxiliary.
“I was born at St. Francis Memorial Hospital and to this day, we continue to have our health care managed by Dr. Jason Malinowski and his team,” Joanne said. “Barry’s Bay has always been home no matter where we’ve lived and our ties to the community and to the hospital have always remained strong.”
At 84 years of age, John passed away on June 27, 2021. His family directed In Memoriam donations to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation, to be used for the highest priority needs.
“We are so proud of the quality of care provided in the hospital and we will always support its growth and further development so that it continues to be such an incredible local resource for so many,” Joanne explained.
The family also purchased an element on the memorial wall at St. Francis Memorial Hospital, so that John’s memory will be kept alive in the hospital that meant so much to him.
“It’s wonderful that people don’t have to leave the area for health care services because so much is available right here at home,” Joanne said.
