We Remember
PUNDYK, Cecile Marie
—
1939 – 2024
On February 21, 2024, Cecile passed away peacefully, surrounded by love and family.
Cecile was born in Winnipeg in 1939. She was the youngest of four sisters. She often recalled her parent’s parties and her father’s musical talent on the fiddle. Her father passed away when she was in the 9th grade, forcing her to leave her formal education and grow into the tough, spunky lady that we all knew. She worked many jobs in her young adult years, including nurse’s aid and teletype operator. She then met Edward Pundyk in Winnipeg, who became her husband and lifelong love. She and Edward married and moved to his hometown in Windsor, Ontario.
In 1965, Ed and Cecile welcomed their first child, Anthony “Tony” Pundyk. Then, in 1966, they gave birth to their daughter Lucienne “Lucy” Marie Ryga.
The family enjoyed the “dogpatch” Windsor neighbourhood gatherings (a.k.a. parties), and trips to Winnipeg and Lake of the Woods to visit her sisters, Jeanne, Rose, and Teresa, and many loving nieces and nephews. When they weren’t busy working, raising their children, or participating in the community, Ed and Cecile could be found camping at sites across Canada. Cecile loved the thrill of travel, seeing new places, and meeting new people.
Cecile went back to school and achieved her Amateur Radio Operator’s license, where she volunteered at many large events in Windsor and Detroit as part of the communications team. She directed traffic during the Detroit Free Press Marathon and corresponded with people from all over the world who knew her by her radio call sign VE3LFZ. She shared many stories about her fellow ‘hams’ (ham radio operators), many of whom remained friends.
In 2005, Cecile and Edward made the ambitious move to Kelowna, BC to help raise their grandchildren, Shae and Jayden Ryga. The love and care that she imparted on them over the last 20 years helped shape them into the amazing people they are today. Some of her happiest moments were walking her grandkids home from school, making them pasta with freshly grated Parmesan, and playing with them until their parents finished work. In 2016, Cecile and Ed adopted their dog, Cindy, who quickly became her closest friend.
Cecile will be remembered as the neighbourhood Mom and Grandma in Kelowna, always welcoming the “hood” into her home. She was the friendliest and most lively member of any group. She loved live music, and thoroughly enjoyed watching performances from the talented musicians in her world including her son, Tony; her grandson, Shae; her nephew, Joe; and close family friend Michelle. She also loved spending time with her creative granddaughter, Jayden Ryga, baking, visiting the market, and playing Wii ‘Just Dance’.
Cecile will be missed for these qualities: her famous retelling of the Cinderella story, her kindness, her witty humour, as well as her compassion and love of animals. She will be greatly missed by her husband, Edward, her daughter, Lucy, her son, Tony, her grandchildren Jayden and Shae, her sisters, many nieces and nephews, and friends in Windsor, Winnipeg, Kenora and Kelowna.
We love you mom, grandma, wife, and friend… Cecile.

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Rest in peace Auntie Cece. Lisa and I will miss you always. We remember the drive back to Windsor with her thru the United States. The summer of Lucy’s wedding. Lots of fun travelling and seeing new things together. The stay at their house and the trip through Essex Country with Uncle. Such good hosts and amazing times shared. Complete with a Pelee Island Winery tour topped off by a visit to Point Pelee Park. Beautiful country side and beautiful company. Luv you Auntie Cece!
We enjoyed many fine evenings, adventures and always laughter whenever we were together with Cecile. I’m so thankful to have been her friend in Kelowna. To her much lived family, treasure every memory.
The “hood” will not be the same without you Cecile.. your incredible smile and hospitality and love for people made you always so special to be around. We will all miss you! Kyleen & family
We are so sorry to hear of Cecie’s passing..She was a spunky Lady…always, always enjoyed her company.
Especially visits to Kenora (Rushing River potluck suppers) we had such a good time with Cecile and Ed . Our deepest condolences to Ed and Family..
Auntie Cecile was our godmother. Although she lived in Windsor and Kelowna, she always made her way to Kenora and Winnipeg to visit us all. She loved travelling and she loved especially loved their camping trips. We were fortunate to travel to their home in Kelowna a few years ago to bring our Mom, Theresa to see Cecile, Ed, Lucy and Joe. We had such a wonderful time in Kelowna, visiting their beautiful home and Cecile and Ed took us all over the city and its wineries. She loved all visitors and made everyone feel so welcome. She was always so happy and fun to be with. We will miss her dearly.
Sorry to hear of Auntie’s passing. She was a wonderful fun loving person who enjoyed life to the fullest. Her great humour and appreciation for life was amazing. She will be missed by all