Obituary for Philomena "Pat" Kallusky
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Mrs. Philomena “Pat” Kallusky at Fairview Home on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 7:23 a.m.
Pat was born in Mannar, Sri Lanka, where she attended private catholic schools until she was 18 years of age. Due to her upbringing in catholic school, she was a strong devotee of catholic faith. From a young age she knew she wanted to help the sick, mostly due to her mother who was very ill at the time she was born. Her strength was her father, whom she never stopped talking about, he encouraged her to pursue higher education.
Pat then, out of necessity and strong will, decided that she needed to leave Sri Lanka to pursue higher education and to support her family, which included her dad, two sisters and numerous close relatives.
Pat had an opportunity to move to London, England to pursue nursing. She graduated and was certified by the General Nursing Council for England and Wales on April 1, 1970 and was able to take and use the title of “Registered Nurse”. She continued her studies and attended Hammersmith Hospital and Royal Postgraduate Medical School where she took a post certificate course in the advanced techniques in the operating theatre and passed on January 31, 1973. She never stopped learning and continued more studies and received numerous certifications.
Pat had two best friends that she met in nursing school, Josephine and Subhi; they supported each other throughout their careers and lives and are very grateful for the never-ending support.
Pat eventually settled in Canada, and of all places, Brandon, Manitoba and married John Kallusky. Since Pat and John never had children of their own, Pat, with support from John, adopted her sister’s twin boys, Delton and Lanston from Sri Lanka in 1981. Pat continued working as a nurse in Brandon until her retirement.
Pat was always an avid traveler throughout her life and travelled all over Europe. Pat still felt that something was missing in her life and due to her strong religious faith, she found peace in helping the poor in India. After her retirement, she continued her travels to India during winter months and started work among the tribal people in the District of Adilabad taking care of leprosy affected patients. She felt this was her calling and it provided her with great satisfaction and happiness until she herself became ill and could no longer continue her work in India.
Pat was predeceased by her parents Pathmanathan Pillai and Isabel Perera; and sisters Margaret and Rita. Left to mourn her passing are her children Delton (Anjali) and Lanston; grandchildren Jayden and Taylen; and her best friends Josephine and Subhi.
The family would like to thank everyone who helped to bring her comfort when she needed it, especially the staff at Fairview Home.
A graveside service was held at the Brandon Cemetery on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Rev. Fr. John Okosun of St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church officiated.
Donations in memory of Pat may be made to Diabetes Canada, #401 – Wesley Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4C6 or the Brandon Humane Society, 2200 – 17th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 7M6.
“Mom, you are already so greatly missed. Rest in peace.”
Pat was born in Mannar, Sri Lanka, where she attended private catholic schools until she was 18 years of age. Due to her upbringing in catholic school, she was a strong devotee of catholic faith. From a young age she knew she wanted to help the sick, mostly due to her mother who was very ill at the time she was born. Her strength was her father, whom she never stopped talking about, he encouraged her to pursue higher education.
Pat then, out of necessity and strong will, decided that she needed to leave Sri Lanka to pursue higher education and to support her family, which included her dad, two sisters and numerous close relatives.
Pat had an opportunity to move to London, England to pursue nursing. She graduated and was certified by the General Nursing Council for England and Wales on April 1, 1970 and was able to take and use the title of “Registered Nurse”. She continued her studies and attended Hammersmith Hospital and Royal Postgraduate Medical School where she took a post certificate course in the advanced techniques in the operating theatre and passed on January 31, 1973. She never stopped learning and continued more studies and received numerous certifications.
Pat had two best friends that she met in nursing school, Josephine and Subhi; they supported each other throughout their careers and lives and are very grateful for the never-ending support.
Pat eventually settled in Canada, and of all places, Brandon, Manitoba and married John Kallusky. Since Pat and John never had children of their own, Pat, with support from John, adopted her sister’s twin boys, Delton and Lanston from Sri Lanka in 1981. Pat continued working as a nurse in Brandon until her retirement.
Pat was always an avid traveler throughout her life and travelled all over Europe. Pat still felt that something was missing in her life and due to her strong religious faith, she found peace in helping the poor in India. After her retirement, she continued her travels to India during winter months and started work among the tribal people in the District of Adilabad taking care of leprosy affected patients. She felt this was her calling and it provided her with great satisfaction and happiness until she herself became ill and could no longer continue her work in India.
Pat was predeceased by her parents Pathmanathan Pillai and Isabel Perera; and sisters Margaret and Rita. Left to mourn her passing are her children Delton (Anjali) and Lanston; grandchildren Jayden and Taylen; and her best friends Josephine and Subhi.
The family would like to thank everyone who helped to bring her comfort when she needed it, especially the staff at Fairview Home.
A graveside service was held at the Brandon Cemetery on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Rev. Fr. John Okosun of St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church officiated.
Donations in memory of Pat may be made to Diabetes Canada, #401 – Wesley Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4C6 or the Brandon Humane Society, 2200 – 17th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 7M6.
“Mom, you are already so greatly missed. Rest in peace.”