Reverend Rae Kiebuzinski

REVEREND RAE KIEBUZINSKI (nee RUSSEL), a long time resident of Ear Falls, died Wednesday Dec. 26 at the Dryden Regional hospital at the age of 92 years. She was surrounded by family after suffering a stroke in her home the previous week.
Rae was born in England in 1920 and was one of the first women accepted to the University of London. When the 2nd World War began, Rae enlisted in the Airforce and as a university student, she qualified for the officers corps, becoming one of the first female officers in the British Royal Forces.
Rae fell in love with a handsome fighter pilot from Poland named John. They married and immigrated to Canada shortly after the war ended. John was excited to live in the “bush” of NW Ontario and Rae eventually learned how to cook wild meat and enjoy life outside of the city. Together, Rae and John opened the Ear Falls Garage and Service gas station and became very involved in the town of Ear Falls. After John died in 1981, Rae attended St. John ’s College in Winnipeg and became the first female Anglican priest in the diocese of Keewatin.
Rae had a deep faith in Christ and loved everyone around her. She served for many years as priest in two parishes (Red Lake and Ear Falls) even in her 90’s Rae would often preach and lead Sunday services at church.
Rae is survived by her daughter, Laura Larson; 5 grandchildren, Adam Atkinson (Kim), Naomi Atkinson, Dylan Smith, Jessica Larson and Stephanie Larson; 5 great grandchildren, Thompson Atkinson, Amy Atkinson, Gideon Atkinson, Malakai Atkinson and Jude Atkinson. Rae is predeceased by her husband John and son Jonathan.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to the ministry of Adam and Kim Atkinson. For further information please visit www.standingonthewater.ca and click on “Donate / support us” on the corner of the page.
Visitation will be held on Friday december 28th, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Ear Falls Legion Hall.
A celebration of Rae’s life will be held at the Ear Falls Legion Hall at 2 pm Friday Dec. 28 with a luncheon to follow.
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to dcfh@drytel.net Subject heading: Mother Rae