MARY GRAPENTINE (BABITSKY)

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MARY GRAPENTINE (BABITSKY) December 31, 1914 - January 10, 2013 Mary Grapentine (Babitsky) of Winnipeg died peacefully at home in her 99th year on January 10, 2013. She was the beloved wife of the late Lawrence Fredrick Grapentine (Lorne) of Oakbank. Born in Winnipeg to hearty Ukrainian immigrants, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Maria Babitsky (Szczudlo). After her father's death she lived in Cooks Creek with her mother, stepfather and siblings. She attended the Zora School in Cooks Creek and had a hand in building the Prairie Cathedral during her childhood. Mary married the love of her life in 1935 and they started a family together in Oakbank then moved to Winnipeg. With the strength of character that defined her, when her sister died she and her husband adopted their young nephew and niece, adding to their own growing family. She extended herself throughout her life to help others who needed a hand. She was a doting mother who took pleasure in cooking, knitting, politics and especially sports, being an ardent fan of the Blue Bombers and the Jets. She loved to hear or tell stories and laughed delightedly at jokes. Mary was a bright, humble and compassionate woman who remained a curious life-long learner. She took great pleasure in traveling and had many happy memories of winter vacations with her husband in Arizona. Mary had a gift for making each of her grandchildren feel that he or she was the center of the universe. She had a strong interest in the arts, regularly attended the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and The Royal Winnipeg Ballet and encouraged the natural talents of her children in sports, academics, music, and the trades. She remained active and in her own home throughout her life. She is survived by her son Lex Grapentine (Tracy) of Kennebunk, Maine, daughter Sandy Lewis (Barry) of Paris, France, daughter Janice Dawson (Richard) of Drayton Valley, Alberta, son Lorne Grapentine (Charlene) of St. Pierre-Jolys, Manitoba, and by 18 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, her sister Nellie Kochuk of Winnipeg, sister-in-law Pat Kuzina of Winnipeg, her many nieces and nephews, daughter-in-law Lori Grapentine of Winnipeg, daughter-in-law Gloria Grapentine of Ann Arbor, Michigan, along with her friends at Appleton Estates. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Lawrence Fredrick (Lorne) Grapentine of Winnipeg and Oakbank, son Curtis Grapentine of Winnipeg, sister Anne Kirk of Oakbank, brother Michael Babitsky of Cooks Creek, brother Bill Kuzina of Winnipeg, brother-in-law William Kirk of Winnipeg, brother-in-law Joe Kochuk of Winnipeg, daughter-in-law Dora (Anderson) Grapentine of Winnipeg, and stepfather Michael Kuzina of Cooks Creek. She especially enjoyed the daily companionship of her sister Nellie Kochuk and the constant loving support of her friend and neighbour Stella Pyrih and her daughter Leslie. She always found Dr. Craig Hildahl and his staff helpful and appreciated their professionalism and kindness very much. In accordance with her wishes, a cremation has taken place and a memorial ceremony will be held in the Spring of 2013 with interment at Springfield Cemetery in Oakbank. In lieu of flowers, a donation in her name can be made to The Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba or a charity of your choice. "Life's work well done. Beautiful memories will always linger."

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 19, 2013