MARY SEMANOWICH

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MARY SEMANOWICH

(MATEYCHUK)

October 12, 1932 – February 4, 2026

Peacefully, at the age of 93, mom passed away with her children by her side.

Mom was born October 12, 1932, to Nicholas and Kalyna Mateychuk. She was proud of her Ukrainian heritage and was very active in the progressive Ukrainian community. As a child she participated in Ukrainian dance programs and youth choirs. She also learned to play the mandolin and joined various mandolin string orchestras.

Mom married her high school sweetheart, Victor, on May 15,1954. They remained together until Dad’s passing in March 2008.

Mom is survived by her children, Eugene (Sharon), Kathleen (Wilfried), Susan (John), and Michele (Kelly); sisters, Olga, and Lucy; sister-in-law Irene; grandchildren, Kirsten (Chad), Nicholas (Monica), Taylor, Teagan (Meakin), Cameron (Hailey), and Kelson (Tianna); great-grandchildren, Mercedes, Cali, Roman, Nate, Jace, Lively, and Beau; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mom was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who always looked forward to spending time with her family. Family was everything to her and she always worked hard to bring everyone together as often as possible, usually over a big Sunday dinner. We proudly continue this tradition to this day.

Among her many talents, she was an avid knitter, and many babies have been wrapped in her hand-knitted baby blankets.

By profession, Mom was a bookkeeper and was well respected for her mathematical prowess. When she returned to the workforce after raising her children, Mom worked at People’s Cooperative Dairy and then the Worker’s Benevolent Association until her retirement.

Mom was a longtime member of the Association of United Ukrainian Canadians. Throughout her life, Mom volunteered many hours to various events and causes that were important to her such as the Museum of Man and Nature, the Lviv Pavilion, CSULR, and the Ivan Franko Museum and Manor. Mom was a peace advocate and marched at many peace rallies.

After Mom’s stroke in 2016, she was aided by many home care workers before moving to Fred Douglas Lodge where she enjoyed many activities, especially bingo. The family would like to sincerely thank the many dedicated, caring health-care workers who helped Mom with kindness and respect. A special thank you to Gina who became a special friend and caregiver when mom needed it the most.

Mom had a full and giving life. We love you and will miss you every day.

Cremation has taken place and, at Mom’s request, a family event in celebration of her life will take place in the future.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Association of United Ukrainian Canadians, Fred Douglas Lodge, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 14, 2026