MARY LESKO (STILKOWSKI)

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MARY LESKO (nee STILKOWSKI) It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our loving mother on Saturday, September 8, 2007. We mourn her sudden passing, however we also celebrate a life that was full and well lived. Mary was born in Stead, MB, on October 1, 1916, to John and Teenie Stilkowski. She grew up on the farm and married her childhood sweetheart Steve Lesko on July 15, 1933. They shared almost 46 years together in a close marriage. Mom and Dad lived in Stead until 1953 when they moved to Beausejour, MB. Besides helping Dad with the farm, Mom also worked for a number of years at the Bus Depot, the Sewing Factory and helped Dad as Caretakers at their church. Mom was a friendly woman who deeply loved God, her family and friends. She was a long time member of the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church and Women's League. Baba was very proud of her Ukrainian heritage. She loved gardening and cooking and observed all holidays with a feast of traditional Ukrainian food. After retiring, Mom and Dad enjoyed travelling with relatives and friends to various locations both in Canada and the USA. Most evenings were spent attending Bingo locally and at nearby communities. In later years, Mom enjoyed participating with the Seniors' Group and always looked forward to their monthly trip to the casino. In 1979, Mom lost the love of her life, her husband Steve. She was proud to live in their home until last year when she moved into her suite at South Haven. Mom is lovingly remembered by her daughters Helen (Peter) Chambers, Pearl (John) Gregorchuk and her son Joe (Pat) Lesko. Her memory will be cherished by her grandchildren Wayne (Jackie) Chambers, Sandra (Bob Chopey) Orford, Perry (Tiffany) Gregorchuk, Joanne Lesko and Marla (Derek) Pott. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, of whom she was very proud, Amber (Terris) Baran, Jade Chambers, Beth and Courtney Chopey, Branden and Byren Gregorchuk and their mother Luci. She also leaves her youngest brother Peter Stilkowski, brother in-law Mike Lesko, sister in-law Mary Stilkowski and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and godchildren. Besides her husband Steve, she was predeceased by her parents, her infant grandson Vernon Chambers and her bothers Nick and Mike Stilkowski. A special thank you to Dr. D. Schmidt for her excellent care of Mary, to the medical staff at the Beausejour Hospital and to Lucille Chay and the homecare workers and nurses who visited her at South Haven. Prayer Service will be held Wednesday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m. at Sobering Funeral Chapel, 1035 Park Avenue East, Beausejour, MB, with Rev. Deacon Stefan Tyrawski presiding. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, September 13 at 10:00 a.m. at the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church, Park Avenue, Beausejour, MB with Rev. Fr. Isidore Dziadyk, OSBM presiding. Interment will follow in the Parish Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 200-6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6. As Mom often said when a visit was over, God bless you and see you soon. VICHNAYA PAMYAT SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM, Beausejour 268-3510 or MB Toll Free 1-877-776-2220

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 11, 2007