MARY BACHYNSKI

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MARY BACHYNSKI In the presence of her children and her only granddaughter, Mary passed away peacefully at the Riverview Health Centre on October 5, 2007. Mary was born and baptized on January 12, 1917, the second child of John and Emelia Babychuk and the younger sister to John. She recounted experiencing much joy and love growing up but also much pain when she lost her mother to cancer during her teenage years. Mary married Anthony Bachynski and together they had five children: Patricia (who died in infancy), Dolores (Larry), Carole (Gene), Barbara (Ted) and Angela. Her life was again filled with loss when Anthony died suddenly prior to Angela's birth. As a result, life was challenging at times but despite this she always maintained her positive attitude towards life, even at times when others might not have. She always generously gave to others who needed help. Mary worked hard to support her family using many of the gifts which her parents gave her. She was a wonderful cook. She was an accomplished seamstress often creating the latest fashions for her daughters and for herself. She was especially proud to be asked to make Carole's wedding dress and those of her bridal party. Mary believed in what was right and just. One of her favourite stories recounted the day when, at the tender age of 12, she took her report card to the nearby public school and enrolled herself there in grade six without telling her parents. She felt that the nuns in the Catholic school would not acknowledge her and accused her of talking while in the hallway but she knew that she was innocent. Her parents, while worried about what this would mean in the church, acknowledged and supported her desire to do so. Mary was very proud of not only her children but also her grandchildren; Michael, Christopher, Bradley, Jason, Mark and Nicole. She was absolutely delighted when her great grandchildren arrived: Megan, Shelby, Mackenzie, Shaydon and Morgan. It was an especially difficult time for her when her daughter Barbara died at the age of 54 of cancer in 2001. Despite this, she was happy to have spent one week with her at her home in Vancouver one month before her passing. Although her own illness was short and an immense blow to her, her spirit remained strong and with her family until her final breaths of life. We will never forget the time that we had in hospital with old family pictures and how she was able to tell us exactly the occasion and the details around it. We know that she treasured the opportunity to see her grandchildren and great-grandchildren prior to her passing. Nicole and Angela will never forget the memory of her kissing us back even as her time of passing was very close. In keeping with her wishes, a private family funeral service will be held with private interment. Should friends desire, a donation to the Riverview Health Centre Palliative Care Unit in her memory would be appreciated. Mary's family would like to thank each and every individual who touched our family on this journey: the staff of Level 5 Medicine at Seven Oaks as well as Drs. Karwowski and Dr. Crawford. We extend our sincere thanks to the staff of 3 East at Riverview Health Centre, especially Ashley, who ensured that her final moments were painfree, safe and comfortable. Finally, our love and immense gratitude to Dr. Fatoye, Julia Barley, Darlene Grantham and Poh Lin Lim and her family for their support of Mary and our family during this time.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 10, 2007