MARY IRVINE (ZINKO)

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MARY IRVINE (ZINKO) Peacefully on December 22, 2008 in Vanderhoof, BC, at the age of 87, after a two year struggle with ALS. Mary was the only daughter of Steve and Tatiana (Ryczytarsky) Zinko. She was born in Winnipeg and raised on Melbourne Ave. Mary graduated from Lord Wolseley High School during the great depression, and managed several medical practices before her marriage to Bert. Family always came first. Intelligent and gracious, she was the liaison between her immigrant family and the military while her brother was a POW in Japan. After the war, this fashionable city girl followed her cowboy to the frontier of the Nechako, where they operated an international guiding business. Mary's calm demeanor and heart of gold drew people to her and she helped many over the years with the gentle art of listening and numerous cups of tea. She enjoyed her quiet life by the river; however a part of her heart remained in Winnipeg. Mary was predeceased by her brother John (Zinko) Simcoe and infant brothers Peter and Paul. She is survived by her devoted husband Bert, children Linda (Lloyd), June (Denis), Mark (Cindy), and Rick (Martina), and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews in BC. Mary is remembered by her sister-in-law Joyce Simcoe, niece Pat Simcoe-Rosenbaum (Harv), and small extended family in Winnipeg. A celebration of life was held on May 17 at her home on the Nechako River. We love you Mary. Vichnaya Pamyat!

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 30, 2009