MARY KOHUCH (WASYLUK)

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MARY KOHUCH (nee WASYLUK) On Saturday, March 31, 2012, Mary Kohuch left us to make her final journey to heaven. Mary was born August 17, 1930 in Mink Creek, MB, near the town of Ethelbert. The fourth of 13 children born to Elsie and John Wasyluk, she leaves to mourn her husband of 61 years, Rev. Deacon Nicholas Kohuch, her children Lorraine McPhail and friend John Palffy, Randy Kohuch (Carolin Taubensee), Andrea Kohuch and Darcia Senft (Gary), grandchildren Larissa McPhail, Nicholas Kohuch, Emily and Nikola Elash, Joey Senft and Tyler Senft (Elaine). Mary was predeceased by her brother Michael in 1927, her father John in 1966, her sister Nettie and her brother Ron in 1978, her mother Elsie in 1981, her son Garry in 1988, her brother Morris in 1995, as well as several brothers and sisters-in-law and nephews. Mary grew up in Mink Creek and then Garland attending school, working on the family farm, helping in the family business - Wasyluk's Lucky Dollar Store - and helping to raise her many younger siblings. She taught via permit in Garland and it was there in 1950, she met the quiet, short, new school teacher in town, Nick Kohuch. After many dances at Pine River, but less than a year later they married and began a journey that would last almost 61 years, bear five children, cover two provinces, four towns and 14 homes. No matter where Mary lived, she made a comfortable, warm and loving home for her family. A prolific cook, Mary would prepare a feast at a moment's notice no matter who dropped by and no matter the time. Her apple pies, pickles, perogies and canning were legendary and everyone looked forward to her Christmas and Easter feasts. Over the years she worked at St. Charles Country Club, Holiday Inn and Winnipeg Convention Centre. She enjoyed entertaining, was always eager to please and always helped anyone in need. She enjoyed gardening, singing and dancing, and especially loved her perfumes, taking the time to carefully choose which would be her next scent. Spending time with family and friends was vital to her. Visits with her sisters were especially cherished and were always highlighted by continuous, raucous laughter. When the girls got together, there was no shortage of stories to be told. Her faith was strong. She was a founding member of St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church in St. James and spent many years working for the parish with the Ladies League and taking care of the altar, baking communion bread and singing alto in the choir every Sunday. When Nick retired from teaching and was ordained as a deacon, Mary answered that calling too, singing with Nick at countless funerals and prayer services. Mary's faith was tested with the death of her eldest son, Garry in 1988, but she remained strong and did not waver from her beliefs. As her children grew and started their own families, Mary found new joy in her grand-children. Spoiling them like any good Baba would, she showered them all with love, affection and gifts. She was famous for her bedtime stories and would take her grand-children on outings to the Dollar Store to find that special gift. Whether it was a trip to BC to visit Larissa, to Saskatchewan to see Emily and Nikola or babysitting Nicholas in Winnipeg, Mary always found the time for her grand-children. A famous night owl, Mary would spend many late nights cooking, canning, writing out recipes, or simply making late-night calls to her sisters and brothers who are scattered across North America. She loved to sing and whether it was harmonizing with her sisters while doing dishes as a teenager, singing in the church choir, singing around the campfire in Garland, carolling at Christmastime, or singing at prayer services with Nick, Mary always found great joy in her music. A down-to-earth woman who came from very humble beginnings, Mary was a devoted wife and mother who worked tirelessly for her family. She was always there for her kids, keeping them all very well fed, doing all the sewing and mending, helping with school projects, attending concerts and recitals, and later in life, providing an ever-present ear to listen and shoulder to cry on. Mary's life changed dramatically in July, 2006 when, as the result of a very minor car accident, she was forced to accept a new reality which confined this once active woman to a wheelchair. She remained a vibrant and vital part of her family despite the new challenges she faced and regularly amazed everyone with her humour, compassion and love of life. Through this difficult time Nick and Mary remained as close as ever and when Nick moved into the apartment to be right next door to her, the couple was once again inseparable. On Saturday, March 31, after one last visit with her beloved husband, Mary quietly left us and our world became a sadder place. Loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, she will always be fondly remembered and sorely missed. Thanks so much to the staff at Holy Family Nursing Home whose care and compassion was wonderful in every way. Your kindness is much appreciated by Mary and all of us. To Olga Twerdun and Sonia Cruz, thanks for helping care for Mary in your special way. A special thank you goes to Mary's companion, Laurie Gregory whose dedication knows no bounds. Prayer services will be sung on Monday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 10 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 202 Harcourt St. with Frs. Klimchuk and Dziadyk officiating. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Basil's or Holy Family Home Building Expansion Fund, or the charity of one's choice. Cropo Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements - 586-8044. Vichnaya Pamyat

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 07, 2012