MARY SPENCE (DEMCHENKO)

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MARY SPENCE (nee DEMCHENKO) It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved mother and baba, Mary Spence. Peacefully at home with her children at her side, Mary, age 61 lost her courageous battle with cancer on February 8, 2000. Mom will always be lovingly remembered by her children, Kelly (Perry) Whitesell, Peggy Hildebrand, Robert (Karen) Spence and Ken Spence. Also missed by her grandchildren, Nathan and Beth, Casey and Neil, Robert Jr. and Jazzlyn. She was predeceased by her husband of 32 years, Robert in 1991; her parents, Fred and Daria Demchenko; brother Ben; brother-in-law Paul Marusenko and son-in-law Dan Hildebrand. Also left to mourn are her sister Zina Marusenko; brother Victor Demchenko (Stella) and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Mary was born April 5, 1938. After enduring many hardships her family immigrated to Canada from the Ukraine and settled in Portage la Prairie then later moving to Winnipeg. There she met and married Bob and settled in the north end to raise a family. She was employed with Canada Packers/SERCA Foods for over 25 years and made many special friends over the years. Mary loved to retreat to her "home away from home" at the cottage in Ponemah where she would spend hours walking the beach or working in her flower garden. Mom had many passions in her lifetime including gardening, cooking, garage sales, travelling and her "Wednesday night girls club". Her greatest love was her family and she will be most remembered for keeping a family unity with her love for cooking. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Manitoba Cancer, Treatment Research Foundation, 100 Olivia St., Winnipeg, MB, R3E 9Z9. Prayers will be said on Friday, February 11, at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 12, at 10:00 a.m., also at Cropo Funeral Chapel with Very Rev. Fr. John Melnyk officiating. Interment to follow in Holy Family Cemetery. Cropo Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 586-8044.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 10, 2000