MARIE BERNICE KARASEVICH

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MARIE BERNICE KARASEVICH It is with the deepest of regret we announce the passing, on Monday, October 16, 2000, of our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, good friend and neighbour, who will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 46 years, John George Karasevich, Q.C. on December 24, 1981. To celebrate her life and cherish her memory, she leaves her daughter, Joan (August Schellenberg) sons, John (Marla), Gerald (Susan) and Gordon (Janice), and grandchildren, Reena (Rafael Martin), Joanna, Marena, John Jr., Raymond, Janice, Kristyn, Trevor and step-grandchildren, Sophia (Andre Soumis), Brett and Scott. Marie was born in Winnipeg on August 8, 1914, the third of four children of Ukrainian born parents, Ksenia (Chuckry) and Michael Skibinski. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings, Ben, Ann (Mickey) Sawchyn, Helen (G.W. "Bill" Smith) and nephews, Kenny Smith and Edward Sawchyn. Marie began her education at St. Nicholas Church School and then attended King Edward School, Isaac Newton High School and St. Johns Tech, from which she graduated in 1933. A true people person, Marie, from an early age was involved in many artistic and social activities, including membership in the Canadian Girls in Training Club, the choir at Prosvita Hall and the Young Peoples Club at St. Mary the Protectoress Ukrainian Orthodox Church. In 1935, Marie married John George Karasevich of Oakburn, MB. She took great pride in creating, over her lifetime, a home which welcomed many into its atmosphere, of warmth, good food and great hospitality. Marie was a great hostess. In the 1970s, she was featured in Homemakers Magazine for her culinary skills, especially Ukrainian Food specialities. Her 75th birthday party is warmly remembered by all who shared the occasion with her. Her greatest love was for her family and her every effort and concern was for their well being. Her inner strength was sorely tested when her husband left to serve in The Second World War. She was active in the Red Cross and the Ukrainian Canadian Womens War Effort. Her life took on many new challenges and opportunities with her husbands safe return after his participation in the D-Day Invasion of Normandy. Marie learned to drive and embarked on those years of mothering with her children in their youthful endeavours, including their involvement with the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church, S.U.M.K., Ukrainian School and music lessons. Maire taught Sunday School for several years and enjoyed friendships with many children which lasted into her later years. She was a lifetime member of the Ukrainian Womens Association of Canada, Lesia Ukrainka Branch at Holy Trinity Cathedral. She was also very active in the Mary Dyma Chapter of the I.O.D.E. Her support was vital to the formation in 1946 of the Ukrainian Canadian Legion Branch 141, of which her late husband was both the founder and first President. Marie was a lifetime member of the Womens Auxiliary of Branch 141. Interested in learning, she studied Ukrainian at the University of Manitoba, as well as art classes. Always ahead of her time, she was a member of a womens investment club in the 1950s. Her managerial skills were in great evidence when she and her husband John, in 1955, acquired property with rental cabins and a snack bar at Gull Lake, MB. Marie spent many summers running the camp with her young sons. Our "Baba" Maries favourite time of the year was Summer. Especially when the blueberries ripened and the corn was sweet. She could find wild mushrooms anywhere, which she would dry and cook for Ukrainian Christmas. The bonfires and sing songs at the lake are some our best family memories. She was witty and charming and her love of people was suited to the many occasions when she was called upon to meet with Royalty, Heads of State and people from all walks of life. She was truly a lady of dignity and grace. Her love of travel took her across Canada, into the United States and Mexico, and to Ukraine in 1978 where she met her long lost family. Marie had incredible drive and energy. She loved the arts and often said that had she been born in the time of her children, she would have been a dancer, a writer or an artist. In 1974, Marie and her family were the subject a National Film Board film titled "I Never Walked The Steppes." In her early years, Marie found time to sew, knit, crochet and embroider and later in life, would create crafts for her grandchildren who were a special joy for her. She was especially grateful for the many enduring friendships she enjoyed over her lifetime.She was very proud of the University Scholarship which her family established in 1981 in honour of herself and her husband at St. Andrews College. Over her lifetime, Marie survived many health problems which only made her spirit stronger. Her quiet, gentle, loving ways will remain in our hearts forever. WE LOVE YOU MOM. Vichnaya Pamyat. The family wishes to thank all the care givers and friends at Vista Park Lodge and Riverview Health Center for their care and support. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John and Marie Karasevich memorial Scholarship Fund, at St. Andrews College, University of Manitoba Campus, 29 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M7. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 19 at 10:30 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. with Very Rev. Fr. Henry Lakusta officiating. Interment will follow in Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. A fellowship gathering will be held at the Cropo Reception Room following interment. Cropo Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 19, 2000