MARY BEWZA

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARY BEWZA After a long and vibrant life, Mary Bewza, a much loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 in Winnipeg. Mary was born in Olha, MB on January 10, 1908. She married Paul Bewza on November 21, 1925 at St. Michaels Church in Olha and together they farmed in the Vista area and raised their family. Faith and family were the most important things in Marys life. She constantly dedicated herself to the betterment of her children. Farming was a marginal living and money often scarce. She and Paul saved and scrimped so they could send their children to high school for a future full of opportunities. Hard work was necessary, but it was also important to have fun. Even in tough times Mary would deny things for herself so that the children would have a dollar or two to go out and see a show on Saturday night. When her husband Paul died in 1968, Mary moved to Winnipeg and worked until the age of 75 at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre. Moving from rural Manitoba into a large city was not easy, but she worked hard, learned English, developed new skills and made new friends that helped her with the transition. Very proud of her Ukrainian heritage, Mary made sure that her children and grandchildren knew the importance of their family history, music and culture. She shared her skills in making traditional Ukrainian dishes without recipes - all from memory. While her family has many excellent cooks, none can duplicate her wonderful bread baking...but they are still trying. A recent highlight of her life was meeting her great-granddaughter, Karli Bewza from Campbell River, BC. Mary always did her best to keep in touch with family, even when she could no longer travel. She also treasured her many phone calls with her sister and best friend Rose Twerdochlib. She is survived by her son Michael (Jeannine) Bewza of Campbell River; daughters, Jean Sharkey of Thunder Bay and Helene (Reid) Hill of Vancouver; grandchildren, George, Lorrie (Sharon) and Richard Bewza, Patricia, Janet and Joni Sharkey, Ashli (Beppe) Delucio, Ardelle Komaryk and son-in-law Wally Komaryk; great-granddaughter Karli Bewza; sisters, Rose Twerdochlib, Elma Derewianchuk, Alice Hykaway; and many nieces and nephews. Mary was predeceased by her husband Paul in 1968; son Frank in 1962; her parents, Anna and Anton Kaskiew; sisters, Lena Mycasiw, Jessie Loda, Tena Genovy; brother Mike Kaskiew; and son-in-law Patrick Sharkey. The funeral service was held on Tuesday, December 3 at 10:00 a.m. from the Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church, Oakburn, with interment following in the parish cemetery. Rev. George Malik officiated. Pallbearers were Lorrie Bewza, Lawrence Stebeleski, Walter Kowal, David Woychyshyn, Walter Shwaluk and Mike Michalyshyn. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Fred Douglas Foundation, 1275 Burrows Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2X 0B8. Raes Funeral Service of Shoal Lake and Erickson in care of arrangements. (204) 759-2160 Marys joy, resiliency and proud Ukrainian heritage will always live on within her family.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 03, 2002