MARY ZIEMSKI (MACHULA)

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MARY ZIEMSKI (nee MACHULA) Our loving mother peacefully left us on Monday, January 20, 2003 with her son Alan and her niece Ruth at her side at Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg. Mary had celebrated her 88th birthday in September. Mary was predeceased by her husband Joseph in 1997. She leaves to cherish her memory her son Alan and wife Susan; her brothers, Nick and John Machula; sisters-in-law, Steffie Trkulja, Ida Ziemski, Steffie Machula, Vivian Ziemski; and her many nieces and nephews. Mary was born in Vita, MB on September 24, 1914 the middle child of three. Mary met and was courted by Joseph during the many visits his parents from Winnipeg had with her parents in Vita. She married Joseph in 1938 and moved to St. Boniface. Within a couple of years they started to build their home on Giroux Street where they resided for more than 59 years. Mary worked the first 13 years of her married life for Super Craft at the Peck building downtown as a seamstress and later as "floor supervisor" at their office on Tache. She left that employment to carry on with her remaining lifes work as mother to Alan and wife to Joseph. Mary never remained idle. Her hands were busy, sewing wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses for the many new brides in her neighbourhood. She was often the person altering clothing for immediate family and was forever baking for the showers in the neighbourhood. Her house always had the aroma of daily made baked goods and was a welcome place to her nieces and nephews that lived close by. Not a scrap of food was wasted from the enormous garden they planted every year. All of September would be spent putting up preserves. Throughout the year Bluebirds and squirrels abounded their property enjoying all the nuts and seeds put out for them. Winter time would find her busy making something for her home, her family, her neighbours, sewing, knitting, baking. Then sometimes youd find her sitting on the living room couch in a ray of sunshine playing solitaire. Mary had a knack of winning at solitaire. During the years that saw Joe working out of town in Long Spruce, Gillam, Grand Rapids and Brandon, Mary organized her household with skill and independence. She could accomplish anything. Mary joined the Eastern Star in 1968. She fulfilled many positions including secretary and worthy Grand Matron. These positions brought her into contact with many people around North America. Most notably in Eastern Star, Mary spent one year touring all the towns in Manitoba with Eastern Star chapters cultivating many long term friendships. Her association with the chapter saw her partake in trips to Louisiana, Denver, Nashville and California. Where ever she went she brought fun and a sense of adventure. After Joes retirement they purchased a travel van and took some lengthy trips visiting friends and family in Hamilton, Duluth and California. Mary was an avid bowler picking up this skill after her 70th birthday. She joined the Monday mornings league at Billy Mosienko bowling alley. She was as proud as we were of her trophies and awards. Roll-off events always put a skip in her step. In the last few years Marys eyes would sparkle when her niece Ruth would take her out for lunch and visit to Club Regent casino. Mary really enjoyed the sights and sounds of the casino. Not to mention the thrill of bringing home a few extra quarters. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 24 at Desjardins Funeral Chapel, 357 Des Meurons St. Interment will take place at the St. Boniface Cemetery. Marys family wishes to thank the nurses and care givers of Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg for their kindness and devotion to Mary making her feel comfortable and loved. The Desjardins funeral Chapel in care of arrangements 233-4949; toll free 1-888-233-4949.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 23, 2003