MARIA BILOUS (KOZAK)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARIA BILOUS (nee KOZAK) With sadness the family announce the passing of their Mother, "Baba" and great-"Baba", Maria Bilous on Sunday, March 2, 2003 at the Grace Hospital, Winnipeg, MB at the age of 90 years. Maria was born in Yaholnytsia, Chortkiw, Ternopil, Ukraine on June 20, 1912 to Ilias and Anna (Wawrykovich) Kozak. She was raised and received her education there. In March of 1929 Maria immigrated to Canada settling in Dauphin, MB. That same year Julius Bilous and Maria were united in marriage at the St. Georges Parish Manse as the church was not yet built. As they began their married life, Maria worked very hard alongside her husband in their newly formed business known as Bilous Market Gardens. They ran a very successful operation and became known throughout Manitoba for their fine produce, supplying many communities in the surrounding area. Maria was very proud of her Ukrainian heritage and was deeply devoted to her church. Upon arriving to Dauphin, she immediately became involved in her church community, helping to raise funds for the building of the first St. Georges Church. She also joined the Ukrainian Womens Association of Canada (Lesia Ukrainka Branch in Dauphin) and became a member of the Ukrainian National Home Choir. Marias involvement with her church and the Ukrainian Womens Association brought her many notable awards. She served on the local level in various executive positions including Secretary Treasurer and as President for several terms. She also served on the Provincial and National levels and attended many delegations and conferences throughout Canada. She received a life Honorary Membership in St. Georges Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the Dauphin Branch of the Ukrainian Womens Association. In all, her activities spanned a total of 73 years. Maria had also been active in her community having served with Dauphin Hospital Auxiliary for 42 years, was a member of the Dauphin Council of Women for 10 years, on the Dauphin Hospital Board of Directors for two years as well as the board of Canadas National Ukrainian Festival for six years. Above all else, Maria was a devoted wife, mother, Baba and "Pra-Baba". Her family were her absolute pride and joy. Special moments in their lives were never forgotten and she was happiest when surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who in turn adored her and were all very proud of her accomplishments. "Our Mother, Baba and Pra-Baba" left us a wonderful legacy of what a warm, gentle, generous and selfless person she truly was. We will miss you deeply and cherish many fond memories. Maria was predeceased by her husband Julius in 1978; her daughters, Halia Sukornyk in 1975 and Orysia Sutton in 2000; as well as her parents, Ilias and Anna Kozak. She is survived by her loving family, son Zenon and wife Sharon of Winnipeg, 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, son-in-law Jim Sutton in Toronto, ON, a brother Wasyl and two sisters, Stacia and Yadwiga all in the Ukraine. Prayers will be offered Wednesday, March 5 at 7;00 p.m. in the Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Chapel, 502 Main Street S., Dauphin, MB. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 6 at 10:00 a.m. in the St. Georges Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Dauphin, MB. Very Rev. Archpriest Mykolaj Derewianka will officiate and interment will follow in the Dauphin Riverside Cemetery. Dobr. Ewhenia Derewianka will serve as Cantor. Pallbearers will be Jeffrey Bilous, Jody Bilous, Jason Bilous, David Sutton, Doug Sutton and Derek Sutton. Contributions in memory of Maria Bilous may be made to the charity of ones choice. The Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Service, Dauphin, MB are in care of the funeral arrangements. Telephone 1-204-638-4110.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 05, 2003