MARY CHWALUK

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MARY CHWALUK Mary Chwaluk died on April 14, 2003, at the Rossburn Care Home at the age of 103 years. She was born on August 18, 1899, after her parents Anton and Uzonka Sitko had crossed the ocean by ship named P.O. Palatias and settled in a budda near Paterson Lake, north of Oakburn. She endured the hardships of their new land and as she grew older, she contributed to the establishment of the homestead with countless hours of manual labour. Mary had little opportunity for school and at 13 years of age, worked on an established farm south of Shoal Lake as a farm labourer. The following year, she worked for Dr. Leecham in Shoal Lake where she learned the English language. In 1928, she married Steve H. Chwaluk who had a farm near Menzie. She became a homemaker and is remembered for her excellent baked bread and large bountiful garden. She was a seamstress and sewed clothes all her life. She was an active member of the Ukrainian National Home, Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Ukrainian Womens Association of Menzie. Mary and Steve had two children, son Tony and daughter Rose. Mary had a special joy for her grandchildren who she looked after for many years. She was saddened deeply at the loss of two grandsons, William and Reggie in 1979. Marys hobby was cross stitching. She made many Ukrainian blouses and shirts for all her children and grandchildren. She also sewed wedding gowns and dresses. In her life, she touched many people with her thoughtful ways. She is remembered as the greatest mother, grandmother, truly a most grand lady. She leaves to mourn her daughter Rose Manulak; daughter-in-law Mae Chwaluk; sister Sophie Mackedenski; grandchildren, Larry (Sharon) Manulak, Murray Manulak, Gail (John) Leitch, Taras Chwaluk, Martha (Dennis) Dinko, Joan (John) Derhak; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by parents Anton Sitko and Uzonka Sitko; husband Steve; sisters, Francis Borody, Marcelia Yarish, Lena Panasiak; brothers, Mike, Jack, Adam, Walter, Tom, and Joe Sitko. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 17 at 10:00 a.m. from the Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Menzie. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Prayers will be said Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. from St. Volodymyrs Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Oakburn. Rt. Rev. Mitred Archpriest Orest Hudyma will officiate. Pallbearers will be her great-grandchildren, Michael Dinko, Anthony Chwaluk, Troy Chwaluk, Brad Derhak, Kyle Derhak and Madison Leitch. Crossbearer will be Tammy Dinko. Thank you Lord for giving us such a loving and caring person. Her loving smile and thoughtfulness we will never forget. Her kindness, understanding and knowledgeable teaching will be with us forever. Thank you Mother and "baba" for helping us all in time of need. We will miss you and may you rest in peace. May your memory be eternal. Raes Funeral Service of Shoal Lake and Erickson are in care of the arrangements (204) 759-2160.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 16, 2003