MARIA KUSHNIR (MARCINKO)

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MARIA KUSHNIR (nee MARCINKO) October 3, 1904 - June 13, 2003 Peacefully, surrounded by family, Maria Kushnir, widow of Michal Kushnir, formerly of Rosewood, MB, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away at Villa Youville, Ste. Anne, MB on June 13, 2003 at the age of 98 years and 8 months. Maria was born October 3, 1904, in Trebisov, Slovakia. In 1924 she married Michal Kushnir. In September 1938 the family made a move to Canada, whereupon the family came to settle in the Caledonia/Ste. Anne area. Maria did not like to travel and there were many hardships to overcome in adjusting to a life in Canada with three small children that made this move very difficult. The first year was especially difficult for Maria as the winter was extremely harsh, money and supplies were short and she missed her homeland immensely. Lacking the knowledge of the English language provided an additional challenge, but through hard work and perseverance Maria and the family adjusted to life in the new country acquiring many lasting friendships through the Church and the community. Maria was predeceased by her husband Michal in 1980. She was also predeceased by her parents, Michal and Barbara Marcinko, as well as two brothers, Michal and George Marcinko, and sister-in-law Anna Marcinko and a great-nephew Peter Marcinko all of Trebisov, Slovakia, as well as an uncle George Kicinko, an aunt Anna Kicinko and cousin George King all of Steubenville, OH. She was also predeceased by her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Barbara and Michal Kushnir, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law on her husbands side, also of Trebisov, Slovakia. Remaining to mourn her absence and treasure fond memories of Maria are son John Kushnir of Dufresne, MB, who devoted a good part of his life to be her support and caregiver for several years, daughter Ollie Schroeder of Winnipeg, granddaughter Noreen Bent (Peter) and great-grandchildren, Cole and Claire Bent of Vancouver, BC, grandson Bruce Schroeder (Jaylene) and great-grandchildren, Kyle and Sarah Schroeder of Winnipeg; daughter Martha Goritz (Harold) of Winnipeg, grandson Derek Goritz of Corpus Christi, TX and granddaughter Sandra Gortiz and great-grandson Justin Goritz of Winnipeg and many relatives in Slovakia. In 1944 a short journey took place when the family relocated five miles away to Rosewood, MB. After years of encouragement Maria agreed to again do some travelling. In 1987 she enjoyed a short vacation to Calgary, AB and in 1989 visited Mississauga, ON and the Niagara Falls region. In July 2002, Maria relocated her home to Villa Youville in Ste. Anne. Maria was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She worked hard throughout her entire life, putting in her share of time working in the fields, tending to the dairy cows and chickens, planting and caring for her bountiful garden and performing the daily household chores. She rarely took time for herself, though she always managed to make certain that friends and family alike were supplied with her goulash, donuts, pastries and kolachi, and to take time, again and again, to search for, and find, the ball that the grandchildren had lost in the yard while playing the previous day. This hard work and devotion to her family strengthened both her body and spirit and was key to her long and rewarding life. Maria spent her final days, visiting with family and praying and preparing for her final journey through eternity. Baba, we will never forget the love and care that you provided to all of us. We will think of you each day from when we awaken to when we end each day, resting our heads on the feather pillows, which you worked at so tirelessly into the nights to create. You were always the first one up and last one to turn off the lamp. Your final journey is complete. Your time has come to rest. The family would like to extend our gratitude to all staff of Villa Youville, Ste. Anne Hospital staff and to the Doctors of Ste. Anne from whom she received excellent care and also to the Home Care Workers who cared for our mother while in her own home. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 17 at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Hope Church, Anola, MB. Interment and reception will follow at Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Hwy #1 East at Navin Rd. Pallbearers will be Bruce Schroeder, Derek Goritz, Mike Harsany, Herve Dansereau, Rudy Harsany and Jim Bednar. If friends so desire, donations in Marias memory may be made to Our Lady of Hope Church, Building Fund, Anola, MB R0A 0J0 or to Ste. Anne Hospital, Ste. Anne, MB or to Villa Youville, Activities Fund, Ste. Anne, MB. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home, Cemetery and Crematorium Hwy. #1 E. at Navin, 222-3241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 16, 2003