MARY EVA LEWYCKY (YUZYK)

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MARY EVA LEWYCKY (nee YUZYK) It is with great sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing of Mary Eva Lewycky (nee Yuzyk), who passed away on December 18, 2003 after a long and courageous struggle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Orest (Bill) sons, Dennis and Terry (wife Julie Haluszynski) and grandchildren, Samantha, Kutwa and Jenna. She is predeceased by her father Dmytro Yuzyk and mother Eva Markewich. Mary was the youngest of four children, William (1907 - 1974, Regina), Annie Kumpas (1910, Vancouver), and John (1913 - 2003, Winnipeg). Mary will be greatly missed. She was known for her perseverance, ingenuity and commitment to her family. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, aunt, friend, and neighbour who was constantly loving and giving. While she enjoyed travel, she loved it more to have her family around her table, feeding them her famous and delicious pyrishke. She was born on December 17, 1916 in Rhein, SK (near Yorkton). Born to immigrant parents she was part of a generation of Canadians who were caught between old and new world expectations. As a young woman she sacrificed her education and helped on the family farm in Saskatchewan. Then she showed her business skills and managed a catalogue outlet for the Eatons department store chain. She was therefore both connected to her family and an independent young woman. While living in Kamsack, she experienced a devastating hurricane that provided her with dramatic stories that she loved to tell for many years. It was out of her family experiences and the hardships of the time that she developed her Christian values and faith in the merits of hard work. It was out of these experiences in her early years that she established a strong common sense approach to life that proved so valuable to her and her family. Her move to Winnipeg in 1946 marked a major change in her life. She had moved for employment reasons and to join her brother and sister. However, within a year she married Orest (Bill) and had embarked on a new life. Within three years she was a mother of two sons. The next major change in her life took place in 1950 when she, her husband and sons moved to Shoal Lake, MB. Mary and Orest were to become pillars of the community as they ran three small businesses in this western Manitoban town. During the 1950s and 1960s, Mary was a devoted partner in business as well as mother and homemaker. For many years she greeted customers in the Red and White grocery store with a warm and friendly smile. She was the bookkeeper in the farm implement and supply business that came later. When Orest was mayor of Shoal Lake in the 1970s, Mary was constantly by his side, offering advice and support. And throughout these years, she was active in her church, Eastern Star and the Womens Auxiliary, Legion Branch 141. After 40 years of contribution to their community and building up their businesses, Mary and Orest moved back to Winnipeg in 1992. Here she lived a quiet life as the family matriarch, with some travel in Canada and overseas. During this time, her greatest joy was her grandchildren who she cherished. Though cancer became a dominant feature of her life in the last 20 years, she was ever cheerful and optimistic, inspiring all who knew what she was going through. Im Free Dont grieve for me, for now Im free, Im following the path God laid out for me, I took His hand when I heard Him call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play, Tasks left undone must stay that way, I found that place at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy, A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things, I too will miss. Be not bothered with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow, My lifes been full, I savored much, Food, friends, good times, a loved ones touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Dont lengthen it now with undue grief, Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free. One of her last wishes was to thank the staff on ward 3East, Riverview Health Centre, who were so helpful, affectionate and professional. Prayers will be held at St. Michaels Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 110 Disraeli St., on Monday, December 22, at 7:00 p.m. Funeral service and reception for Mary will be held on Tuesday, December 23, at 2:00 p.m. at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main St. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Mary may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. We Love You Rest in Peace Vichnaya Pamyat Arrangements entrusted to: GLEN EDEN FUNERAL HOME 4477 MAIN STREET 338-7111

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 20, 2003