MARY WANDOWICZ (KESS)

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MARY WANDOWICZ (nee KESS) After 101 years of a full and abundant life, Mary peacefully passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2004. She leaves to cherish her memory, her sister Sophie Teremchuk of Windsor, ON; her son Joseph (Eleanor) grandchildren, Cheryl (Terry) Bartos, Larry (Cynthia) Wandowich, Janice (Al) Boyd, Donald (Brenda) Wandowich, Linda (Karl) Maxon of Scotia, CA, Karen (Mike) Blaschuk, Kimberly (Bob) Parsuik, Valerie (Kris) Saczuk, Kevin Wandowich; 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. Mary was predeceased by her husband Joseph, her son Karl Wandowich, daughter Jennie Lotycz, son Bert Wandowich, brothers, Frank, Peter and Stanley; and sisters, Ann and Catherine. Mary had emigrated from Poland in 1927 and eventually settled in Winnipeg. She married her life partner Joseph in 1928 and celebrated 38 years together. While working at Janzen Brothers Gardeners, she was a devoted mother and homemaker to her four children. As life moved Mary from mother to grandmother, her interests and hobbies varied from babysitting her grandchildren to watching the Lawrence Welk and Tommy Hunter shows, to Hockey Night in Canada where she would cheer on her favourite team, the Montreal Canadians! In her mind all other teams simply "danced around"! Mary would often take the family to her favourite restaurant Shanghai for a full Chinese food dinner, while she only had her favourites of rice, shrimp and french fries! While she was able, Mary enjoyed trying her luck at church Bingo. When her body confined her to the nursing home, she participated in crafting fancy hangers for her family and friends. Anyone who knew Mary knew of her strong faith and belief in our Lord. She daily walked with Christ through prayer and rosary devotions to our Blessed Mother. This strength of faith reflected in her characters determination to endure the obstacles her life had to offer. Her personality was strong yet gentle, independent, and strong-willed. She will be greatly missed by those who loved her, but we know that "those who live in the hearts of others... never die". Prayers will be said on Monday, March 1 at 7:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 2 at 10:00 a.m at St. Marys Polish National Church, 361 Burrows Ave. with the Very Rev. Msgr. Wesley Cwieka officiating. Interment to follow in St. Marys Polish National Cemetery, on McIvor. Pallbearers will be Larry Wandowich, Terry Bartos, Al Boyd, Don Wandowich, Scott Boyd, and Courtney Wandowich. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the Luther Home and those special people that would brighten Marys day with their visits over the many years. Flowers are gratefully declined. If so desired donations may be made in Marys memory to a charity of your choice. "Always remember, my love is right there, In the beat of your heart, On the wing of your prayer." CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 01, 2004