DOBR. MARIA KERNISKY

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DOBR. MARIA KERNISKY 1917 - 2005 Peacefully on Wednesday, March 23, 2005, at Riverview Health Centre, Winnipeg, Maria Kernisky, beloved wife and mother passed away at the age of 88 years. Maria was predeceased by her husband, Archpresbyter Father Frank; brother John and wife Marie; sister Anna and many cousins. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Alice and husband Werner Mees of Port Perry, Ontario; son Ivan of Redford, Michigan; many family members and friends throughout Canada and the United States. Dobr. Maria Kernisky was born in 1917 in Tolstoi, Manitoba to pioneering parents, Stefan Tkach and Sofia Yarmie who immigrated to Canada in 1905 and 1897 respectively. In her early years, Maria became a member of the Ukrainian Youth Association (SUMK). In 1934 and at the age of 16, she joined the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada (UWAC), Tolstoi branch and continued to be a member in good standing for 71 years. During this time she held various executive positions at local, provincial and nationals levels. Maria graduated from high school and later continued her studies in business which she completed with honours. In 1938 Maria married Frank Kernisky a theologian who was ordained that same year. As a priest's spouse Dobr. was very active in parishes. She worked with and counselled youth, taught Sunday school and Ukrainian school. She organized concerts, stage plays and special programs. She was often sought after as a guest speaker at important events. From 1950-1952 Dobr. Maria was Dean of Women at St. Andrew's College in Winnipeg Manitoba. Besides her parish commitment, Maria worked five years for Revenue Canada, six years as a secretary for the President of the Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada and five years in the Consistory Church Goods. Dobr. Maria received the following awards and recognitions: honorary member of the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada, founding and honorary member of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Winnipeg, Manitoba, patron and member of St. Andrew's College, associate member of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, recipient of the Ukrainian Congress of Canada Shevchenko Medal (1992), and recipient of St. Andrew's College Distinguished Service Award (1998). Dobr. Maria was an elegant woman who loved her children, cared for her spouse, was a patriotic Canadian, a devout Christian and a benevolent human being. She will always be remembered with love and deep respect by her family and friends. May she rest in peace. Prayers will be said on Monday, March 28, 7:00 p.m. at the Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, 1175 Main Street. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 29, 9:30 a.m., also at the Cathedral with Very Rev. Fr. Henry Lakusta and Rev. Fr. Alexander Harkavyi officiating. Interment will follow in Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Winnipeg, Palliative Care Unit-3 East at Riverview Health Centre or CancerCare Manitoba. Cropo Funeral Chapel 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 27, 2005