MARY S. REKTOR (SOPUCK)

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MARY S. REKTOR (SOPUCK) Peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, Mary Rektor passed away after a short illness on Monday, May 23, 2005 at the Victoria General Hospital. During her 94 years, Mary enriched the lives of her family and those around her with her thoughtfulness, kindness, and generosity of spirit. Left to grieve her loss and celebrate her life are her sons, Edward (Laurel) Rector of Winnipeg, Brian (Patricia) Rector of Regina; daughter-in-law Roberta Rector of Calgary; her grandchildren, Kevin, Theresa, Lori, Willow, Wendaline, Stanley, and Javon; as well as several great-grandchildren. She is also sadly missed by her devoted sister Vera Derenchuk; loving brother Gerald (Anne) Sopuck; nieces, Lisa Derenchuck and Joyce Queck; and nephews, Vladimir, Paul, Leonard, Robert, Tim Sopuck and Vladimir Derenchuk. Sadly, Mary was predeceased by her husband Stanley; her brothers, Vladimir and Joseph Sopuck; and recently by her eldest son, Roger Rector of Calgary. Mary was the first child of Mary and Joseph Sopuck and was born on December 25, 1910 in the small town of Stramberk, Czechoslovakia. She immigrated to Canada with her family at age 13, and immediately went to work in order to help support them in their new lives, first in Ontario and then in Winnipeg. This experience impressed upon Mary the importance of family, a value that became the cornerstone of her life as she grew from a dutiful daughter into a loving wife and mother. She married Stanley Rektor in 1938, and they enjoyed 44 years of marriage before he died suddenly in 1982. Mary excelled in making a house truly a home, and she enjoyed nothing more than preparing and hosting holiday dinners. Her culinary skills were exceptional, and everyone had a favourite dish or dessert that she would be sure to make, just because she knew that it would please you. Mary also enjoyed needlepoint, gardening, reading, and in her later years, playing cards with her fellow residents of the St. Vital Knight's Villa. Remaining strong and loving despite the difficulties of advancing age, her faith and trust in God remained a constant in her life, lighting her way through good times and bad. A celebration of Mary's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 28 at St. Emile Roman Catholic Church, 556 Ste. Anne's Rd., Rev. Rene Peeters officiating, followed by a reception in the church hall. Arrangements are being overseen by Neil Bardal Inc., 984 Portage Ave., 949-2200. Special thanks to the staff of the 5th Floor of the Victoria General Hospital for their kind care of Mary. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Victoria General Hospital Foundation. Rest in Peace and Faith NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 25, 2005