MARY MARCHAK (PISTAWKA)

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MARY MARCHAK (PISTAWKA) It is with great sadness, we say good-bye to our dear wife, Mom, and Baba. She passed away peacefully on Friday, August 5, 2005 at the Selkirk District Hospital after a lengthy illness at the age of 82. Mom will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband, Egnace, of Red River Place in Selkirk; her three daughters, Rose Donahue of Winnipeg, Vicki (Joe) Hrankowski of Medicine Hat, and Bev (Doug) Morrison of Estevan; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, her eight siblings, and numerous in-laws, cousins, and friends. Mary was born in Meleb, MB on January 19, 1923 and grew up in that area. She was the ninth and youngest child of Josefa and Michael Pistawka. She married Egnace Marchak in 1940 and they farmed in Meleb. In 1972 they moved to Gimli where Mary was employed at the Johnson Memorial Hospital until 1988. Mom was very much the centre of all family gatherings, making sure that everyone was well fed from her bountiful garden in her wonderful kitchen. Baba's home was always a treat to visit and was always open to family and friends. Mary enjoyed her family, her work and her retirement. She sewed and crocheted to clothe her family and beautify their homes with her cushions and doilies. She enjoyed playing Bingo, and even in her last months she was able to win a few loonies at her Selkirk Residence. Mary and Egnace were fortunate to be able to travel throughout Canada and the USA when they were in better health with their daughter Beverly, husband, Doug, and their boys. Las Vegas was one of her favourite holiday places; she had many fond memories. Baba lived a full life and, even though it was a difficult one in the early years, she never complained. She accepted without question any tasks that God placed before her. Her calm and strong fortitude against life's struggles was a living example to anyone that knew her. Her wisdom, kindness, and gentle spirit touched us all. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Red River Place, Selkirk Hospital, and Gimli Homecare. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 10 at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Gimli with Fr. Art Seaman officiating. Viewing will begin at 9:30 AM. Interment will follow at the Park Cemetery in Meleb. Pallbearers will be Mary's grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations in Mary's memory may be made to Red River Place, 133 Manchester Ave., Selkirk, MB, R1A 0B5, or to a charity of your choice. VICHNAYA PAMYAT Gilbart Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 08, 2005