MARY HNATYSHYN

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MARY HNATYSHYN August 27, 1928 - January 30, 2016 Mrs. Mary Hnatyshyn (Zolondek), aged 87 years, of Cooks Creek, MB, beloved wife of Henry, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2016. She is survived by her children: Gregory (Olha), Rosemary, Leona (Dan) Johnson, Betty, and Thomas (Kelly); seven grandchildren: Cindy, Melanie, Stefanie (Tomas), Sarah, Kristine, Courtenay and Olivia; sisters: Jean Kirk, Frances Kocian and Elsie Benfield; cousin Michael Zolondek; also many nieces, nephews and in-laws. She was predeceased by her daughter Elizabeth in 1977, her husband Henry in 2005, her brother Frank in 2014, and her parents, Peter and Eva Zolondek. Born on her parent's farm near Hazelridge, MB, she spent five years in Winnipeg working at various jobs, including Eatons, before marrying in 1950 and settling down on the family farm, half a mile from her birth place. Farm life fed her love of nature. She picked wild mushrooms and berries in the bush. On the farm she nurtured a garden for 55 years and made her own preserves, dill pickles, beet relish and sauerkraut, and canned chicken meat. After milking the cows, she separated the milk and made butter, cottage cheese and buttermilk. Although her chores filled her days, she still made sure her six children did all their homework, quit their horsing around and got to bed on time, and in the morning, had a hearty bowl of porridge before heading to school. She loved country music, especially the good old fiddle! She learned to play the organ/piano as a youth and passed on the love of music to her children. Her children absolutely loved her homemade pies, donuts, ice cream, perogies, galumpky ..... Her hands were never idle and gave us so much. She was firm that every Friday was meatless Friday, every Sunday a day of rest and Advent and Lent were strictly observed. She was a living example of her most treasured values of kindness, honesty, forgiveness, humility, hard work and fairness to others. Our mother retained her gentle spirit, genuine kindness and goodness throughout all the difficulties of her life. She was a loving grandmother and a living inspiration to her seven granddaughters who saw her as a strong, resilient, resourceful woman. The family would like to thank Springfield Seniors Services for their caring support and East Gate Lodge for their compassionate care during her final years. Prayers will be said on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Cooks Creek, MB. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 5, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, with Father Joseph Tran as Celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to East Gate Lodge, Beausejour. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 204-586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 03, 2016