MARY CHERNICHAN (BUCHKO)

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MARY CHERNICHAN (nee BUCHKO) January 1, 1923 - June 7, 2013 It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Mary Chernichan at St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 90. Mary has gone to be with the Lord and will be sadly missed by her son Douglas (Sheron), her daughter Cathy, dear sister Helen Labchuk, brother Stanley (Ann) Buchko, numerous nieces and nephews and many wonderful in-laws. Mary was predeceased by her husband Mike, parents Tekla and Peter Buchko, brother Victor Buchko, sisters Ann Yaremkewich, Rose Mamchuk, and Kaye McEachern. Mary was born in Fisher Branch, Manitoba and grew up on the family farm, attended school and in 1943 married the love of her life Michael Chernichan. It was then that the big adventure in her life began. Never failing, always by his side, she worked hand in hand with Mike. From Madsen Red Lake, where she worked in the bakeshop while Mike worked in the mine steel shop, then operating their own saw mill. A few years later they started on what would be a lifetime career as hotel proprietors, first in Oak Point, then Langruth, Churchill, Balmertown and finally Winnipeg, where they retired from the Nor Villa Hotel in 1984. Mary's greatest role was being "the woman behind the man". Mike would create an idea or plan and Mary would work tirelessly to see that it was implemented successfully. Although she worked long hard hours in the business, she still found time to be involved in community activities, like the Royal Purple in Langruth, and always found time for things like sewing a button on her son's cadet uniform or decorating her daughter's bicycle for a school competition. When asked in later life if she was satisfied with what she had done, her reply was that "if I was young, I would love to do it all again!". Once retired, Mary and Mike enjoyed many years travelling to the Ukraine, Caribbean, Hawaii and numerous other places. She loved bingo, playing cards, and especially Casino. Spending time with her dear sister Helen was very important to her. In the last few years of her life, when she was not as mobile, she especially enjoyed her Wednesday evening visits from her niece and nephew Debbie and Mike Barrett. "They are out there if you look...they are called Angels"...June Kopys - you are our angel who is always there in time of need - we cannot thank you enough. With sincere appreciation, the family would like to thank the staff at St. Boniface Emergency and Ward 5E, and the staff of Misericordia Health Care Centre (Cedar Grove Ward), for the great care and compassion they gave our mom. Special thanks to Doctor Shawn Thomas of Concordia Health Associates for the years of excellent care and compassion. A private family service was held on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main Street, 204-338-7111. Pallbearers were Mike Barrett, Peter Buchko, Don Cymbalisty, Ron Mamchuk, Victor Mamchuk, and Ken Wylychenko. Honourary pallbearers were Brad and Dale McEachern. Into His arms we place you Until we meet again. We love you mom. Glen Eden Funeral Home 338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 15, 2013