MARY (DRAD) DYRDA (ZWARYCH)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARY (DRAD) DYRDA (nee ZWARYCH) April 8, 1917 - November 30, 2013 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Baba, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister and aunt Mary Dyrda, age 96 years, at Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family. She is predeceased by her parents Steve and Justyna Zwarych; husband John (February 1989); son Harold (March 1989); siblings: Mike, Anne, Lena (infancy), Peter, Pauline and Stanley. She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Ileen (William); son Myron (Sharon); daughter-in-law Hazel; seven grandchildren Harry (Bobbie), Denise (Derek), Brent (Michelle), Kathryn (John), David (Heather), Amber and Aaron; eight great-grandchildren K.J., Jesse (Ashley), Brittny, Brendan, Allison, Reagan, Tanner and Kian; great-great-grandchildren Halia and Ramses; sister Pearl; sisters-in-law Shirley and Paulette, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mom was born on Easter Sunday north of Teulon on what is now the Waluk farm and grew up in Teulon from the age of three. She completed her Grade 8, loved school and wanted to be a school teacher but had to stay home and help care for her younger siblings. She stressed education and wanted us to have a good education. Mom and Dad were married on October 31, 1936 in St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, which in now located in the Teulon Museum. They were married for 52 years. Mom and Dad bought a farm two and one half miles northwest of Teulon (the family is still operating the farm after 77 years). They had a mixed farm. Mom had a strong work ethic. She worked hard alongside Dad staying on the farm for 70 years. In her earlier days, she made wool quilts and duvets, carded wool from their own sheep. She enjoyed gardening and sharing her produce, until the age of 90. In the summer Mom did a lot of canning, preserves and even canned her meat before the freezers came in. One summer Mom did 50 quarts of wild strawberries plus Saskatoons and cranberries. She was an avid reader, enjoyed crocheting, watching T.V. and playing SkipBo. Mom liked going to church and the Seniors' Club. She liked to entertain her family and friends. We were often there for Sunday dinners. She was a fantastic cook and baker. Mom made the perogies, cabbage rolls, Easter bread, homemade doughnuts and Christmas cake for the Christmas and Easter dinners. After several falls, Mom went to the Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital, then Selkirk Betel Home Foundation and finally Goodwin Lodge. This was home for her again and she was able to visit the farm several times. Mom took part in all activities and church services at Goodwin Lodge. The family wish to extend grateful thanks to all her home care workers, doctors, nurses and staff at Selkirk Betel Home Foundation, Goodwin Lodge and Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital for the excellent care of Mom. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2013, at 1:30 p.m., at the Teulon Rockwood Centennial Centre, 14 Main Street, Teulon, MB. Pallbearers: Brent Anderson, David Anderson, K.J. Dyrda, Patrick Dyrda, Randy Dziedzic, Terry Monasterski. Honorary Pallbearers: William Anderson, Jesse Allard, Harry Dyrda, Aaron Dyrda, George Drad, Sam Genick, Jerry Harasymko. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Goodwin Lodge or Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital, Teulon, MB, R0C 3B0. Come to me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 "Safe in the arms of Jesus" MACKENZIE FUNERAL HOME TEULON (204) 467-2525 mackhome@mts.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 03, 2013