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MARY TANCHAK  Obituary pic

MARY TANCHAK

Born: Sep 18, 1939

Date of Passing: Jun 11, 2015

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MARY TANCHAK It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Tanchak announces her passing June 11, 2015 at HSC after a lengthy fight with cancer. She is predeceased by her father, Peter Tkach, her son Trevor and her loving husband of 48 years, Harry. Mary will be lovingly remembered by her son Todd and daughter-in-law Kellie. She leaves behind her mother Elizabeth Tkach, sister Florence Boyechko (Paul), brothers Peter Tkach (Marilynn), Vern Tkach (Faye) and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours. Mary was born on September 18, 1939 in Rorketon, Manitoba. She was the second child of four born to Elizabeth (nee Baryla) and Peter Tkach. Showing her independence she moved from Rorketon to Winnipeg after graduating from grade 11 when she was only 17 years old with only a few dollars in her pocket and nowhere to stay. After a few short hours of arriving in Winnipeg she found an apartment on Beverly Street and after a few days found a clerical job at Osler Hammond and Nanton. Soon after that she was promoted to an IBM punch card operator. Mary found the love of her life at a dance in Teulon, Manitoba at the infamous Crabby Steve's Dance Hall in 1959 and after four years they were married in 1963. She continued to work as a punch card operator at OHN and later at the Winnipeg Gas Company until she and Harry started a family in 1968 with the birth of Todd and then Trevor in 1974. Mary was a stay at home mom until both of her sons were old enough to go to school and then went to work at the Charleswood Family Fare store until it closed. She continued to work at various pool companies, Unique, Re-Nu a Pool and the latest Krystal Klear. She enjoyed the customer interaction and continued working at Krystal Klear even through her illness. When people asked why are you still working she would reply, I'm a people person. Mary loved hosting various family and friends events at her and Dad's home, whether on Valour Road or Elmhurst. There were numerous holiday and family dinners as well as many summer BBQ's. No one went hungry when they were at Mom and Dad's. She also had a love for gardening, especially her vegetable gardens and enjoyed using these ingredients to make borscht, perogies, dill pickles, pickled beets and her coveted cabbage rolls. She made countless roasters for friends, family and neighbours. She used to say that nothing beats the taste of vegetables from her garden. Mary was a devoted bingo player and loved the friends she made at the various community centers and halls where she played. Mom, you were strong even to the end, fiercely independent and very generous. We will miss you. The family would like to extend a special thanks to CancerCare at the Health Sciences Centre, especially Dr. Navaratnam and her assistant Ximena for their help and excellent care that they gave Mom. Please consider a donation to CancerCare Manitoba or to the Winnipeg Humane Society. Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 204-885-9715

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 20, 2015

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

  • MAY TIME AND CHERISHED MEMORIES HELP TO GENTLY EASE THE LOSS YOU BEAR, AND BRING YOU SPECIAL COMFORT TO KNOW THAT OTHERS CARE!!! Veronica Sichewski - Posted by: Veronica Sichewski (MTS) on: Jun 25, 2015

  • Todd, My thoughts are with you and Kellie on and this day. When I heard of your mom's passing, I was shocked and saddened as she was a great lady. I remember your mom to be warm , caring, genuine and very giving. I remember spending countless hours at your place growing up and your mom being very nice to me. Back in 1980 after I broke my leg, she made a point of driving and picking us up from school in her black car without a fuss. Never forgot that and will always be grateful and honored to know her. She will be missed. Peter Hillius - Posted by: Peter Hillius (Friend of the family) on: Jun 23, 2015

  • Life is short, Break the Rules. Forgive quickly, Kiss SLOWLY. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably And never regret ANYTHING That makes you smile. - Posted by: Chuback Family. Condolences to the Tanchak family. (Quittance ) on: Jun 21, 2015

  • It's with deepest sympathy on the passing of your Mom, I worked with her at Family Fare in about 1978, Your tribute to your Mom was beautiful and you will have a lot to miss. Choose a memory that brings a smile to your heart, & cherish it always. Shirley Thomas - Posted by: shirley lepoder_ thomas (co, worker) on: Jun 21, 2015

  • Sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you durning this difficult time. - Posted by: Marcel Dion (Friend ) on: Jun 20, 2015

  • I was very shocked to read of Mary's passing. Only a few days ago I walked past her home thinking - 'there's Mary with that beautiful yard again this year'. As a long time resident of Charleswood, I remember Mary at Family Fare - she always had a kind word for everyone! When going for a walk, I enjoyed our conversations whether it was about the deer, rabbits or whatever. She was a very kind person and will be missed by all 'in the Village'. Rest in Peace my friend. - Posted by: Terrie Hnituk (Friend and Neighbour) on: Jun 20, 2015

  • So sorry to hear of Mary's passing. I just realized that she was a month and 3 days older than me. We went to school together in Rorketon, Manitoba. We often played ball on the same team with her brother Peter as coach and pitcher. In later years, my son Jon got to know Trevor and landed up at their house free-loading. My condolences to the family ...especially Peter and Florence ...Bernice - Posted by: Bernice (Zaplitny) Sliworsky (high school friend) on: Jun 20, 2015

  • Mary was a lovely person and will be missed. My sincere condolences to the family. - Posted by: Karen Isleifson Buechler (Friend) on: Jun 20, 2015

  • Our Deepest Sympathy on the passing of your Mother! - Posted by: Janet & Bruce Anderson (Friends) on: Jun 20, 2015

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery

4000 Portage Ave. (Map)
Ph: 2048859715 | Visit Website

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