MARY BANDOR

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MARY BANDOR Gracefully, on Friday, September 11, 2015, at Lions Prairie Manor, Mary, beloved wife of the late John Bandor, was greeted by St. Peter. Celebration of Life will take place in the chapel of the Omega Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 16, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Viewing will be held on Tuesday evening, September 15 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Mary, daughter of John and Susanna Futros, was born April 13, 1916 in Prasice, Slovakia. At the age of 14, Mary and her family immigrated to Canada, arriving at Pier 21 Halifax, May 26, 1930. She spoke of the difficult crossing which resulted in her mother suffering terrible seasickness, leaving Mary responsible for her baby brother, Steve. Originally settling in Dauphin, the family moved to Grande Pointe, and ultimately, homesteaded in St. Francois Xavier. On October 15, 1935, Mary became the bride of Michael Budzak. From this union, Mike and Mary celebrated the birth of two daughters. Marion was born in Flin Flon on August 25, 1936. The family moved to Oak Bank in April, 1937 where they began farming under very tough economic conditions. It was here that Helen arrived, June 22, 1939. Sadly, Mike died of complications from a perforated ulcer when Marion was three and Helen, eleven months, necessitating Mary's return to the family farm in St. Francois. While working on the farm to support her girls, Mary's tenacity and perseverance became apparent. These qualities are evident in her children and grandchildren. During her time in St. Francois Mary met, and later married, John Bandor, a member of a threshing crew working for her father. Originally settling in Beaver, the family purchased land and farmed at Woodside. John, a widower upon arrival in Canada, faithfully supported his daughter in Slovakia until such time as she could join them in Canada. A son, John, was born October 14, 1952, completing their family. After 25 years at Woodside, the couple retired from farming and moved to Portage in 1962. Mary's life was centered around her family and the family farm. A hard worker all her life, she was never one to be idle. When she was sitting, her hands were occupied by a sewing, knitting or crocheting project. From her kitchen wafted the smells of homemade soup, perogies and cookies. Stopping by Grandma's was something akin to stopping at the grocery store for you never left without a pail of soup, homemade noodles or produce from her bountiful garden. Mary was an avid gardener and passed many pleasurable hours tending her vegetables and fruit trees. She was ingenious when it came to dissuading pests and many a squirrel and rabbit rued the day they trod on her territory! As much as she loved her garden, and in latter years, chocolate, Mary's truly special times were spent with her family. Whether it was teaching her grandchildren to cook or make covered hangers, or whether it was driving to Langruth into her late 80s to assist with the annual chicken kill, Mary truly believed "family first". Mary moved to Lions Prairie Manor in 2005 where she spent her remaining days. A popular resident with staff, she even attempted to teach some of them to speak Slovak. The family is grateful for the care that "Sweet Mary" received. Predeceased by her parents, husband, siblings Mike, John, Victor, Steve, Joe, and Jolana, daughter Magda, son-in-law Gilbert and grandson John, Mary is survived by her daughters Marion Huyber (Steve) of Gladstone, Helen Starr (Greg) of Sequim, WA, and son John (Lori) of Brandon. She is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Charitable donations may be made to the Lions Prairie Manor Foundation Inc., 24 - 9th St. S.E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3V4 or to a charity of choice. vsetko dobré Condolences may be sent to the family c/o Omega Funeral Home, 83 Royal Road South, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 1T8, 1-800-303-4621 or friends may leave a message of sympathy on our web site www.omegafuneralhome.com "Dedicated to those we serve"

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 15, 2015