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MARY OFFROWICH (CHAYKOWSKI)
Born: Jan 20, 1925
Date of Passing: Mar 23, 2019
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MARY OFFROWICH
(nee CHAYKOWSKI)
January 20, 1925 - March 23, 2019
Mother was born and educated in Winnipeg moving with her family to Coniston, Ontario where her education continued and friendships made. She returned to Winnipeg to attend the Misericordia Hospital School of Nursing where in 1946 she graduated as a double gold medalist - top of her class and gold medalist in medical nursing.
Her association with the Misericordia would continue for the majority of her life as a Registered Nurse, her two children being born there, working on the wards, eventually being chosen to become the instructress of Obstetrics and Gynecology, eventually becoming the hospital's Assistant Director of Nursing.
In 1946 she met our dear father, Leopold through a family connection. They fell in love and were married in 1947. Mum provided care and support to her family in sickness and in health. Likewise she was the angel in white to the patients to whom she cared including the Hong Kong Veterans. Mother was raised an ardent Ukrainian Catholic and her faith was all important to her; her prayers to the Lord and the Blessed Virgin Mary where spoken by her to the end of her life. It was to her deep faith she turned to during her final illness.
Mother's love of family and friends was demonstrated by the medical advice she dispensed, by her excellent culinary skills and those many parties she and our father held at our house, especially her late January cocktail parties held when the post New Year's doldrums had set in. These were glorious affairs. She was known for her wonderful sense of style and her elegant cocktail dresses.
But her true passion after our dear father's death became travel, and whether it be to Grand Forks or to Tahiti, Singapore, Norway or Australia, she enjoyed them all. Mother crossed the equator four times on the 29 cruises taken to various international ports. Her last and favourite destinations were spent in Bradenton Beach, Florida and finally to Palm Springs, California, which she truly loved.
Mother will be deeply and ardently missed by her loving children, Leonard and Barbara (Douglas Palmer). In our hearts we shall cherish forever her warm, sincere and generous nature, her sense of humour and the ever-present care for our family.
She was predeceased by her dear husband in 1989; her parents, Paul and Sophia Chaykowski, many relatives and friends.
A private family service was held with Father Isidore Dziadyk presiding.
The family wishes to express special thanks to those who visited mum throughout her illness, especially to Father Dominic Yuen, Father David Kowalski and Father Isidore. In addition, our sincere thanks are extended to the Home Care Staff and Nursing team, especially Jeff and Elizabeth, and Elaine Thomas Parisian. A heartfelt thank you to Sandy Slonosky, the staff at the St. Boniface Hospital and Riverview Heath Centre Palliative Ward for their care of and concern for our dear mother.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Misericordia Hospital Foundation, or a charity of one's choice.
A private interment will take place in the late spring as cremation has taken place.
Vichnaya Pamyat
Family and friends may sign a
Book of Condolence at www.gleneden.ca
Glen Eden Funeral Home
204-338-7111
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 13, 2019
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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Passing on my condolences as well from the states. My grandmother, whose maiden name was Victoria Buchereszta, was related to her in some way. Is there anyone left who might know something of this link? - Posted by: Edward Nizalowski (Relation from New York State) on: Jan 22, 2020
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Sincere condolences on the loss of Mary. Misericordia Nurses Alumni - Posted by: Pat Walker (Misericordia Alumni) on: Apr 30, 2019
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We have fond memories of times spent together in trips to Winnipeg over many years and many dinners. Your Mom was always thoughtful and so full of fun. I'm so glad I had an opportunity to visit with her in March. Our thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Elaine & Harry Beck (Family) on: Apr 30, 2019
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So grateful that I had a visit with your mom in February and was able to see her again before she passed away. We have many wonderful memories of the Offrowich/Palmer family gatherings to look back on. She was a very thoughtful person taking me out for dinner several times and was always concerned how Greg was following his accident. Your mom will be missed by many. - Posted by: Joyce & Greg Wedmark (Family) on: Apr 29, 2019
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I’m so sorry Barb and Len to hear about your mum’s passing. She was such an amazing soul. I enjoyed all the times I spent with her at St. Boniface, she was an inspiration to me and you both made her happy. Although I didn’t know your mum for a long time but I’ll miss her, I’m sure she’s in a good place now. - Posted by: Omotayo Ikuenayo (Friend) on: Apr 23, 2019
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We are so sorry to learn of your mom's passing. We knew she was a pretty special lady from things you said in the past, but in reading her obituary it is evident that she was pretty amazing! Thinking of you...... - Posted by: Terry and Mike Bellhouse (Friends) on: Apr 18, 2019
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So sorry to hear of your Mother's illness and passing, Barbara and Leonard, and I send deepest condolences to you from my Mother and myself. What a wonderful tribute to such an accomplished person, and reflecting on how she met the challenges of continuing in nursing with a family to look after, in those days where women had little support and encouragement in doing so, particularly in the workplace. I recall how she was so proud of all of your accomplishments, and it is wonderful to have read of the depth of your appreciation of her efforts and sacrifices. - Posted by: VIctoria Lehman (Family) on: Apr 17, 2019
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My mom and dad, George and Olga Palmer, were very good friends with your parents. They spent so many happy years together. I am sending my mom's deepest sympathy to you with all her love. God's Blessings to you and your families on your loss. Marianne for Olga Palmer. - Posted by: Marianne Troup (Friend) on: Apr 16, 2019
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I’m so very sorry for your loss, Leonard. Your constant support and loving care were a blessing for your mother . I hope you will find comfort knowing that you were able to spend precious hours together . She must have been an exceptional person. - Posted by: Michèle Lerner (Friend ) on: Apr 15, 2019
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What a lovely woman she was. She sounds like a very thoughtful person. I never met her in person, but heard a lot about her through my friendship with Len. I knew Len from the 1970s & when he lived in Calgary & I was living in California. I also know Doug as I went to church with his wonderful parents & him at St. Thomas Anglican Church in Weston. What a lovely family they all are. Peace will come, but it will take time. You will have wonderful memories to abide you. I lost my husband Arthur Blankstein 2 years ago & still grieve about it now & then. Father Time will work his magic for you as he did for me. SHALOM ✡️🌹 Ken Blankstein-Ure kenure&icloud.com - Posted by: Ken Blankstein-Ure (Friend ) on: Apr 13, 2019
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My sincere condolences to the family. - Posted by: Brenda McKay (Friend of the family) on: Apr 13, 2019
