Obituary of Mary KUPSKAY)

Mary KOLTEK (nee KUPSKAY) With deep sadness we announce the passing of our mother Mary, on January 11th, 2009 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She leaves to mourn her seven dear children, thirteen beloved grandchildren and two precious great grandchildren. Terry (Motria), Timon, (Christiane, Caroline, Amanda), Chrisant (Stephanie), Maxim (Breanne). Mary Lynne Curtis (George), Darcia Mash (John), Christopher (Laura). Peter (Sue), Kenzie. Paul (Sol), Andrew and Kael. Darcia Light (David), Derek and Jillian. Katrina. Mark (Lorraine), William, Cosette and Elijah. Devoted sister Jean Yates, sisters-in-law Dorothy and Stephanie Kupskay. Cousin Adam Safian, nieces and nephews (Los Angeles California). Mother was predeceased by her loving husband Bill of 54 years, parents Stephen and Anna Kupskay and brothers, Michael and John. She was born and raised in Winnipeg and received a Secretarial and Book Keeping education at Angus School of Commerce. She married Bill in 1943 and was his constant companion and business partner at Elm Park Pharmacy in St. Vital and Helmsdale Pharmacy in East Kildonan. They retired together in 1986. Her family was her pride and joy. She reveled in the memories of raising them, especially during the summer months at their family cottage at Wanasing Beach; which she called her "utopia". Mom was proud to perpetuate her Ukrainian culture and heritage. Some of her favorite past times included Easter egg decorating, oil painting, and embroidery. She also enjoyed reading, gardening and cheering on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. She and Bill were enthusiastic Blue Bomber ticket holders for over 50 years, since the Osborne Stadium Days. She was a liberated woman before the phrase became a clich�. She sincerely enjoyed being a mother, housewife, gourmet cook and hostess. Her favorite times were entertaining family and friends at home or at the cottage. The many people she touched will miss her dearly. Her gifts of joy, loving, caring and warm friendships will live on in their memories. Our mother embraced life, enjoyed being with people and was always genuinely interested in their experiences. She lived her life with integrity, grace and dignity. She possessed a deep Catholic faith that reflected in her strong and positive spirit, evident in her inner strength as she endured the many obstacles that life had to offer. Our mother had a wide range of interests and was involved in a variety of activities throughout her life. In the community she was on the Board of Directors of the Children's Aid Society. She served with the Women's Auxiliary to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. She also served in many capacities, including the Presidency to the Ladies Auxiliary to the Manitoba Pharmacists Association. She was a member of the Parent - Teachers Associations of the Convent of the Sacred Heart, William Osler School and Grant Park High School. Mom was a pioneer member of the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Canada and served at all levels: Branch, Diocesan and National Executives, including Branch President at both Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church and at Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in St. Boniface at which time, she chaired the Committee for the upgrading of the Constitution and By Laws. She was the Manitoba Diocesan President and also the Financial Secretary on the National Executive. She was made an Honorary Life member in 1974. The family would like to thank Dr. P. G. Mehta for his wonderful care of our mother for close to forty years. Thank you to Dr. John Bracken, Dr. R Haydey for their dedication and to the Home Care Givers especially Faigie. A Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 10:00am by Reverend Father Mark Gnutel and Reverend Father Michael Winn at the Holy Family Church, 1001 Grant Avenue (at Harrow). Interment followed at All Saints Cemetery, North Main Street. Pallbearers were her grandsons. If anyone so desires donations may be made to the St. Boniface Hospital Heart Research Foundation 1003 - 409 Tache Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R2H 9Z9 or Elevator Fund for the Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church - 1001 Grant Avenue Winnipeg Manitoba, R3M 1Y3. "My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord, My Spirit finds joy in God, My Savior, "Eternal Memory" Vichnaya Pam'yat