Obituary of MARIA ZBYR

MARIA ZBYR On a beautiful early spring morning on Sunday, April 12, 2015, our beloved Mother and Baba, Maria went to Heaven. She was predeceased by infant children Richard and Maria, husband Peter (Petro) and son Paul. She will be lovingly remembered and missed by daughter Linda (Ray) and her cherished and devoted grandsons Justin, Nathan and Jesse. She is also survived by sister Olga and brother Steve, nieces Irene, Christine and Donna and their families, nephew Roman, as well as extended family in Europe. Maria was born in Poland, leaving home at age 12 to work to help support her family. She was a nursing assistant in Germany during WWII and married Petro in 1945, coming to Canada in 1948. There were many difficult times and Maria continued to work hard all her life, mostly in the garment industry. She raised her family in a close community and was one of the neighbourhood moms. Our Mom and Baba was the best. There was nothing she couldn't do and she was always busy. Some of her favourite activities were berry picking, sewing, gardening and yardwork, walks, family celebrations and time spent with friends, especially Vicki Brenko. She was a talented seamstress and embroiderer. Her beautiful handiwork graces our walls. She always had her own unique perspective when discussing TV wrestling and the Young and the Restless and enjoyed reading the paper, word search puzzles and endless games of dominos. Her greatest love was her grandsons, always encouraging them in their endeavors and they became a source of help and strength for her. Saturdays were reserved for visiting Baba and nobody ever left her home hungry. Her fierce independence served her well into her later years. Throughout her life, she suffered many losses but her strong spirit helped her carry on. Eventually, Fred Douglas Lodge became her new home. Many thanks are extended to all of Linda's wonderful colleagues for their support, especially to the angels on Evergreen unit who cared for Maria and her family with kindness and compassion. Thanks also to Fr. V. Bashutsky, Loretta and to all who provided prayers and support throughout the journey, Though we will miss her terribly, we are comforted knowing that Maria is now reunited with so many of her loved ones and friends who have gone to Heaven before her. We have faith that they are now together and enjoying each others' company. Heaven is a place where the sun is always shining, the winds blow gently and the flowers are always blooming. Funeral service will be held at Sts. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral, 114 McGregor Street on Wednesday, April 15 at 11:00 a.m., with interment to follow at All Saints Cemetery. Dearest Mom and Baba – your work here is now done. Rest well and continue to watch over us until we are together again.