Obituary of MARY HNATYSHYN

MARY HNATYSHYN August 27, 1928 - January 30, 2016 Mrs. Mary Hnatyshyn (Zolondek), aged 87 years, of Cooks Creek, MB, beloved wife of Henry, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2016. She is survived by her children: Gregory (Olha), Rosemary, Leona (Dan), Johnson, Betty and Thomas (Kelly); seven grandchildren: Cindy, Melanie, Stefanie (Tomas), Sarah, Kristine, Courtenay and Olivia; her sisters: Jean Kirk, Frances Kocian and Elsie Benfield; cousin Michael Zolondek; also many nieces, nephews and in-laws. She is predeceased by her daughter Elizabeth in 1977, her husband Henry in 2005, her brother Frank in 2014, and her parents, Peter and Eva Zolondek. Born on her parent’s farm near Hazelridge, MB. She spent five years in Winnipeg working at various jobs, including Eaton’s, before marrying in 1950 and settling down on a self-sustaining family farm, half a mile from her birth place. Farm life fed her love of nature and all the birds and animals that ventured into her domain. On the farm she nurtured a garden for 55 years. She picked wild mushrooms and berries in the bush and made her own preserves, dill pickles, pickled beets and sauerkraut. After milking the cows, she separated the milk and made butter, cottage cheese and buttermilk. She picked the eggs daily and at the end of the season, canned the chicken meat. Although her chores filled her days, she still made sure her six children did all their homework, quit their horsing around and got to bed on time, and in the morning, had a hearty bowl of porridge before heading to school. She loved country music, especially the good old fiddle! She learned to play the organ/piano as a youth and passed on the love of music to her children. Her children absolutely loved her homemade pies, donuts, ice cream, perogies, galumpky..... Her hands were never idle and gave us so much. She firmly established our religious observances - every Friday was meatless Friday, every Sunday a day of rest and Advent and Lent were strictly observed. And formed our moral character - we were indoctrinated with her most treasured values of kindness, honesty, forgiveness, humility, hard work and fairness to others. These were the values we witnessed from her daily, right through to her very last day with us. Our mother retained her gentle spirit, genuine kindness and goodness throughout all the difficulties of her life. She was a loving grandmother and a living inspiration to her seven granddaughters who saw her as a strong, resilient, resourceful woman. The family would like to thank Springfield Seniors Services for their caring support and East Gate Lodge for their compassionate care during her final years. Prayers will be said on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at 7 p.m. at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Cooks Creek MB. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 5, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. also at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, with Father Joseph Tran as Celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. ln lieu of flowers, donations may be made to East Gate Lodge, Beausejour.