Obituary of MARY ANTONIA PASTUCH

Mary Antonia Pastuch
1932 – 2022

And He will raise you up on eagles' wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand

With heavy hearts we announce that our Mom passed with her children at her side on Thursday, March 31, 2022. She joins her family in Heaven for all eternity. Our beautiful and courageous Mom endured Alzheimer’s, heart disease and a host of physical ailments including coronavirus, but it never hindered her smile, took away her sense of humour or muted the song in her heart. Despite all challenges, her deep kindness and love for her friends and family always shined through.   

Mom was born in Winnipeg on January 17, 1932 to Sophie (Hewak) and Michael Haykowski who immigrated to Canada (Winnipeg) from Ukraine and Poland aboard the ship Antonia. Mom married Dad (Ernest Pastuch) on September 6, 1952 and together they raised their four children in the northwest area of Winnipeg. Through the good and bad times, happy and sad, they created a family bond that has never failed, and never will.

Mom was a dedicated worker for Canada Post for many years and took great pride in the job she performed. She worked extremely hard demonstrating the highest standards of work ethic, and always encouraged her family to demonstrate determination and perseverance.

Mom loved cooking Sunday dinners because that meant her family would gather. Sunday evening after dinner meant that it was Lawrence Welk time, a favorite of Mom’s and also now a family favorite not to be missed. Time spent with her grandchildren was most precious to her. In retirement, Mom enjoyed tending to her flowers, keeping the yard in pristine condition and playing bingo with her buddies at the casino. Mom loved her music and enjoyed watching her favorite musicals, joyfully singing along with them right until her last days. In spite of the effects of strokes she endured, she remembered all of her favorite tunes and managed to get the words out.

Mom is survived by her four loving children, Barbara Pastuch (Tim Rodgers); Theresa Kennedy (John Friesen); Gary Pastuch; and Daniel Pastuch (Laurie Minaker). Grandma will be sadly missed by her precious grandchildren Matthew Kennedy (Amanda Birtwhistle); Kaleigh Rodgers (Brent Boles); Ruby and Levi Pastuch; sister-in-law Bertha Pastuch; nephews Russell and Walter Pastuch, and Bradley Lubey.

Mom was predeceased by Dad in September 2004; her mother and father, Sophie and Michael Haykowski, sister Jessie Luchak, and brothers Edward and John Haykowski. All are together once again, and watching down on their families with love.

To Rhoda, our earthly angel, the family would like to thank you for helping mom through her most difficult times. Mom felt your love. We would also like to thank the nurses and health care aides on the 5th floor Seven Oaks Hospital for caring for our dear Mom with such dedication and compassion. God Bless all of you.    

A private celebration of life will be held with cremation to follow. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Ukrainian National Federation (UNF), 935 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, in support of Ukraine’s plight.

God Bless our Beautiful Mom,

Always in our hearts and never forgotten,

‘Til we Meet Again. Do Po Bachynia.

Online link:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gFd8LJJjjZdQryKu0iZQxsJBQWClu2VP/view?usp=sharing