KURYLUK - Sadly, we, the family of Mary Kuryluk of Yorkton announce that she passed away peacefully at the Yorkton & District Nursing Home on Sunday, April 22, 2018 that at the age of 96 years.
Born August 1, 1921, at Calder SK, Mary was the third child born to Nestor Woroschuk and Artimiza Axenty. Mary married John Kuryluk on February 16, 1939, at Calder SK. They farmed grain, dairy, poultry, pigs and cattle in the Wroxton area until 1975 when they retired to Yorkton SK.
While living in the Wroxton area, she was involved in the community at the Stornoway Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Saints Peter & Paul. She was an Elder Sister and was a member of the Ukrainian Women's Association (Ladies Guild) at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton.
Mary loved many things. She loved deep red borscht, cabbage rolls and perogies smothered in sour cream and fried onions; She loved a beautifully set table with many leftovers proving that her guests did not leave hungry; She loved talking with John in Ukrainian to keep her children guessing; She loved to be surrounded by the laughter and company of her family; She loved celebrating special occasions like Christmas and Easter and held her family traditions dear; She loved baking and eating her own bread, especially kolach and baba-bread; She loved sneaking the odd sweet treat and said that her pancreas didn't know she had diabetes; She loved finding something on sale and if it was a good enough deal, she'd buy two; She loved growing a huge garden so that she could give away its bounty; She loved being frugal and recycling things like using old pantyhose to stake her tomatoes; She loved her independence; She very much loved Jesus and her faith in God Almighty.
She was one of several thrifty women who participated in noodle making bees where a communally owned machine was used to disperse costs. She greatly enjoyed embroidery, crocheting & knitting, quilting, making custom ceramics & paper tole crafts, preserving the harvest of her enormous garden, and cooking for visiting family and friends. Mary took her bingo playing seriously, often surfing a dozen cards or more at a time and almost always sharing her wins when they happened. Playing canasta and rummy were favourite games at home while she favoured the slot machines at the casino.
To keep busy after her husband passed away, she took a part-time job for four years at the York Inn Motel. In retirement she enjoyed taking bus trips with friends and family to California, Florida, Texas, Nevada, Mt. Rushmore, the Super Bowl in California among many other places.
She gave up driving when she turned 90 and moved from her house to the small community at Allen Bay, followed by Aspen Bluffs and finally at the Yorkton & District Nursing Home.
These sentiments written in Mary's handwriting were discovered amongst her personal papers following her death: "I want my family to remember me for my generosity, honesty, fairness, loving kindness, and sharing (and that I) loved giving, never expected anything in return."
She was an amazing mother and will be greatly missed by her surviving daughter and two sons: Mabel (Cliff Liebrecht) of Okotoks AB; Stan Kuryluk (Shirley) of Humboldt SK; and Ted Kuryluk (Barb) of Winnipeg MB. She will be forever loved and adored as "Grandma" and "Baba" by grandchildren: Cindy (Dave Bettesworth) of Swan River MB; Leander Dueck (Angie) of Winnipeg MB; Greg Liebrecht (Tracy) of London ON; Dena Denali of Okotoks AB; Shelly Kuryluk of Saskatoon SK; Shaun Kuryluk of Prince Albert SK; Sharleen (Corey Therres) of Humboldt SK; Tara (Ralston Alexander) of Winnipeg MB; and Jon Kuryluk of Winnipeg MB; and thirteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. She was a cherished friend and confidant to her remaining eldest sister, Elsie Todosichuk of Kamsack SK, and a favourite "Auntie" to many nieces, nephews and extended family.
She was predeceased by her husband John of 37 years in 1976, her daughter Donna Dueck in 2004, her son-in-law Hank Dueck in 2007, her mother Artimiza Axenty in 1955 and her father Nestor Woroschuk 1964, sister Nonie Shewchuk in 2010, brother Peter Woroschuk in 2016.
The family is deeply appreciative of the care and compassion that the doctors and nursing staff gave her during her long-term stay.
Prayers were held on Sunday, April 29, 2018 and the Funeral Service on Monday, April 30, 2018 at Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton with Very Rev. Father Mel Slashinsky officiating. The responses were led by Yvonne Panchuk & parish choir members. The cross bearer was Dylann Therres. Members of the Ukrainian Women's Association participated in an honour guard. The interment followed in the Garden of Crucifixion at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with David Bettesworth, Leander Dueck, Shaun Kuryluk, Lance Dueck, Jon Kuryluk and Ryan Bettesworth serving as the casket bearers. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com
Memorials in memory of Mary may be made to Holy Transfiguration Church as gifts of remembrance.
Xpuctoc Bockpec - Christ Is Risen!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Kuryluk (Woroschuk), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.