MARY PETRUSIAK

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MARY PETRUSIAK (nee KOWALYSHYN) May 1, 1927- January 5, 2015 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Petrusiak on January 5, 2015. Mary was predeceased by her husband William Petrusiak, and her brother Michael Kowalyshyn. She leaves to mourn her passing, and cherish her memory her three children: daughter Cynthia Lee Sinclair (Michael), son Darren William Petrusiak, son Brian Patrick Petrusiak (Lorrie), and granddaughter, Samantha Dawn Marie Petrusiak. She also leaves behind her sisters Ethel, Olga and Ann, brothers Bill (Olive), John (Judy), and Lawrence (Carol), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mary was born Maria Kowalyshyn to Ann and George Kowalyshyn on May 1, 1927 in Saskatchewan. At the tender age of 15, mom left the farm and courageously struck out for the big city Winnipeg, where she found work at the lunch counter in Kreske's. While life on the farm was difficult, especially during the depression, life in the big city was no bed of roses. Mom worked hard waitressing for very little pay, but she and her girlfriends still found enough money left over to occasionally go out to the local dances. It was at one of these dances that she met William Petrusiak the man who would become the love of her life. For his part, Dad always said he fell in love with Mom at first sight. He spotted this pretty, vivacious slip of a girl across the crowded room, and got up to ask her to dance. They married on June 14, 1950 and shared a love story that lasted 38 years until Dad passed away in 1987. Mom and Dad did not have an easy life. They were never wealthy in financial terms, but they were rich in terms of the love and generosity they shared with family and friends. As a young couple, they entertained frequently, and there was always music, dancing, laughter, good food and drink and plenty of fellowship. Mom believed in helping anyone she could, and her kind and gentle heart helped many a family member or friend in need. Before any children came along, Mom and Dad owned and operated two restaurants. The first one was on the corner of Portage and Broadway, and burned down in a fire. The last one Mary-Ann's Grill was on the corner of McPhillips Street and William Avenue. A small affair, it catered to the truckers, and was the place where mom really excelled at cooking. Mom was a terrific baker her pies were incomparable, and her bread was as light as heaven. Mom stopped working when Brian was born, and became a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. We were all spoiled with the incredible feasts she created out of very little. Mom made the best perogies, cabbage rolls, and borscht and we always had home canned vegetables and fruits, and home made bread. She taught herself to sew, initially to save money and be able to clothe her growing family, but she quickly became an accomplished seamstress, designing and making beautiful outfits. She loved camping with the family every summer and gardening. She returned to work part time as a housekeeper for Fred Douglas Lodge when her youngest was four, and she continued working at the personal care home until her retirement in 1992. As a retiree, mom found the time and opportunity to indulge in travel. She travelled to England twice to visit her daughter, and took a trip to Orlando, Florida with 2 of her children and her granddaughter at the age of 77. She even rode the roller-coasters! Mom's last years were spent living at Devonshire House where she made many friends, and enjoyed a life of luxury. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the folks at Devonshire House who made her last two years so comfortable. A special thank you to the staff of 5th floor, unit 4 of Seven Oaks Hospital who tenderly cared for her in the last weeks of her life you are all angels! We would also like to thank Drs Wilson and Dowling, and the WRHA Palliative Care Team for their kindness and support. A celebration of Mary's life will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the Coutu Funeral Chapel, 680 Archibald Street. Flowers gratefully declined, in lieu of donations in Mary's memory to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 10, 2015