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MARY WOLOSHYN It is with profound sadness that the family of Mary Woloshyn (nee Stefanec) announce her passing on September 30, 2015 at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, MB, at the age of 84. Mary grew up in the Kilkenny area of Manitoba where she met and married Bill Woloshyn the next door neighbours' son. Mary was predeceased by her loving husband Bill Woloshyn. They have five children together: Peter (Pauline) Woloshyn (Edmonton AB), Tina (Henry) Bazilewich (Winnipeg); Carl (Shelley) Woloshyn (Teulon, MB), Angela (Kevin) Anderson (Narol, MB), Kathy Woloshyn (Ken Miskiewicz) (Winnipeg MB); Lee Woloshyn (Krystal) (Fisher Branch) (grandchild); sisters Anne Kalyta and Pearl Chuba of Fisher Branch; sister-in-law Gladys Grodecki (Saskatoon, SK); and brother-in-law Gordon Slobidnyk (Pat) (Winnipeg). After her schooling Mary left Manitoba and worked for Simpsons in Toronto in her younger years, returning to Fisher Branch to care for her ailing mother. As her family grew older she worked for Perth's Cleaners, SuperLite Manufacturing Co. and Nutty Club Candy in Winnipeg before moving back to Fisher Branch, Manitoba to continue farming. Mary grew up the second oldest of three girls and at a very young age recalls having a love for music. She taught herself how to play the guitar and together with her husband Bill would go on to become the founding members of the Interlake Polka Kings; one of the most popular Ukrainian Musical groups in Canada during the 1960s and 1970s. The Ukrainian Music Association awarded Mary Woloshyn: The Golden Achievement award for Rhythm Guitar and Vocals; a Golden Achievement award (2005) and a Lifetime Achievement award (50 years) for her contribution over the decades to Ukrainian music. Mary loved music and loved to watch the people dance, enjoying performing, and having a good time. She toured Western Canada putting on stage shows and dances in innumerable towns in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta and continued playing her guitar and singing during her residence at the Holy Family Nursing Home in Winnipeg until her passing. Mary was a musician, wife, mother, Baba and mentor to her eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was one of the most gentle, caring souls that ever walked the earth with a firm set of religious and moral principles and values she lived by. Her soft spoken nature on the exterior was in contrast to the strength and determination of her inner spirit and that we would see on so many difficult occasions throughout her life. She continually sought ways to improve herself, loved reading, playing guitar, composing and translating songs and singing. Baba was an excellent cook, making some of the best cabbage rolls, and pyrogies but famous for her bread and doughnuts. Mary never ended a meal without a dessert of some kind. Even meals in the field always included dessert. She will never be forgotten by her friends and family. She has left behind a legacy of children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and relatives who will never forget her. Above all she leaves behind music and songs. The saying is, "The Song Never Dies, Just the Singer". Mary left behind her songs for us all to enjoy. Mom would have wanted all of us to not feel sorry for her, to take care of each other and live our lives in the best way possible. The family would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation for the excellent care given to her at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. In particular Doctor Sharma who struggled to help Mom with her illness, going well beyond what would normally be expected, all the while treating her with the dignity, grace, respect and compassion she so richly deserved. Our thanks also extends to the staff at Holy Family Nursing Home for their excellent care and attention during her two year stay. Mary loved being there. Every Ukrainian Stage Show and Dance that the Interlake Polka Kings performed ended the same way and it says a lot about what Mom was all about. .....And with the sound of a Gibson guitar softly strumming Mary Woloshyn sings the last song of the last show: Keep on the sunny side; always on the sunny side Keep on the sunny side of life. It will help us every day; it will brighten all the way If we keep on the sunny side of life. Vichnaya Pamyat Services at Fisher Branch Roman Catholic Church, Fisher Branch, Manitoba at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 9, 2015, Father Harry Chuckry officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holy Family Nursing Home, 165 Aberdeen Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2W 179. Interment at the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery following the service. FISHER FUNERAL HOME INC. In care of arrangements. 204-372-6271 or 204-372-6803
Publish Date: Oct 6, 2015
MARY WOLOSHYN Peacefully, and surrounded by her family, our loving mother and Baba, Mary Woloshyn (nee Stefanec) of Fisher Branch, MB passed away September 30, 2015 at the age of 84. Complete obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Oct 2, 2015
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 06, 2015
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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I am so sorry to hear of Mary's passing. Her and my baba, Anne Chubaty, shared a room together when they first arrived to Holy family two years ago. They both obtained independent rooms shortly after, but Mary would always come by and visit my baba, making sure that she know what was happening that day, going for walks to the garden together with the other ladies and just being a good friend. I'm sure that my baba appreciated her company, even though she is fighting Alzheimer's and may not remember anything at the moment, her spirit will never forget Mary's love towards others. She was a one of a kind woman that will be missed for eternity. I hope her and Mr. Woloshyn are playing polka's and making great music right now and that we can join the party with them once it is our time. My deepest condolences to the family & friends in mourning. Lots of love from Larysa & her Lucky dog (as well as the rest of the Chubaty & Grywinski families) - Posted by: Larysa Grywinski (Friend) on: Oct 08, 2015
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Myself, my partner Lee and my sister Freda would often drop in to see Mary at Holy Family Nursing Home while visiting another lady there (Simone who is 97) and we would all meet together for coffee. Quite often when we went to Mary's room to get her she was already entertaining residents and staff with her guitar and her mellow voice. What a kind hearted and gentle woman she was. Always so caring. We were so impressed also by her lovely white silvery hair and her never forgotten smile. Simone said she will miss seeing her at the nursing home and we will so very much miss her as well. - Posted by: Dan Park (Cousin) on: Oct 07, 2015
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Our thoughts and prayers are with Tina, Henry and family. May your memories be your comfort at this time. - Posted by: PAULETTE AND BOB HUFF (FRIENDS) on: Oct 07, 2015
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I have been a fan of the Interlake Polka Kings for many years. Mary and Bill have left a legacy of music for years. My favorite tunes are Mother's Flowers and Roger's Polka. I want to give my condolences to the family. Mary is now with her Billy. R. I. P. - Posted by: Judy Shkolny (fan) on: Oct 07, 2015
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I first met Mary when my mom (her aunt) took me to the family farm in the 1940's. She played a guitar and sang country songs, taking care to write out every word of the song - learned from a battery radio which used the clothes line as the antenna - and enter it into a binder. This had a significant impact on a 12 year old who was just starting to discover the joy of music. Soon I had a guitar, a binder and was following Mary's routine for writing out songs. She encouraged me to continue singing, playing and performing which I did. For this I will be ever grateful as music became a major part of my life and still is to this day. "Keep on the Sunny Side" best describes May's outlook on life and will be my best memory of my musical cousin. - Posted by: Lawrence Diachun (Cousin) on: Oct 07, 2015
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I have been a fan of Bill and Mary Woloshyn's Interlake Polka Kings for over 40 years and this truly is a heavy loss to this genre of music. Thankfully Mary and Bill left a legacy of good music behind that us, as fans are able to cherish forever. Vichnaya Pamiat Mary! - Posted by: Don Bilinski (Fan) on: Oct 06, 2015
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My condolences to the family. Mary had the most beautiful voice for singing. That will always be my memories. - Posted by: mavis maydanuk (Friend) on: Oct 06, 2015
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She'll be remembered as a Ukrainian Canadian and Manitoba musical legend who brought joy to so many people! ~Вічная Пам'ять~ - Posted by: Fan () on: Oct 06, 2015
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I will truly miss Mary.She had an amazing ability to bring resident,staff and visitors together usually in song. She was our social butterfly.Not only was she musical, she was also a great story teller. The stories usually ended in laughter. We will never forget you Mary, God Bless you.My sincerest condolences to Mary's family. - Posted by: Tina Gawron (Eve Nurse St. Mary's Unit) on: Oct 05, 2015
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Dear Mom your earthly journey is complete u r now in Spirit and we will remember you always as the songbird of our family ... Even when u were so ill u managed to sing a song and lift others spirits ... We miss your beautiful smile and gentle manner ... Your memory will live on in our hearts forever ❤️ love you amazing Moma !!!!! Tina and Henry - Posted by: Tina bazilewich (Daughter) on: Oct 04, 2015