Mary’s childhood under a brutal Communist government was very difficult. However, despite being forced to take care of herself and her 5 younger brothers and sisters with virtually no parental support or formal Christian teaching, Mary grew her faith from seeds planted by a God-fearing grandmother. God saw Mary through the 4-month-long, wretched, muddy trek from Ukraine to Poland; God comforted Mary when she was separated from her entire family in the tumultuous last months of the war; God accompanied her across the Atlantic and the many miles to Coaldale, Alta., where she found a spiritual family. It was also there that Mary met and married Ernest and raised their family. Throughout her life, Mary’s faith in a loving and faithful God never wavered. She is remembered for her hard work, her eagerness to help anyone in need, her fierce love for her family, and her determination to always do her best. She gave hugs and smiles to the very end.
