Obituary of Mary Walchuk

WALCHUK - Mary Walchuk (nee Sawchuk) of Melville, Saskatchewan widow of the late Edward Walchuk, entered her eternal rest on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre after a short battle with cancer. She was 88 years of age. Mary was born on August 22, 1925 in the Ituna District of Saskatchewan, a daughter to Fred and Katie (nee Myluk) Sawchuk. Mary grew up and helped her parents on the family farm. She received her education at Spondon School. In 1946 Mary was united in marriage to Edward Walchuk. The couple farmed east of Melville and were blessed with nine children. While raising a family and being a self taught cook she was a cook at the following places the C.N.R. café (The Beanery), King George Hotel and St. Paul Lutheran Home. Mary's favorite time of the year was finding saskatoon berries, as long Poison Ivy didn't find her first, as she was very allergic to. Mary tried her hand at many hobbies, but her green thumb got in the way of most of them. She loved gardening, enjoyed listening to Wilf Carter, playing cards and evening chats with the ladies in her building at the Melville Apartments. She felt very fortunate living across the alley from the Melville Library as she had a passion for reading books. Mary's most passion was seeing her grandkids more than anything else. Mary is survived by seven children; Judy (Steven) Bohay, Gary Walchuk; Alvina (Sean) Peppard, Audrey Walchuk (Tim), Sandra (Kirk) Worth, Gilbert Walchuk and Colleen Dyer. Mary is Grandma to 17 grandchildren, 24 great grand children and 2 great great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law; Irene Sawchuk, Agnes Callow, Peggy Matewush, Sylvia Walchuk and Rose Walchuk. Predeceased by her parents: her husband Edward in 2008, her son Calvin in 2000, and daughter Georgia in 2003; her Siblings Walter (Jean) Sawchuk and Arthur Sawchuk; her in laws; John (Lilly) Walchuk, Bernice (Ed) Peachy, Karl (Rose & Marge), William (Anne), Julius, Edmund (Marge), Gene (John) Chipeur, Eugene (Molly), Wesley Walchuk and Walter Matewush. Prayer Services were held on Friday, February 14, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home, Melville with with Rev. Father Antoni Degutis O.M.I. presiding. Mr. Leonard Varga led in the singing of the hymns "Only A Shadow" and "Immaculate Mary". A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. from St. Henry's Roman Catholic Church in Melville with Rev. Father Antoni Degutis O.M.I. as the Celebrant. Pat Walton did the Readings and Eucharistic Minister was Ron Walton. Organist, Len Gadica led in the hymns, "Amazing Grace", "I Will Never Forget You", "You Are Mine" and "On Eagle's Wings". Honorary bearers were All Mary's remaining grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. The interment followed in the St. Henry's Parish Cemetery with grandsons, Bradley Bohay, Paul Milani, James Balaberda, Richard Churko, Robert Churko and Brian Churko as the casket bearers. Arrangements were by Bailey's Funeral Home Service Information Friday, February 14th, 2014 7:00pm Saturday, February 15th, 2014 10:00am, St. Henry's Roman Catholic Church Interment Details St. Henry's Roman Catholic Parish Cemetery