It is with deep sorrow that her family wish to announce the passing of their mother Mary Rubachuk age 92 years of Neepawa, MB. on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at The Neepawa Health Centre. Left to mourn her memory are her son Stacey Rybachuk of Winnipeg, MB, her daughter Joanne and her husband Reynaldo Talavera of Portage La Prairie, MB, also her granddaughter Rossana and her husband Adrian Velasco along with great-granddaughter Faye Velasco of Winnipeg, MB, and Stacey’s ex-wife Teresita Rybachuk of Winnipeg, MB, one sister Vivian Jaworski and her husband Charlie of Winnipeg, MB, her sister-in-law Sheila Enevaldsen of Alameda, SK, her sister-in-law Anne Bodnaruk of Vernon, BC, sister-in-law Nellie Goran of Neepawa, brother in-law Bill Campbell, Minnedosa, MB and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Stephen and Malvina Bodnaruk, her husband Michael in 1981 and an infant son Claudius in 1949, her sisters Nellie Stahan, Lillian Gabora, Helen Hywarren, Betty Campbell, Anne Michalkow, and her brothers Orest (Oscar) and Nestor Bodnaruk.
Mary was born on September 26, 1919 in Mikado, SK and was educated in Canora and Boguez schools in SK. On June 9, 1940 she was married to Michael Rubachuk in St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Brandon, MB. They moved to Neepawa in 1942 where her husband obtained employment with the Canadian Salt Co. During World War 2, she served as a stewardess at No. 35 Elementary Flying Training school R.A.F. Neepawa. More recently she was an employee of East View Lodge holding the position of cook for 7 years and Food Supervisor for 3 years.
She was a devoted family person and loved her family dearly. Mom was involved in various church and community activities. She was formerly active in the Order of the Royal Purple serving as “Honored Royal Lady” in 1962-63. She was an active member of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League and the St. John the Baptist parish, serving as President in the late 50’s and early 60’s, and over the years she held every position in the Women’s organization.
Mom had a kind and gentle manner, often donating to various causes. She donated generously to her church, poor children in India and Ukraine, CUSO, CARE, Covenant House, Human Life International, Red Cross, CNIB, and many other causes.
She had a tremendously deep love for “Our Lord” and “Our Lady,” and felt she had a calling to a deeper spiritual life. She enjoyed daily mass whenever possible. For several years she worked with the sisterhood in the church, looking after the linens, keeping the church clean and helping with the candles. For many years she was leader of the Padre Pio Prayer Group here in Neepawa, which was her pride and joy. She was Padre Pio’s spiritual child. She was a member of the Pillars and Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which is a religious community dedicated to spread the Fatima message, which has been inspired by Our Lady for the Triumph of Her Immaculate Heart. It has 12 pillars and she was one of the chosen ones from this area.
Prayers with the rosary being led by the Prayer Group and viewing were held on Friday, June 1 at 7:00 pm at White’s Funeral Chapel in Neepawa, MB. The funeral mass was held on Saturday, June 2 and 10:30am at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Neepawa, MB with Father Emil Kardasinec officiating, followed by burial at the Neepawa Cemetary.
Special thanks to Drs. Kelly and Nasralla and staff at the Neepawa Health Centre for keeping mom as comfortable as possible during her last day with us. We would also like to thank the staff at Country Meadows Personal Care Home for the excellent care mom received since moving there in October 2009.
Thank you to Father Emil for officiating at the prayers and funeral mass and also thanks to the cantor, choir, cross bearer, Elder and Pallbearers. Thank you to Brian and Nathan at White’s Funeral Home for making the arrangements and for their care and compassion.
Time changes many things
But love and memories ever cling
We’ll love and miss you always mom
