Mary Bartoshewski

Mary Bartoshewski (née Kolodziej) was born on December 30, 1936, in St. Catharines, Ontario, the only child of John and Olga Kolodziej.

After completing her schooling, Mary took a nursing course and worked in the health field for several years. During that time, she was introduced to an eligible bachelor who came to Ontario each winter to visit relatives. Love blossomed, and Mary and Nick were married on March 3, 1973.

Nick brought his bride to his home in Wynyard. A city girl at heart, Mary became a farmer’s wife— a change that took some getting used to. Nick’s mother lived with them for 15 years, reaching the remarkable age of 100. Mary’s background and experience ensured she was well cared for. While Nick and his nephew, Helenya Kachu, spent their days at the farm, Mary and her mother-in-law kept busy at their home on 8th Street.

Mary enjoyed gardening and tending to her flowers, and she took pride in canning and freezing vegetables. Their root cellar stored not only their own potato crop but often extra for neighbours as well.

Mary and Nick enjoyed a “hot holiday” every winter, travelling to sunny destinations such as Mexico, the Caribbean, and Grenada, just to name a few. In the summers, they took day trips to the Ukrainian Festival in Dauphin, Camp Easter Seal in Watrous, Lansdowne Regional Park, and even ventured further to British Columbia and Alberta.

Accustomed to city life with public transit, Mary had never needed a driver’s licence. Determined to gain independence, she took driver’s education and earned her Class 5 licence. It gave her the freedom to run errands around town and even travel to Yorkton and Wadena.

Mary was an active member of the Sacred Heart UCWLC and received her 25-year pin last year. She thoroughly enjoyed working together with the ladies to prepare for various events.

Mary later became a dedicated volunteer at Golden Acres Nursing Home, helping with the Breakfast Club and visiting residents. In the fall, she could often be found outdoors, and her garage became a favourite gathering spot at prune time, where volunteers and residents alike were treated to fresh air and Mary’s ever-present ice cream treats. When she eventually became a resident herself, she would often say with a smile, “Just to think, I used to work here!”

Mary and Nick spent many afternoons in the gazebo in their backyard, and visitors were always welcome around the kitchen table. Mary was known for her lively conversation and hospitality, often accompanied by a beverage or two. Easter and Christmas were especially meaningful, celebrated with traditional foods and cherished time together.

Nick passed away on February 25, 2005. With the help of neighbours and extended family, Mary was able to remain in her home until 2016. A highlight in her later years was a memorable trip to Ukraine with the Wishart Hope Farm Club.

As her health declined, Mary moved to the Wan-Dor Inn Personal Care Home in Foam Lake in May 2016. In December 2023, she became a resident at Rosewood Golden Acres.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Nick, on February 25, 2005.

Mary is survived by her cousin Adam Lichota and family of Princeton, New Jersey, U.S.A.; her second cousin, Marion Driscoll and family of Prince Albert; as well as her Bordaschuk nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

The city girl truly became a prairie girl, and lived a full and meaningful life surrounded by family and friends. She will be fondly missed by all who knew her.

Donations in Mary’s memory can be made to:

Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church | PO Box 728 | Wynyard, SK | S0A 4T0

If you wish to send a sympathy card to Mary's family, they can be mailed to:

PO Box 819 | Wynyard, SK | S0A 4T0