Mary Burtnick

Into loving arms Mary Burtnick was born to Paul and Katrina-Teresa Moroz (Ryback) on March 18, 1925, at the farm home in the RM of Strathclair, Manitoba, being the third of five children.  She was baptized, confirmed, and sealed with God’s Holy Spirit on March 29th, 1925, at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Dolyny, Manitoba.  As a child Mary was influenced by the honest, kind, patient, and gentle nature of her father and the dedication to hard work of her mother.  Throughout her life, Mary was devoted to, and maintained a strong Catholic faith, often seen on her knees in prayer as her parents did.  She attended Flowers School until grade seven, and at the age of thirteen, entered the work force working as a housemaid.

At the age of sixteen she met her future husband, Alex Burtnick at a school concert, and after a brief courtship, at the young age of seventeen they were united in marriage on February 8, 1942, in the same church she was baptized.

Mary’s life took on a new role when she became a mother at the age of eighteen.  She loved being a mother; blessed with many of her father's characteristics, she was perfectly chosen for this role.  She was dedicated to guiding her children, Billy, Johnny, Shirley, Larry, and Barry, with the same morals, traditions, and values she was raised with, often reminding them of the power in prayer.  The family worked diligently to survive; with Mary working alongside her husband on the farm while the oldest child cared for the younger siblings.

As the daughters-in-law and son-in-law were introduced, she welcomed them with respect.  When God witnessed what a powerful force, she was in raising her children, He blessed her with thirteen grandchildren.  She loved all her grandchildren equally and every grandchild was blessed to have her as their grandma.

Mary loved to cook, bake apple pies to serve or send home with those who came to visit, tend to her beautiful flower garden, sing as she hoed, and an evening at bingo.

After 40 years of marriage, Mary was faced with the challenge of being on her own which was met and triumphed like all the other challenges in her life; with faith, strength in prayer and God.  As her family expanded with the birth of great and great, great grandchildren her love multiplied and she cherished every one of them.  She had a very special gift of sharing her love equally among all her family members.

Although her spirit remained strong, her mind slowly became affected by the heart-breaking disease of dementia, and eventually she re-located to her new home in Russell, Manitoba.  After two and a half years in Russell Mary moved to the Sandy Lake Personal Care Home in May of 2011 taking her beautiful infectious smile and her faith with her.  She continued to be part of family visits.  Even though her mind became frail she never missed a word when in prayer.

On July 23, 2021, Mary was called home by our Heavenly Father, and she peacefully took the journey to His Holy Kingdom.  Mary had always made it known that God, the bible, and family were very important to her.  She had the gift to grant forgiveness to others, allowing her soul to remain in peace through her entire life.  A beautiful lady inside and out who was truly special and will remain a treasure in our hearts. Until we meet again, we know you will be patiently waiting for us to join you with open, loving arms.  Vichnaya Pamyat!

Mary was predeceased by her brothers Peter and Walter; sisters Maria and Rose; sons Billy and Johnny; granddaughter Marilyn; great granddaughters Angel and Kendra; daughter-in-law Marlene; and son-in-law John.

She will be lovingly missed by her children Shirley, Larry (Debbie), Barry; daughter-in-law Diane; her twelve grandchildren Kenneth, Shannon, Cameron, Delane, Patrick, Jason, Derrick, Natalie, Karla, Kevin, Kristen and Jenna; numerous great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.