We Remember

OYSTRYK, Mary

April 7, 1934 — February 19, 2026

It is with infinite sadness that our family announces the passing of Mary Oystryk. She passed peacefully on the evening of February 19, 2026.

Mary is survived by her loving husband William; sister Elsie Hayes; three daughters Theresa Nelson (Marty), Hope Martin (Terry) and Katherine O’Day (Tim); grandchildren Sean (Jenn) Winstanley and Carlie Winstanley (Jodie); and great-grandchildren Sapphire Winstanley and Jackson Winstanley. She was predeceased by her parents, Katherine and Joseph Rohatynsky, 2 sisters, Bernice Mandzuk and Stephanie Cherney, and many other family and friends.

Originally from the Rhein/Mulelake/Yorkton, Saskatchewan area, Mary relocated to Vancouver, BC with William and their two young children, Theresa and Hope. After 11 years, Mary and William did a 6-year stint in Surrey, BC, and then they moved to Kelowna, BC, with their now youngest third child, Katherine. Kelowna became their permanent home, and they remained here for 52 years.

Mary was a kind and thoughtful person who always made you smile with her sharp wit. She had the ability to draw people in, lift them up and make them feel like family. She took pleasure in feeding family and friends delicious homemade meals, and there were always generous portions of food, including more perogies and cabbage rolls than you could ever possibly eat.  Mary could often be found listening to country music such as John Denver, Patsy Cline, and Loretta Lynn. Her favourite song was Maple Sugar, a fiddle favourite with a lively beat. She enjoyed knitting, gardening, canning and loved spending time with family and friends. Mary also had an adventurous spirit and travelled to Paris, the Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Mexico, and across Canada to every Province except Newfoundland.

She is missed dearly, but she is in our hearts forever, surrounding us with her love and guiding us in all we do. The world was a better place with her in it, and we will honour her memory by following her example to be kind and caring as she was to others. We challenge anyone reading this to do the same.

Fly high with the angels until we meet again.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Mary’s favourite charities – the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

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The Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) Link: www.heartandstroke.ca, www.cnib.ca

 


 


Condolences

  • Elsie Hayes says:

    I share your sorrow and loss.She was a sister,,confidante,friend and mom to me She will be deeply missed. therefore.I accept your challenge…I promise to treat others kindly and with care in memory of my wonderful sister.

  • Jackie Marsh says:

    I have such fond memories of Mary..Sending much love to the entire family

  • Derek Martin says:

    My deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. I always enjoyed my chats with Mary; she was a lovely person. Sincerely, Derek

  • Kristine Sutherland says:

    Mary was not just a client, but a dear friend who brightened every moment. Her warmth and care touched my heart. As I cleaned away, we shared laughter and joy galore. Our conversations about food were delightful. I cherished the invitation to create perogies together, a truly special treat. Gardening and cleaning were opportunities for us to bond over shared passions. The memories we created will forever be treasured. The time we spent together in the hospital was precious. Mary, your presence will be deeply missed, yet your friendship will remain in my heart forever. Rest in peace, beautiful soul.
    Until we meet again, Mary. ❤️

  • Debbie Mazzei (Uhryn) says:

    My condolences to the family and friends. Its been a long time since I’ve seen her, but always remember her kindness and her laughter.

  • Mark Malinsky says:

    So sad to see cousin, Mary gone. Mom always said: “Mary is my favourite niece.” I’m imagining how difficult it is for her kids, and for all her family. Especially your Dad! They’ve been married so for long! They did everything together, especially travel. She was always so in touch with people she knew, and was always close by to help William with recounting of life’s experiences.
    Our condolences to the family. ❤️
    ~ Mark and Lynn Malinsky

  • Gene and Betty Denischuk says:

    Mary was born in Mulock in the RM of Sliding Hills. The GPS Location is .51°23’16.5″N 102°04’42.9″W . If you put this location in Google or Google Maps, it will show you where the house was where Mary was born and spent the first few years of her life. All the Rohatinsky, Uhryn, Oystryk ,Oucharek family’s were also born within a few miles of this Mulock Post Office. Mary started her life as a Canadian pioneer, with no power, no telephone, no electricity, no indoor plumbing, no streets or lights or sidewalks. The only communication with the world would have been a battery operated tube radio with a long wire above the house for an antenna. Mary then moved to Yorkton, photo of Mary skating at Burke school in 1948. Mary was a bridesmaid for her Auntie Elsie and Uncle Fred’s wedding in 1949. When they moved to Vancouver a summer trip back to Yorkton was their vacation. The photo of a family get together, at our farm was part of that visit. I think Mary’s favorite food was a wiener on a stick roasted over an open fire with onions, mustard and a fresh baked bun.
    Around this time a lot of family got together at Mary’s parents house on Bradbrooke in Yorkton, where we all had to be really quiet because Mary was getting a telephone call from Roy Ward Dixson with the Quiz Game show ” Take a Chance” . She had to answer a skill testing question to win her prize which was a package of house-hold items worth thousands of dollars. She got it right and we celebrated.
    Mary had to go through another change after moving to North Surrey which became Surrey and all streets with names became numbered. After many years In Kelowna, Mary went from living in her own house with and garden to a Seniors Retirement Complex.
    After all your travels, over the last 90 years, you have seen many changes in the world. Your long journey is over Mary, Rest In Peace.
    As they say in Ukrainian Вічная Пам’ять – Eternal Memory

  • Ray & Alexis Smyth says:

    God’s blessings be with you Mary and with you Bill and your family during this difficult time. Mary you were such a warm and inviting person, we loved your dinners and visits. Our prayers & thoughts are with you. Peace and healing for you Bill and your family. With Deepest Sympathy
    Ray & Alexis Smyth

  • Gene and Betty Denischuk says:

    Mary was born in Mulock in the RM of Sliding Hills. The GPS Location is
    51°23’16.5″N 102°04’42.9″W
    If you put this location in Google or Google Maps, it will show you where the house was where Mary was born and spent the first few years of her life.

  • Gene and Betty Denischuk says:

    Mary then moved to Yorkton, photo of Mary skating at Burke school in 1948.

  • Gene and Betty Denischuk says:

    Mary was a bridesmaid for her Auntie Elsie and Uncle Fred’s wedding in 1949.

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