We Remember

CHMELYK, Mary

April 8, 1929 — August 18, 2020

It is with heavy hearts, and profound sadness that the family of Mary Chmelyk announce her passing at the age of 91 years on Aug 18, 2020, at 12 pm.  She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and a friend to many who knew her. Born in Beverly, Alberta, she was 1 of 5 children to Tillie and Peter Yuzwenko. She met and married her soulmate Nicholas Chmelyk on Oct 11,  1947, in Mundare, Alberta. Together through the years, they had established successful Groceries grocery stores throughout Alberta with their first Grocery Store “Nick’s Grocery” in Edmonton, Alberta. After selling that business 4 years later, they purchased their first home and started to raise a family.  In 1959, they moved to Westbank (West Kelowna) with at that time their 3 young children and purchased The Bridge Motel. They had 2 motels when they bought the business and, in 1969, they renovated and added 6 more motels, they also added a coffee shop, grocery store, Shell gas station, and it had a service bay and also a seasonal fruit stand. It was known then as Lakeview Shell and Bridge Motel.  They were well known in the community, established many relationships and were well-loved by everyone from customer’s, to suppliers, to strangers.  Both Nick and Mary volunteered 10 years of service to Lakeview Heights’ first volunteered fire department. They had one last child in 1970 completing their family with 2 boys and 2 girls. Sadly in 1972, Mom suddenly lost her best friend and soulmate Nick Chmelyk at the age of 53. She sold the property in 1973 and moved to Rutland where she lived for many years, becoming a well known icon in the area until moving to West Kelowna. She again established relationships and made friends with everyone she came in contact with. On Sept 8, 2011, she lost her first child Robert Chmelyk to cancer.  She lived in Westbank until she moved to The Good Samaritian Mountainview Village July 2017 where she needed extra care due to her progression of dementia. Special thanks to the continuing and palliative care staff at The Good Samaritian Mountainview Village and to the wonderful nurses that loved and took care of mom so well on a daily basis. They even called her  “Baba” (grandma in Ukraine) which she loved.

Mom had a wonderful personality, she was sarcastic and cheeky in her little way. She would light up a room when she walked in and had you laughing so hard when she left. Whenever you mentioned Mary Chmelyk everyone had always something kind, loving, caring, funny, and positive to say about her. She was always there with open arms to help you when you needed it and never asked for anything in return. This world will be a different place without her, but heaven gained a special angel.

Mary was predeceased by her husband Nicholas (d.1972), her eldest son Robert (d. 2011). She is survived by her daughter Diane Abougoush (Husni); her son Ronald Chmelyk (Terrie-Lynn); and daughter Judy Sampson (Martin); along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

There will be a Prayer Service at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, at 7:00 pm. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the number of attendees will be limited if you wish to attend please click here to sign up. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by livestream. (click link below)

A Graveside Service at 11:30 am on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, 1991 Bernard Ave. Please click here to sign up.

In accordance with Mary wishes, there will be no formal service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary’s memory to the BC Alzheimer’s/Dementia Society, alzheimer.ca.

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

You are now at peace mom, we love and miss you always and forever.

THIS SERVICE WILL BE LIVE STREAMED/BROADCAST ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2020, AT 7:00 PM

Prayer Service
Tuesday, August 25, 2020, at 7:00 pm

Service
Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 11:30 am

Location
Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery

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BC Alzheimer’s/Dementia Society Link: alzheimer.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details

The prayer service for CHMELYK, Mary is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 2020, at 7:00 pm at located at 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.


The service for CHMELYK, Mary is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 11:30 am . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery

1991 Bernard Ave Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Mike and Ida Yuzwenko says:
    August 22, 2020 at 8:37 am

    Sincere condolences to Diane,Ron and Judy. Your mother was a strong women who over the years supported your father
    with every effort to make his many business ventures successful, while at the same time bringing up a family who she loved. She always made visitors to her home feel welcome and passed that ability along to her family as we have received the same warm hospitality from each of you in your homes. The next time you say something your Mom would have said or do something the way your Mom would have done it, remember to say thank you to her for her ability to demonstrate the love for others. We pray that God will comfort you in this time of sorrow. From Uncle Mike and Aunt Ida

    Reply
  • Colleen McLeod says:
    August 22, 2020 at 9:18 am

    So sorry to hear about Aunty Mary, Deepest condolences from the Titowich family. Adeline Titowich, Audrey (Titowich) and Everett Steenbergen, Colleen (Titowich) and Murray McLeod

    Reply
  • Arnie & Margaret Weninger says:
    August 22, 2020 at 1:33 pm

    We are sorry for your loss. Your mom was a firecracker. Her sense of humour a real hoot. You have our deepest sympathy and thoughts.

    Reply
  • Arnie & Margaret Weninger says:
    August 22, 2020 at 1:37 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss.
    Your mom was a firecracker. Her sense of humour was a hoot.
    Our hearts and thoughts are with you all.

    Reply
  • Tina says:
    August 25, 2020 at 1:43 pm

    My deepest condolences to you and family. I remember the hugs she gave and the kindness and caring lady she was when I came over. Big hugs. Best memory ever was your moms huge sunflowers.

    Reply
  • Pat Yuzwenko and Kevin Roche says:
    August 25, 2020 at 6:59 pm

    We were sad to hear about Auntie Mary. I have many fond memories of our visits to Kelowna to see you all, and Auntie Mary’s infectious good honour and generous spirit. She clearly loved her family dearly. I will miss her.

    Reply
  • Donald Yuzwenko says:
    August 25, 2020 at 8:04 pm

    Diane, Ron, Judy and family I am sending my deepest condolences to you in the loss of your mother. I know what it feels like, and only time will numb the pain. Just know that she is no longer in pain. I am sending you an old picture of my dad and your mom when they were young. The only other one I have is at their 70th Birthday celebration. I hope it brings some warmth to you all. Be well, Donny.

    Reply
  • John and Shirley H says:
    August 31, 2020 at 7:01 pm

    Ron And TL so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Dwell on all the good memories.

    Reply

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Testimonials

They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke