MINCHUK, Mary

January 29, 1933 — July 10, 2025

Born on January 29, 1933, Mary Minchuk went to be with the Lord peacefully surrounded by family on July 10, 2025, at the age of 92.

Mary is survived by her children Brenda (Bruce) Killick, Beverley Bishop, Lavina (Greg Parker) Gaucher, Gerald (Gillian) Minchuk, and Angela (Brian) Pomeroy; grandchildren Abra, Adam, Mitchell, Barbara, Andrew, Marissa, Christopher, Michaela, and Mazee; as well as by her great-grandchildren Logan, Ayden, Isaac, Rose, Sawyer, Sienna, Aubree, Iyla and Mia.

Sadly, Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband, William Minchuk; her parents Walter and Katherine Skotnitsky; siblings Anton & Jeanette Skotnitsky, Carl & Paulette Skotnitsky, Emily & Walter Strutynski, Nettie & Fred Jemieff; and her nephew Ken Strutynski.

Mom and Dad’s story started the way all great prairie romances do, with a dance floor and a crown. She wasn’t just anyone that night in Wroxton, Saskatchewan – she was crowned the Princess. And Dad, clearly no fool, knew a good thing when he saw it.

They began their life together as farmers, but fate had a plot twist in store. Dad was diagnosed with TB; the whole young family (two little ones in tow) packed up for Fort Qu’Appelle, SK, where Dad entered treatment at the Sanitorium. It wasn’t easy, but somehow, Mom made it feel safe. She held the family together with her strong mixture of faith and resilience.  Her kids didn’t feel fear; they felt love. That was Mom for you.

Once Dad recovered, we set off again (this time to Regina, SK) where they owned a general store. It was a family effort, but let’s be honest: it was Mom’s effervescent personality, her beautiful smile, and friendly conversing way with people that brought folks back. She somehow balanced raising two more children while charming the socks off every customer who walked through the door.

And then, off to Vancouver! A new city, another leap of faith. Dad kept chasing entrepreneurial dreams (successfully), while Mom kept the real show running – home. Now she cared for five children, a household, and she still had that same unstoppable warmth that made everything feel possible.

In the early 70s, the family made their next big move to Kelowna, BC. That’s when Mom started working outside the home, mostly in women’s retail. And she didn’t just work, she sparkled. At Ashton’s and Cleo’s, she quickly became the top saleswoman. Who could resist her charm, her eye for fashion, and that lovely way she had of making people feel seen?

To us, she was simply Mom (and Baba). She was generous with her time, her love, and her laughter. She was beautiful in the way that truly matters, and practical too. Mom was legendary in the kitchen, a master baker and cook. The smell of fresh bread and cooking always filled her home (always opening her door to put on a large meal for family), especially preserving our Ukrainian heritage traditions at Christmas and Easter. She was a warm shoulder and a quiet force behind every birthday, every crisis, every “Mom, can you help me with this?” She helped us with everything from our work to our worries. When we grew older, we knew it wasn’t easy, but she didn’t make it about her, no guilt trips – just her, always giving what she could.

Once she retired, she simply swapped paid work for unpaid purpose. She volunteered with Interior Health’s community meal programs, charmed visitors at the KGH gift shop, and made everyone feel welcome as a Greeter. She was also a devoted part of St. Pius X Parish, showing up not just in body, but in spirit. Thankfully, she and Dad also carved out time to rest and recoup during their retirement, often escaping to warmer places for extended holidays. They’d earned it, after all.

If there was one role that lit her up the most, it was being Baba. She absolutely flourished with her nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She enjoyed helping with homework, knitting and crocheting slippers and blankets, keeping the younger generations warm and snug. She also went to school concerts, hockey and baseball games, dance recitals, and everything in between. She never missed a chance to say how proud she was; and she meant every word. Her pride in her family was the real, teary-eyed, beaming kind that only a Baba can pull off.

Mom’s steadfast and unconditional love for her children, grandchildren, great-grand children, siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends reflected her close relationship to her Lord and Saviour, Jesus. She bore the fruits of the Holy Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

There will never be another like her; she will be missed by us forever.

We would like to thank the care team at the Village at Mill Creek; in the last few years of her life they gave her respectful and compassionate care, she gave so much, thank you for giving to her.

A Funeral Mass will be held on SATURDAY, AUGUST 02, 2025, at 10:30 AM (PDT), at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1346 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC. A reception will be held following the service.

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