Mary was born on October 13, 1927, on the Panchuk homestead north of Gronlid to Stanley and Julia Panchuk. She was the oldest of five children, was raised on the homestead, and attended Taras School. Every member of the family was expected to contribute to the farming operation. Young Mary worked next to her mother, and they grew a gigantic garden. Working at her mother’s side she learned a great deal about hard work and consequently became a wonderful cook and gardener. Mom left home to attend “Madeline Sewing School” in Saskatoon and stayed at “Mohyla Institute”, a Ukrainian residence for students.

Mom returned home and married Steve Arsenie from the Maryville district on October 3, 1948. Mary & Steve started their own farm in the Taelman District and raised cattle, pigs, chickens, turkeys, and grain. The life of a farmer’s wife was not an easy one, but Mom was a caring, compassionate individual who never       complained about a hard day’s work.

Mom’s faith was an integral part of her life. She was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox church north of Gronlid and she held the position of President of the local branch of the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada for many years. She also lent her beautiful voice in prayer during church services.

During quieter times in the winter, Mom did beautiful embroidery and wrote exquisite pysanky. Mom and Dad enjoyed fishing, traveling south, and visiting    family in Alberta and Manitoba. Mom and Dad loved babysitting their grandchildren and attending sports events, Ukrainian dancing, school band      concerts, and various other activities.

Mom and Dad continued farming well into their eighties and later retired to   Melfort. As Mom’s health began to decline, she moved to Chateau Providence Care Home in St. Brieux and later to Parkland Place in Melfort.

Mom is remembered with love by her husband of 74 years, Steve; son Bernie (Debbie) Arsenie, Gina (Greg) Campbell, Jode (Mark) Derenisky – Carter and Caidence, Christopher (Emily) Arsenie – Ellie, Rory, Luke, Myles, and Leah; daughter-in-law June Arsenie, Kaley (Eldon) McLeod – Reese and Gage, Jeff    Arsenie (Natalie Potratz), Megan (Darren) Mitchell – Charlee and Finley; son Myron (Theresa) Arsenie, Shaunda (Taras) Sorokan, Derek (Robyn) Arsenie – Denver and Emmett; daughter Janet (Andrew) Hawrysh, Anthony (Jenn) Hawrysh – Angelina, Melanie (Bryan) Sopatyk – Natalie, Alanna (Dalton) Clouthier; daughter Alice (Linden) McFarlane, Joel (Janel) McFarlane – Max, Rhea McFarlane (Colton Fritzler).

Surviving Mom are her sister Vicki Rak, brothers Eugene (Lioudmila) Patrick, Don (Judy) Panchuk, and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her son, Don; her parents, Stanley and Julia Panchuk; brother, Bill (Lena) Panchuk; brother-in-law, Karp Rak; nephew, Darcy Patrick.

The family extends their gratitude to Chateau Providence and Parkland Place for the compassionate care while Mom resided with them.

She will be greatly missed!

Вічна їй пам’ять

May her Memory be Eternal

Mary’s Funeral Service was held from St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Gronlid, on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 10:30 AM with the Very Reverend Archpriest Patrick Powalinsky officiating.  The interment followed in the Parish Cemetery.

Friends so wishing may make memorial contributions to St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, PO Box 1026, Melfort, SK S0E 1A0.

To leave condolences for the Family, please visit the online guestbook at www.fedusiakfuneralchapel.com.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Fedusiak Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Melfort. (306) 752-3838.

 

 

• Date : 2023-09-26
• Location : Melfort, SK