Mary Stella Zajacz

The family of Mary Zajacz announces her peaceful passing on Tuesday, December 10 at the incredible age of 100. Unfortunately, in her last remaining years, she was burdened with the affliction of dementia which severely affected her quality of life.

Mary was born in Vita, Manitoba on August 23, 1924 to Josephine and John Yanitski. She was one of nine siblings and was often saddened by the fact that she was the only remaining one.

She is survived by her daughter Mary, grandsons Ron (Pete) and Jared and grandchildren Brooklyn and Braydon. Predeceasing her are her husband, Joseph of over 60 years and son-in-law Dennis Chopyk.

Mary left her home in Vita as a teenager to make a life for herself in Winnipeg. She was employed by several different companies including Eaton’s Department Store and Flyer Industries.

Family meant everything to Mary and was always there to support them when a problem arose. Mary and Joe loved taking their grandsons camping, sledding, skiing and on road trips across Canada and parts of the United States in their travel van.

Her hobbies included cooking and baking and she loved all the holidays so she would start weeks ahead preparing perogies, cabbage rolls, tarts, cookies and especially her apple pies with the secret ingredient. She also enjoyed gardening and filling her many flowerbeds in the summer especially with her favourite - geraniums.

It was a long life well lived by a very special lady who will be fondly remembered by both family and friends.