Mary Pundyk

August 27, 1920 – October 29, 2018

On October 29, 2018 Mary left this world peacefully at the age of 98.

Predeceased by her beloved husband Joseph. Left behind are her loving daughters Joyce Palmer of Richmond Hill, Ontario and Joanne Nischuk of Lacombe Alberta. She was blessed with 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Mary was the oldest of 12 children born to Carolyn and William Trenchuk in Myrnam, Alberta. There were 8 boys and 4 girls of which 9 are still with us and well. Mary was affectionately called “Boss”. She looked after them all while her mother worked in the fields. Life was busy and hard.

This was an extremely unique family and still is today! Everyone had a strong relationship with Mary. She was a second mother to most and a wonderful sister. Trips to Alberta and the farms were often when she was able to travel. Harvest time was a favourite. Mary tried to attend all the weddings, graduations and special occasions. Her sisters-in-law considered her a friend and mentor. They all loved her.

Among the numerous nieces and nephews, she was a favourite Aunt to many. They made sure to stop in to see Aunty Mary when in Toronto. Aunty Mary always made sure to make food or take them out for a treat. This treat usually was for a corned beef on rye sandwich. Later on, that treat became the Mandarin. Aunty Mary was famous for her well stocked candy jar and chocolate cupboard.

Mary was a seamstress by profession. Her artistic skills of design and fit were not easily matched by anyone. Her customers came from far and wide. There were often Bentleys, Rolls Royce and many cars parked in her driveway when her high-end clients came to her basement shop. Mary’s love of clothing was evident by her own wardrobe and her weekly appointments to the hairdresser. Mary always looked elegant and fashionable.

When is came to cooking, perogies and borscht were her specialties. Weekly baking of homemade bread was normal all the way into her nineties. Everyone wanted to be invited to a Sabbath Dinner prepared by Mary.

Mary’s life was strongly influenced by her religious beliefs as a Seventh Day Adventist. She was held in very high esteem as an active giver and supporter. Mary held onto the Bible promises of the Second Coming of Christ and knew God watched over and Blessed her throughout her long life. It is with those assurances that Mary passed peacefully from this world.

She will be missed.

Visitation will be held on Sunday November 4, from 2-5 p.m. at the R.S. Kane Funeral Home, 6150 Yonge St, North York. The Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel, Monday November 5 at 10:30 a.m. Interment at York Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to ADRA Canada.