Mrs. Mary Eva Sokulski

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Sokulski of Winnipegosis, MB, who left us peacefully with family members by her side on September 10, 2022 at the age of 78 years, as a result of insurmountable post-surgery medical complications.

Mary is survived and will be sadly missed by her daughter, Kathleen (Trevor) Chernecki, her dear grandsons, Zennon and Maksym; sisters and brothers, Rosalie (Willie) Bornn, Loretta (Gordon) Dyck, Barb (Maurice) Routhier, Ernie (Marliss) Smith, and Alfred Smith; many nieces and nephews and also many close and extended family members and friends. Mary was predeceased by her husband, Ken Sokulski in 1987, her parents, Helen and Alex Smith and her eldest brother, Peter Smith.

Mary was born in Dauphin, MB on September 2, 1944 and was a lifelong resident of Manitoba. Mary lived her formative years in Winnipegosis, just a few blocks from the beach, as a member of a big and boisterous family of seven siblings. As the oldest female, Mary took on a motherly role and acted as caregiver to her younger siblings and adopted many household responsibilities. She loved school and enjoyed babysitting. Mary also had many warm and happy memories of time spent in her early life at her grandparents’ farm in Pulp River, MB with the company of Aunties and Uncles, who were close in age to her.

Shortly following high school, Mary secured employment as a health care aide at the Winnipegosis Hospital, before she moved on to Portage la Prairie and to Winnipeg for similar healthcare career opportunities.

While in Portage la Prairie, Mary was introduced by an acquaintance to Ken Sokulski, a gentle young man from Winnipeg with whom she seemed to click. They soon became fast friends, and in Winnipeg, on September 2, 1967, Mary married the love of her life.

Mary embraced the nursing profession, receiving her Practical Nursing designation and experienced different aspects of nursing while employed as an LPN at Misericordia Hospital in Winnipeg. Mary worked at the St. Amant Centre and at Holy Family Nursing Home. She continued her nursing education by successfully challenging the Registered Nursing Program. She was awarded the medal of excellence for surgical nursing at her RN graduation. Mary decided that intensive care nursing was her calling. She worked in ICU at Misericordia and later Concordia Hospital until her retirement.

In 1978, Mary and Ken welcomed the March 8 birth of their daughter, Kathleen Marie. They happily embraced the change of their long term married couple status to that of active family status. They appreciated all of the joys of raising Kathy, while both working and juggling their hands-on parenting styles. Many Sunday family suppers were spent at Ken’s brother Jim’s and Yvonne’s. Memorable family trips were taken out to Winnipegosis in the summertime. Unfortunately, Ken was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in December 1987. Mary continued to work and to parent Kathy in a strong, love-filled, independent and impressive manner.

Never one to sit idle and as a talented and crafty person, over the years Mary loved to stay busy with various spare time pursuits, such as needle point projects, sewing, knitting, crocheting, cooking- especially Ukrainian foods, baking, even fishing when the opportunity arose. She could change the oil in her own lawn mower or snow blower. Mary loved to garden, whether flowers or vegetables, and could grow anything from seed. She took interest in and casually practiced massage therapy and spent many years as a consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics. She loved to visit over coffee or a rum, play cards, Scrabble and Quiddler, and tell jokes and funny stories.

Close to the end of her nursing career, Mary felt fortunate for the opportunity to participate in a cardiac drug research study. The study included travelling to many conferences, thereby experiencing the atmosphere of other cities, such as Washington DC, Quebec City, Whistler BC and even Vienna, Austria. Sometimes she even invited a sister along as her travel companion.

Always a lifelong cat lover, Mary was gifted a puppy near to her retirement. Her beloved springer spaniel Morley soon became a special and much loved fur family member.

After nearly 50 years of “city slicker life” Mary made the surprising decision to return to live in Winnipegosis, to be closer to siblings. She soon found and furnished a cute little apartment which became her new home. She enjoyed renewing old friendships and meeting new people as well as participating in local village life. Early in August, Mary left her home for Winnipeg, as it was necessary to be admitted to a Winnipeg hospital for a serious surgical procedure. Insurmountable post-surgery complications sadly lead to her passing. The family would like to thank all of the staff at The Health Sciences Centre ICU for their kindness and compassion during Mary’s excellent care.

Cremation has taken place and a private interment will be held at Glen Eden Cemetery. A celebration of Mary’s life will be planned for a later date.

Mary will always be remembered for her special caregiving nature and how she stayed connected to family and old friends. She was a strong, intelligent, independent woman who raised a daughter on her own, all while working full time and managing a household. She was such a hard worker, believed in doing things right and lived a life of honesty, integrity and had strong morals that she passed on to those that she loved. She will be greatly missed. Rest in peace sweet Mama, Nanny, sister, sister-in-law, auntie, niece, nurse Mary, fur momma, cousin, neighbour and friend. Your memory will live on in all of us whose lives you impacted so strongly.