Mary Umrysh, who was born and raised in Canora, celebrated her 100th birthday on March 24 at her residence in Brampton, Ont. with family members and fellow residents.
Umrysh spent the first 89 years of her life in Canora, before accepting the invitation of her daughter Muriel Wyroniuk to move to Brampton, where Wyroniuk and her family live.
Umrysh was born on Canora in 1918 to Nicholas and Nellie Lewchuk, the eldest of eight children, said Wyroniuk. Her three living siblings are Ernie and Orest Lewchuk of Canora, and Sonia Ferguson of Calgary. Deceased siblings are Paul and Natalie Lewchuk, Anne Kovach and Elizabeth Kokorudz.
Umrysh’s lifelong devotion to being a caregiver started at a young age with looking after her siblings. She was 20 years older than her youngest sister Sonia.
She married her husband John in 1936, and they raised two daughters in Canora: Wyroniuk and Gloria Anaka.
“She was a devoted mother who always radiated unconditional love and joy, along with her strong faith in God,” said Wyroniuk.
John passed away in 1976.
Wyroniuk said her mother’s passion for looking after the needs of family members has continued through her whole life. Tekla Umrysh, her mother-in-law, lived in Alberta until a stroke left her paralyzed on one side. Mary had her brought to Canora and was her mother-in-law’s primary caregiver for over 14 years.
Before she left Canora 11 years ago, she was a dedicated volunteer for organizations such as St. Paul’s United Church and the Canora Union Hospital.
Umrysh has three living grandchildren (one deceased) and four great-grandchildren.
She has had a life-long interest in reading, gardening, music and spending time with family.
Wyroniuk said her mind is not as sharp as it used to be as she gets older, but she still enjoys singing and being with her family.
She loves to recall the events and people which made her years in Canora memorable, and enjoys hearing updates of recent happenings from her birthplace.
Plans are in place for five or six parties in the coming year to celebrate Umrysh’s 100th birthday with those close to her.
