Obituary of SR. MARY BORYSOWICH, SSMI

Sister Mary Borysowich, SSMI 1923 – 2017 Sister Mary fell asleep in the Lord peacefully at home, with her care giver Anne Marie by her side on February 1, 2017 in her 94th year and 68th year of religious life. Mary Borysowich was born on August 16, 1923 in Garson, Manitoba, the youngest and only daughter of seven children to Michael Borysowich and Sophia (nee Klymus). Growing up on the farm Mary experienced the richness of country life and solidity of faith in her family. After completing high school, Mary moved to Winnipeg, where she was employed as a clerk in a grocery store. She attended St. Andrew's Church and encountered the Sisters Servants. Mary’s prayerfulness and peaceful spirit led here to enter the Novitiate of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate. She remained focused on her commitment to Jesus throughout her life. On November 20, 1949, she professed her vows taking the name Sister Martyria, later returning to her baptismal name Mary. Sr. Mary taught for eighteen years at parochial Ukrainian Catholic schools in 7 different cities in the USA: Passaic, NJ; Rochester, NY; Chicago, IL; Detroit MI; and Pennsylvania: Minersville, Kaiser and Shamokin. During summer months Sr. Mary completed her Education Degree at American Universities. Sr. Mary taught catechism in the local parishes and assisted at St. Mary’s Villa in Sloatsburg, NY. In 1970 she returned to the SSMI Canadian Province. Here she served in Windsor, Regina, Montreal, Oshawa, Ancaster, Edmonton, Saskatoon and Winnipeg as a catechist and parish worker. During summer months she served SSMI missions in Lourdes, Munich and Rome. Later Sr. Mary moved into Pastoral Care with joy visiting Hospitals, Personal Care Homes and Homes for the Disabled in Saskatoon and Winnipeg. She had a thirst for learning and continued her studies at various Universities in Canada. Her later years were spent in Winnipeg, where she remained active with telephone ministry and spiritual care visits at home. Sr. Mary experienced many hardships throughout life however, this only strengthened her ability to live a deep faith life. Her entire life she took every opportunity to grow spiritually, intellectually and emotionally, sharing insights with others. Gifted with great humor, a joy for singing and a radiant smile, she touched many lives. Sister Mary cared for her family and spent time with them in their needs. Sister Mary was predeceased by her parents, brothers Alex, John, Andrew, Peter, Walter, Bill and their spouses. She is survived by cousins and numerous nieces and nephews with their families. Funeral Liturgy will be on Saturday, February 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethany Home, 131 Aberdeen Ave. In her memory donations may be made to SSMI Lubov Foundation - HFH Building Expansion.