Obituary of Mary Kalawarny

Mary Kalawarny (nee Skoleski) July 12,1932 - September 19,2010 It is with great sadness the family wishes to announce the passing of Mary Jean Kalawarny aged 78 years on Sunday, September 19 at Seven Oaks Hospital with family by her side. Left to cherish her memory is her husband George of 58 years, son Ken or always affectionately to mom as Kenny, and son Garry and daughter in law Christine, sister Olga Fitkowsky , sisters in law Stella Bloodworth, Irene Rodd, Kathy McRae (Gary), Doris Wolfe (Frank), Rose Ross, brother in law Alvin( Faye) and numerous nieces and nephews and friends. Mary was predeceased by parents John and Michalena Skoleski, brothers, Fred, Paul, Joseph and Maurice, and sisters Jean Cormie and Pearl McLennan. A loving wife, mother and friend Mary was born July 12, 1932 in St Norbert Manitoba. This is where she grew up until moving to Winnipeg in 1950, then as a young woman Mary started her journey in life working at Scott Bathgate candy factory. In 1952, she met and married her husband George, together raising two sons, and setting a path for her life. She enjoyed being a stay at home mother for the early years. Once the family business Kelly's Heating was established, mom worked in the office until dad retired in 1978. That same year mom missed the ongoing interaction with people and decided a part time job was a good solution. Mary never could say no, and the job developed into a management position with Hallmark Cards in Polo Park shopping Centre. Her outgoing personality and love of life led her to manage the store for just over 17 years, making it the second highest volume producing store in Canada. Mom retired from Hallmark in the spring 1994, but decided after a few months she still wanted to be doing what she loved most, and that was dealing with people. In the fall of 1994, once again Mary and husband George decided a family business would occupy their time. They opened a candy store Sunshine Fruit & Nut in the Shops of Winnipeg Square, which they ran until 2001. Mary was known by her clients as "Little Mary Sunshine", the little lady with a big heart. She developed many strong friendships over these years, and although she retired from active employment, she still continued her business with corporate clients for an additional three years, as she just could not give it up. The last few years mom's health started to challenge her life, but through it all she fought long and hard battling a variety of issues. Through this time, Mary never complained, she accepted what came her way and endured each obstacle with strength and determination. The support of her family and friends helped her through some very difficult times. A special thank you for longtime friend Diane Rodstrom who was always there and held a very special place in Mary's life. The family would like to express our sincere thanks to the staff of Seven Oaks Hospital Floor 3 Unit 7, with gratitude to all, especially Tammy, Michelle and Josephine who took special care of mom in her last days. Finally, thank you to Linda Sokal who for the last thirty plus years not only assisted with mom's medical needs but became a special friend. Mom, your strength, courage and wisdom will always be with us, you will always be remembered and sadly missed. We love you. Funeral service will be held Friday, September 24, at 9:30 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street at Inkster with Father Bohdan Lukie officiating. Interment at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens, 4477 Main Street. Pallbearers will be Don Fitkowsky, Ernie Fitkowsky,Jason Evanochko, and Evan Speirs. Cropo Funeral Chapel 586-8044