Marie Lypchuk

With humility and deep respect, we announce the passing of our mother, Marie Lypchuk, on September 16, 2012 in Prince Albert after a brief illness. Marie resided in Birch Hills for the greater part of her adult life with her husband Fred and their 7 children. Marie cultivated many skills that her family and friends treasured. The experience of living during times of rationing and poverty during 2 World Wars as well as the Depression in the “Dirty Thirties” instilled values of resourcefulness and a strong work ethic. These values became her strength. Her passion was gardening and cooking. With her expert care, gardens thrived to fill pantries with food supplies to last the winter. In the blink of an eye, she could create decadence in the kitchen with but a few staples. Sewing skills learned in early childhood were mastered as a young adult. Women would bring her pictures of a garment they had seen in a catalogue or magazine and Marie would create her own pattern using sheets of newspaper and tailor the garment to fit perfectly. Marie was a true entrepreneur. She owned, managed and cooked in her restaurant in Birch Hills. Home-grown garden produce was gathered, cleaned and prepared daily in the kitchen—long before “organic” became the word-of-the-day. Melt-in-your-mouth pastry adorned all home-cooked pies; cakes, donuts, strawberry shortcake—how customers loved the changing daily special. She actively worked with her husband in managing the Dreamland Theatre. All 7 children were taught life skills and a work ethic as they worked in each of the family businesses, assuming greater responsibility as they matured. After Marie sold the restaurant, she accepted employment with the Birch Hills Memorial Hospital in housekeeping and later as cook. She actively participated in perogy-making bees to fundraise for BirchView Nursing Home where she was a resident. Up until the time of her passing, residents regularly dined on her homemade pies, borscht, and other culinary treats as part of their Activity Program. The last patterned afghan she knit was completed shortly after her 98th birthday—every stitch lovingly and correctly in place. This past winter she knit and donated many finger puppets to the Victoria Hospital to be used for comfort care for children. What life lesson did she leave all of us? No matter what the age, everyone has a role to accept, a job to do. Keep active. Deep love and respect is shared by her family: Mary (Lorne) Miller; Phyllis (Wayne) Braaten; Dennis Lypchuk, Darlene Walker, Don (Marlene) Lypchuk, son-in-law Bud Stevenson and daughter-in-law Arleen Lypchuk. She was predeceased by her husband Fred; her daughter Sylvia Stevenson; her son Edward Lypchuk and grandson Russell Stevenson. Marie’s 14 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren fondly remember numerous feasts of grandma’s perogies, cabbage rolls and pies. Mom, you leave a great legacy for us to cherish. Your love, keen sense of wit, your litany of one-liners and guidance will remain in our hearts always. Your heart, our heart—one heart forever together. You are all invited to join us for a Celebration of Marie’s life at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 21, 2012 at Gray’s Funeral Chapel, 575 – 28th Street West, Prince Albert, SK with Reverend Nora Vedress officiating. Interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of other tributes, memorial donations can be made to Birchview Ladies Auxilliary, Birch Hills, SK or to a Charity of Donors Choice. Online condolences can be sent to www.grays.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, Drew Gray, Funeral Director.
 

• Date : 2012-09-16 06:00:00
• Location : Prince Albert, SK