Mary Elizabeth Koczka

September 5, 1923 – May 5, 2021

With heavy hearts, the family of Mary Elizabeth Koczka (nee Brecht) announce her peaceful passing at her daughter’s acreage on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 97 years of age. She will be lovingly remembered by her family:  daughters Wanita Koczka  (Earl Harms) , Winnifred Tarko (Ron), Wanda Pegg (Glen) and son Wayne Koczka (Dezarae); daughters in law , Pat Farago, Betty Hersberger (Tom Erdman) grandchildren: Jay, Joel, Kristina, Stephanie, Scott, Kim, Corina, Kevin, Chad, Brittany, Jane, Jackson, Maximillian, Cassiopeia, Matthew, Kalley, Kaitlyn, Ethan and  their partners;  great grandchildren:  Andrew, Ariel, Carter, Luca, Samantha, Kennedy, Seger, Gabriel, Naomi, Nathanial, Samuel, Carver, Torin, Theodore and Alexander;  sister Brigetta Bodnarchuk (Bob);  sisters-in-law Jan Brecht, Beverly Brecht and Jeannie McLean and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary was predeceased by her husband John in 1980, sons: Wallace in 1981 and Wesley in 2013; brothers   Nicholas, Wendelin, George (Elsie), Philip, Johnny, , Peter (Helen) and Ben;  sisters Madeline (Charles) Hyland, Annie (Anthony) Gusikoski,  Theresa (David) Klashinsky  and Winnie (Joe) Fink; brothers-in-law Mike Koczka, George Koczka, Bob Koczka and sisters-in-law Annie Zoney, Rose Robbestad and Tillie Schaan.

Mary was born September 5, 1923 to Monica (Kosikowsky) and John Brecht on the family farm near Viscount, Saskatchewan. She grew up speaking German and attending the Catholic Church.  She attended school by horse and buggy up to grade 8.  As the second oldest child, she worked with her father on the farm until her brothers were old enough to help.  After she finished grade 8, she worked for a number of farm families in the Viscount area until she met and married her husband John Koczka in April, 1945.  She was proud to be the wife of John Koczka, the handsome Hungarian who dressed so well and was an excellent dancer.  They moved to Saskatoon a few years later and had a variety of family members living with them until they moved to Avenue O South where they lived in a tiny house with their 6 children.  The final family move was to their home on Avenue T North.

Mary began her career at the Bessborough Hotel in 1960.  She was a dedicated, proud, hardworking employee who retired as Head Housekeeper at the age of 68.  She loved her job and was very well regarded by her Bessborough family. Her grandchildren were always excited and proud to tour “Grandma’s castle” with her.

In 2001, she moved from her house to the MacDonald Towers—her Penthouse—which brought her closer to all her sisters where card games and visits were greatly enjoyed and filled with laughter, food and drink.   In December, 2013, she gave us her Christmas Miracle when she survived a brain bleed. Her family was blessed to have Mary in their lives for 7 more years. Those final years were spent in Prince Albert so she could be closer to family.

Mary was a woman of great faith who attended church and loved to pray. With her loving and open heart she was always willing to listen and share with others. Playing cards, board games and bingo were some of her favorite activities.  Her sharp mind and abilities lead to her many wins.  She enjoyed the Casino and was an avid gardener.  Her buns, bread and cookies were family favorites and created great memories for her children and grandchildren.    Mary loved sharing and spending time with family and being involved in the activities of her children and grandchildren. A special joy was attending family reunions with the opportunity to reunite with extended family.  She was open to new adventures and was always excited to travel. Her summers were filled with gardening and lake visits which always included card games, music, food and most importantly family.

We send Mary, our mother to God with her special prayer, “Love you.  Miss you.  God bless you”.   We lovingly echo her favorite phrase, “THANK YOU”   for being our mother and grandmother.”

Mom, you will always be our sunshine, our only sunshine, making us happy when clouds are grey.  I hope you know, Mom, how much we love you and miss you…

A Private Family Service will be held at 1:30 on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 with live-streaming available at www.faithproductions.ca/livestream . Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Arrangements in care of Aime Laventure – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200 www.mourningglory.ca .

 

 

 

 

 

• Date : 2021-05-05
• Location : Shellbrook, SK