Mary Harasym (Welikoklad) of Red Deer, AB passed away peacefully on November 10, 2023 at the Red Deer Hospice at the age of 98 years.

Mary was predeceased by Peter, her husband of 63 years, her parents William and Marta Welikoklad and her brother George Welikoklad. She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Don (June) Harasym, Barbara Harasym, Carol (Randy) Mangan, Patricia (Mark) Harasym, Michael (Pat) Harasym, and Donna (Roman) Navratil; her brother Bill (Irma) Welikoklad, her niece Kathleen (Gord) Bontje, her nephew Jason (Jodi) Welikoklad; 18 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Mary immigrated to Canada in 1938 with her mother and 3 year old brother Bill, travelling by wagon, boat and train to arrive in Red Deer where her father had acquired a quarter section of land and an old CPR bunkhouse for the family. She attended Waskasoo school where she learned English as well as learning the ways of a new country; work on the farm was a constant for her.

Mary left her grandmother and country behind to take up a new way of life as a Canadian and always maintained that she was lucky to have immigrated when she did. She continued with this attitude of letting go and readily adapting to the constantly changing world and circumstances around her.

Mary’s greatest pride and joy was her family. Her gratitude for the blessings of her life was evident. Mom always looked forward to visits from family members and had a kind word for everyone. She so appreciated the kindness and care she received from others.

Mary had a unique courtship. Peter Harasym came to call on mom only a few times before he went off to war. He asked for a photo of her to take with him and while he was overseas they exchanged many letters. When he was discharged and returned home mom was waiting at the rail station and when they saw each other she says “she just flew into his arms”! They celebrated 63 years of marriage before Peter passed away in 2009.

Mom was a busy woman, raising six children, baking, gardening, cooking numerous delicious meals where all were welcome and there was always plenty to eat and lots of laughs. Mom was a great cook, able to make many dishes from scratch and from memory. She enjoyed old time dancing, curled until age 80, played cards, was involved in the church and the CWL. Once Dad retired Mom and Dad became world travellers: touring Hawaii, Florida, Las Vegas, New York, Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Italy, Portugal, Spain, the South Pacific, the Holy Land, the Maritimes and more.

Mom made her home at Victoria Park for the last 8 1/2 years. She enjoyed an active social life, participating in bus trips, exercise, yoga, crib tournaments, and any entertainment that was provided. She especially enjoyed live music. When the weather was good, she walked about two kilometres each day and walked the halls inside when the weather was poor. She made many friends at Victoria Park and will be dearly missed.

A prayer service will be held at Eventide Funeral Chapel, 4820-45 St. Red Deer on Thursday November 16, 2023 at 7 pm. The funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Friday November 17 at 11 am followed by a luncheon in the parish hall. Interment will then take place at Alto Reste Cemetery.

The family is sincerely grateful to the staff of the Red Deer Hospital and the Red Deer Hospice for the exceptional care mom received on her final journey. Memorial donations may be made to the Red Deer Hospice Society.

For those unable to attend the funeral, please go to https://stmarysparish.jimdo.com/ and on the main page of the website, scroll down to Live-streamed Mass at the time of the service, and the live-streaming will open in a new window. 

• Date : 2023-11-10
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home