It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and Baba. Mary Olga Kruk, age 88 years, passed away peacefully on October 6th, 2023, at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born on May 28th, 1935, in Fort William, ON and grew up in the East End as part of a large family. She was very proud of her East End roots and Ukrainian traditions filled her home up until her passing.
At the age of 23, she met her future husband Bernie Kruk. They spent nearly 30 years together enjoying road trips to Minnesota and Windsor, ON. In her early years, Mary enjoyed bowling and her daily double dose of Bingo. She was also a long-time volunteer at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church Hall. It was from here that she perfected her craft of preparing delicious Holubtsi (cabbage rolls), Pedaheh (perogies), and Borscht. These delicacies, which she loved seeing her family enjoy, were the absolute best and Babas could never be beat!
Above all else, the most important thing to Mom was her family. She loved and cared for each and every one of us with all of her heart. Her eyes would fill with happy tears and her arms would extend with a loving hug and kiss every time a family member came to visit. She had a soft heart for her many furry friends as well. It was not uncommon to see Mom with a cat on her lap or a dog by her feet.
We will miss Moms quick wit, humour and laughter, and easy-going attitude. She welcomed everyone into her home with a bright cheery smile and never let you leave without a special treat in your hand. Mom loved sitting outside in the sunshine admiring her many flowerpots and feeding squirrels peanuts.
Mary will be forever missed by her children, Brian (Shelley), Laurie (Bernie), Stephen, and Bernadine (Bill). She also leaves behind her brother John and daughter Sharon in Owen Sound, ON. Also left to miss their Baba are her numerous grandchildren including Tammy-Lynn, Ryan and Lindsey (Zach), Ashley (C.J.), Noah, Kirstin (Matt) and Kara. Great-grandchildren Izaya, Harpyr, Breanna, Kaiden, Brailyn, Kolby, Hunter, McKinley, and Brooklyn. Mary was predeceased by her husband Bernie Kruk, parents Annie and Alex Lipka, sisters Jean and Pearl, brothers Albert and Nick.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at the DaVinci Centre on Friday, October 13, 2023 at 11:00 am in the Michelangelo room. A private graveside service will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. If so desired, donations can be made to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre or Thunder Bay & District Humane Society.
Forever Loved, Forever Missed
