With great sadness we announce the passing of Mary Eftoda, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great - great grandmother. She passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at the Yorkton & District Nursing Home with her granddaughters at her side. Mary was born November 4, 1918 on the family farm in the Bellenden district, the daughter of Alex and Dora Badiuk. Following her education she worked as a housekeeper - maid to a family in the Buchanan district. After meeting Alex Eftoda at a country dance she was united in marriage on October 10, 1937 at Mammornitz Church and lived on a farm in the Goldenvale area for 21 years. In 1958 they moved to the Bellenden district and continued mixed farming for another 18 years. Their marriage was blessed with five daughters, 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren. She loved to sew, knit, crochet and bake. She was also known for her bountiful garden. In 1976 Mary and Alex retired to their new home in Yorkton. Here Mary got involved with babysitting for neighbor's children until she couldn't keep up with them. She had many stories about her Home Care days, Slow Pitch Tournaments and Senior Bowling. Mary was very active with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Ladies Association, both at Buchanan and Yorkton. She was very proud of her accomplishment by passing her driver's licence at the age of 75 years. She enjoyed family and friends get - togethers to play Kaiser. Mary leaves to cherish her memory three daughters, Elsie Kotyk of Rama, Stella Kowalchuk of Steinbach, MB and Iris (Larry) Shinkewski of Calgary, AB; 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren; one sister Anne Woluschuk and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by husband Alex; brothers Alex, Stanley and Fred; sister Effie; daughters Olga and Victoria and sons-in-law Peter Kotyk, Morris Sackney and Walter Kowalchuk. Prayers were held on Friday, March 1, 2013 and the Funeral Service on Saturday, March 2, 2013 both at Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton with Very Rev. Father Mel Slashinsky officiating. The responses were led by William Kozey & Parish Choir members. Serving as cross bearers were Carson Kowalchuk and Lliam Woodworth. All those who were touched by Mary's life and spirit were considered honourary bearers. Members of Ukrainian Women's Association, Olena Pchilka Branch were present and formed the honour guard. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Dane Sackney, Tyson Van Caeseele, Sheldon Byers, James Jones Jr., Bryant Sackney and Clayton Kotyk serving as the casket bearers. Memorials in Mary's name may be made to Holy Transfiguration Church memorial fund, Heart & Stroke Foundation or a Charity of Choice. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com Vichnaya Pamyat! Eternal Memory! Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.
