URBAN: Mary
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September 19, 1921 – February 19, 2016
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Mary (nee Knoke) (Olchowski) Urban of Bethany Pioneer Village, Middle Lake, SK, (and formerly of Bruno, SK), passed away at her residence on Friday, February 19, 2016. She was 94 years of age. Mary, one of four daughters, was born on Monday, September 19, 1921, to Joseph and Mary (nee Schlosser) Knoke at home on their farm three miles north of Bruno. She grew up there and attended school in Bruno. Following her education, Mary helped on the farm and worked in various stores in Bruno. For a while, during the Second World War, she worked in Sudbury, ON. In 1944, she married Frank Olchowski. Nine children, four daughters and five sons, were born to them. Initially, Mary and Frank made their home on a farm near Dana. As the family grew, they moved to a farm near Bruno and, eventually, moved their home into town. Mary dedicated her life to family. She enjoyed gardening, berry picking, playing cards with friends and relatives, and quilting. Mary had a passion for music and loved singing and playing the accordion. Frank passed away on Saturday, November 1, 1975. On October 29, 1977, Mary married Roman Urban. They resided on his farm two-and-a-half miles northeast of Bruno. Together, they combined farm and town activities with many trips to Las Vegas, where they enjoyed the casinos. Mary performed with the Melodears, entertaining crowds with songs and skits at various places, especially for senior groups. Mary was widowed again, when Roman passed away on Saturday, July 4, 1998. She was devoted to her church and a proud member of the C.W.L. for over 50 years. Mary will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her eight children, eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren: Carol Olchowski; Elaine (Richard) DuWors; Ron (Gloria) Olchowski and family, Janelle Olchowski and Jaimie Olchowski; Patrick Olchowski and family, Michael Olchowski and his son Ashton; Gary (Dianne) Olchowski; Colette (Larry) Schwark and family, Darryl (Michelle) Schwark and daughter Eleanor, Brianne (Trent) Hamilton and children Jeffrey, Robert and Natalie; Dan (Donna) Olchowski and family, Colin (Michelle) Olchowski and children Drew and Owen, Adam Olchowski, and Ward Olchowski; and Brent Olchowski; one sister, Bernadette Alexander; one sister-in-law, Emily Olchowsky; and by numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her first husband, Frank Olchowski; one daughter, Diane Wright; and by her second husband, Roman Urban. The Prayer Service for Mary was held at St. Bruno R.C. Church, Bruno, on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, at 7:30 p.m. The eulogy was delivered by Ron Olchowski. The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Bruno R.C. Church on Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Joseph Ackerman, OSB. An honor guard was formed by members of the C.W.L. Active pallbearers were Mary’s grandchildren, Darryl Schwark, Colin Olchowski, Adam Olchowski, Ward Olchowski, Brianne Hamilton, and Janelle Olchowski. Interment followed at St. Bruno R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to either the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Bruno Friendship Centre. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
