SULATISKY, MARY: Mary Sulatisky (nee Waselick) passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 9th, 2012 at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 97. Mary was born in Duck Lake, Saskatchewan on January 19th, 1915. Mary is survived by her daughters Darlene (Heather, great-grandchildren Samantha and Brandon; Darrell and wife Monica); daughter Audrey (Robert, Shawn, and Neill; Dawn and Bill; great-granddaughters Amanda and Rebecca; and great-great-granddaughter Violet); her sister Anne Sielsky; her brother Horace Waselick; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mary was predeceased by her husband Michael in 1971, as well as her parents, three brothers, and son-in-law Charles Abbott. Mary began her married life in a cloakroom in a rural school. She was especially adept at using minimal resources available to her to adjust to this way of life. Their move to Glenrose School was Mom's first real home. It was also a place she remembered fondly due to all the wonderful friends she made there. Christmas concerts were especially busy for Mom. She must have created a thousand crepe paper costumes. Her decorations were always hand-made as well. Mom's talent in playing the piano was essential to every concert. The first concert with electric lights in the late 50s was a huge event. Mary, Michael, Darlene, and Audrey had a family band. They played at many dances around Saskatchewan and even performed in Drumheller with the Finlaysons. Mary lived in Meota for a few years and moved to North Battleford following Mike's passing. While in North Battleford, Mom was active in the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary and All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Church, as well as playing the piano whenever requested. Mom developed her love of art by taking some painting lessons and created many originals. Her very good friends were Olive Finlayson, Bert Saxon, Peter and Louise Oborowsky, Elly Greening, Ruth Woodward, Frank and Joan Simpson, Mary Ewanchuk and many others were always there for her - in good times and bad times. Mary became very ill in 1996 with Gillenbarre Syndrome, causing her to be completely paralyzed. The doctors said there was no hope but Mom proved them wrong. With determination and exceptional effort she finally left the hospital after two and a half years. Mom returned to her duplex in North Battleford and with the help of Home Care and her friends she continued to amaze everyone by adapting to and successfully coping with her limited mobility and dexterity. In 2005 Mary moved to Calgary to be closer to her daughters and families. Unfortunately, she spent her 91st birthday recovering from a breast cancer operation. Once again, Mom was strong and overcame this setback. Mom had many difficult times in her long life. She accepted each and every challenge and fought to overcome them to the best of her ability. She was successful more times than not. Mom was a perfect example of perseverance, patience, kindness, faith, and love. She was friendly to all and a very good friend to many. Prayers were held at All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Church on Thursday, September 13th. Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Friday, September 14th, also from All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Church. Interment took place at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. If desired, donations in Mary's memory may be made to All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Church. Condolences for the family may be left at Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Kristeen Thiessen of Sallows and McDonald - Wilson and Zehner Funeral Home, North Battleford. 445-2418
