Mary Mudry

After a 2 1/2 year journey with dementia, we said goodbye to our mom, Mary Mudry, on June 28, 2022. Hers was a life well-lived.

Mary Mudry was born on June 19, 1926 at Willowbrook, SK to John and Pearl (Pacholko) Stronski, and raised by second mom, Natalie (Chaykowski) Stronski. Mary was born third of six children, growing up in Fosston, SK, where her dad owned the general store. As a young girl, Mary enjoyed dancing — all of the old time dances as well as celebrating her Ukrainian culture. Her older brothers would use their musical talents of playing violin and banjo in the family orchestra.

At age 18, Mary moved to Saskatoon and lived with future sister-in-law, Anne, at the Mohyla Institute — a residence for Ukrainian students. She attended the Success Business College to complete a secretarial course, then was employed at St. Paul’s Hospital as a medical transcriptionist. While in this job, she was often called upon to translate for patients who only spoke Ukrainian. Mary also worked at the library of the University of Saskatchewan.

It was during this time that she met her future husband, Frank Mudry. After a whirlwind romance, they married in 1948. The couple raised four children — Patrick, Thomas, Marilyn, and David.

When Dave started school Mary returned to work, this time at CKSW radio station as a writer of commercials. Many of the announcers were young men just beginning their careers, and she was often referred to as Mother Mary. She eventually went on air herself, hosting a program called “Problem Corner,” answering listeners household queries. After ten years at the radio station, Mary worked at the Pioneer Co-op Ladies Wear at the Wheatland Mall. She enjoyed being the first person to see the newest in ladies fashion when she unpacked the boxes. Wasn’t it amazing that many of the outfits came in just the right size for Mary!

Mary was very determined to learn how to drive and in her 40’s, she paid for her own driving lessons. This was because Frank said he would not teach her himself. During practices, Mom would be driving round and round the light standards at what is now the iPlex. Those were dizzying times!

After Frank’s retirement from teaching, Mary and Frank attended many Superannuated Teachers Association functions. As a couple, they were also involved in Swift Current Little Theatre, acting in plays or hosting at the dinner theatre presentations.

Mary was a Catholic Women’s League member since 1962. Her later activity with the CWL was to grandparent while Marilyn served on the executive. Mary also served on the social committee of St. Michael’s Church. She coordinated the first of several successful Ukrainian Christmas suppers at the church, using many of her cross-stitch embroideries in the decor.

Mary was happy to become a Baba, welcoming each grandchild, providing care when asked, and proudly following all their accomplishments. She kept in touch with her nieces and nephews too, visiting them across the country when opportunity presented itself. Retirement afforded Mary the chance to travel domestically and internationally when they would attend Frank’s Prisoner of War reunions. They were married for 63 years before Frank’s death in 2011.

Mary lived in her own home until the fall of 2019 when she moved into The Meadows care home. COVID-19 had a detrimental effect on everyone, but residents in care homes suffered isolation perhaps more than many others. However, with a dedicated staff at the long-term care facility, Mary was cared for with dignity and love. Many became like extended family to her. We are grateful they were part of our team!

We will treasure our many memories of our Mom, Baba, Great Baba, Sister, Aunt and Friend, especially:

• -morning coffee and toast (Would you like some coffee with your cream and sugar?)
• -going to the hairdresser every Saturday afternoon
• -black forest birthday cake
• -beloved Kutia, her rescue cat
• -that winning smile!

Mary is lovingly remembered by son Patrick (Maria); daughter Marilyn (Stan Lautsch) & their children: Christine (Quin Kleiboer), Felicity, Thea, Estelle, Cyprian; Eric; Emily (Matthew Vaughan), Evangeline and Julian; Theresa, and Theodore; son David and his children: Jake, Tyler, Mathew; brother Eugene; sister in law Lena; nieces Darlene Doblee, Barbara Nielsen, Denise Caryula; nephew Doug Stronski; as well as many special relatives on Frank’s side of the family.

She was predeceased by husband Frank; son Tom; parents John, Pearl, Natalie; brothers Peter (Anne), William, Carl, John (Gloria); sister in law Claire; nephews Brian Doblee, Tyrone Stronski; niece Daria Stronski.  

The Prayer Vigil for Mary Mudry was held on Friday, July 1, 2022 at 7:00 pm from Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church, Swift Current, SK with Zoira Shumay serving as Celebrant.

The Mass of the Resurrection for Mary Mudry was held on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at 11:00 am with Rev. Father Thomas Mutavanattu serving as Celebrant. Peggy Marshall served as Psalmist with Yolande Gorrill serving as pianist. The Altar Servers were the Knights of Columbus. The Catholic Women’s League served as the Honour Guard. Jake Mudry, Tyler Mudry, Matt Mudry, Eric Lautsch, Theresa Lautsch, and Theo Lautsch served as Pallbearers.

The Interment Service for Mary Mudry was held Monday, July 4, 2022 at 11:00 am from Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with Rev. Father Christopher Juchacz, o.f.s., serving as Celebrant.

In memory of Mary Mudry, donations made to the Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated by the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Mudry, please visit our floral store.