Obituary of Mary Yakubowski

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness, that I announce the passing of my mother, Mary, at the age of 95 years, on Sunday, June 22, 2008 at the Rockyview General Hospital, Unit 46 leaving a loving daughter, Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Akerley. She was born on January 21, 1913 at the Gap CPR section house near Gap Lake and Canmore. Mary went to school in Carstairs and Calgary taking courses at a business College. She worked at Furrier, Saskatoon Piano Co. Palace Bakery and eventually worked at the Calgary General Hospital, housekeeping, Dietary Dept and unit clerk 6 north retiring in 1973, when she became ill with cancer of the colon and could no longer work. She loved to keep her nimble fingers busy, there was nothing that she would not tackle, doing things like sewing handiwork, embroidering, crocheting and trying to help one and all that would make life more meaningful. Up to last year she knitted toques and scarves for the homeless even as her fingers were getting the feeling of osteoarthritis. Mary met and married James Edward Ross on May 5, 1934 with everybody struggling during the Depression. She had a little girl, Baby Doris Ross who was stillborn on October 19, 1935. Heartbroken, however, life goes on and she later had another little girl, Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Ross on September 6, 1936, although premature at six months, Betty lived on where she could look after her mother until Mary was admitted to the Rockyview Hospital on June 17, 2008 with failing health. Mary lived in Sunnyside, Killarney and Signal Hill districts with her daughter. Her willpower and will to live was unbelievable for many years and the wanting to carry on to be with her daughter, Betty. "Each day at a time and each day truly was a blessing never to be forgotten." Mary was a member of the St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church, with family members since the church was first built in 1938. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Mary E. (Betty) Akerley. She was predeceased by her father Andrew and mother Mary (Maria) Kozak, November 13, 1967 and March 22, 1968; brother, Nick Kozak February 12, 1988; her ex-husband Jim (James Edward) Ross, April 22, 1989;and Stanley Yakubowski, June 16, 1970. Leaving many friends and of course her favourite apricot Poodle named Brandi Honeybear. "If I had one wish Mom, I’d wish for yesterday and you, I’d wish to say I love you Mom, and do things like we used to. I wish I had the power, to turn back the hands of time. I will always thank the Lord, for a mother such as mine. I wish that I could see your face, and see your charming smile, I wish that I could hold your hand, and sit and talk with you awhile. Do not think that I forgot you, you are always in my heart, I miss you mom, I love you Mom, I wish we never had to part. I ask God each night in prayer, to give you eternal rest, God must have loved you too, Mom for he only takes the best." Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Sunday, June 29, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A private family committal service will be held at a later date. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 521-3433. Thanks to the Emergency Ambulance drivers, Emergency Ward, Rockyview Hospital staff Unit 46, Home Care Workers Maureen Beverley, Chris and Diane, Dr. F. Moriarity, Dr. Turner and Dr. R.S. Wood for supporting and helping me at this difficult time. Also thank you to the staff of McInnis and Holloway, "Chapel of the Bells". In living memory of Mary Yakubowski a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296