Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Kusalik

August 31, 1939 - Lestock, Saskatchewan

July 18, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Mary Kusalik (nee Cicman), beloved wife of the late John Kusalik, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at the age of 83 years.

Mary was the daughter of the late Alzebeta and Jan Cicman and was born in a farmhouse in Lestock, SK, on August 31, 1939.  The family moved from their farm to Lethbridge, AB, where Mary grew up with her sisters Helen, Johana, Betty, Agnes, Ann, and brother John.

Mary met her husband John Kusalik, an RCMP Officer, in Claresholm, AB, and they wed on October 1, 1960, in Lethbridge, AB. Mary and John lived in Claresholm, AB, Lethbridge, AB, Cardston, AB, Medicine Hat, AB, Whitecourt, AB, Evansburg, AB, and Strathmore, AB, before moving to Calgary, AB, where they retired. Mary and John spent 58 amazing years together before his passing in 2018.

Mary was an active member of the Catholic Women’s League, and the RCMP Veteran’s Association. She enjoyed playing cards, sewing, knitting, needlepoint, reading about history and writing. Mary loved the summer when she could be outside tending to her vegetable and flower gardens.

Mary is survived by her children and their spouses, Theresa Baker and Cameron Smith of Calgary, AB, Katherine and Randall Allard of Airdrie, AB, Steve and Stacy Kusalik of Calgary, AB, and Stephanie Kusalik of Calgary, AB; seven grandchildren and their partners, Pierce and Klarice, Cassidy and Conner, Preston and Esi, Payton and Josh, Stephanie and Tyler, Teaghan and Miravel. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law John and Lois Cicman of Lethbridge, AB; her sister Ann Jones of Maple Ridge, BC; sister-in-law Mary Kusalik, brother-in-law Edward Kusalik, sister-in-law Helen Bruneel, as well as the many nieces, nephews and godchildren and the many puppies, kitties and bunnies that brought joy to her life.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB) on Monday, July 24, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.  Those wishing to pay their respects may do so from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. prior to the Prayer Service.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church (1600 Acadia Dr SE, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow at the church. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

 If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Diabetes Canada, 220, 6223 – 2nd Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 1J5 Telephone: (403) 266-0620, ext. 1112, www.diabetes.ca. or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14^th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.

In living memory of Mary Elizabeth Kusalik, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.