It’s with profound sadness we announce the passing of Mary Kostecki (nee Kramar) on December 7th in her 102nd year. A beloved, caring mother and baba, she was comforted by her family at home as she peacefully went to sleep for the last time.
Mary will be lovingly missed by her 3 sons: George (Kathleen), Dave (Nancy), and Chris, and 2 daughters: Tina (Ivano) Caldarelli, and Tammy (Mike) Dillon who are heartbroken by the loss of their extraordinary mother. She also leaves 9 loving grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom will truly miss their warm, caring baba. Mary is survived by her sister June (Robert) Bowering and was predeceased by her daughter Baby Faith, sisters Helen Lee and Anne Soyka, her brother Steve Kramar, and her parents Stephen and Jennie (nee Bogay) Kramar.
Mary was born and lived her entire life in Thorold South. She remained active, strong and independent well into her late 90’s and was happiest whenever all 35+ of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren would get together, and especially for Christmas and Easter. Our family holiday gatherings will never be the same. Cooking for others was a real joy for her, and she was a wonderful cook, well-known for her Ukrainian food that was so enjoyed by family, friends and friends of friends. She also loved to travel the world, debate politics and world events, dance, go for day-long car rides, listen to music, often singing and humming her favourite songs throughout the day. She read voraciously, was an avid gardener, and lover of nature and pets of all kinds.
Mary was always so very generous with her time, her love, and her words of comfort. Throughout her life, she selflessly put everyone's needs ahead of her own. She was a champion for the underdog and for those who were less fortunate. Her diminutive size, modesty, and desire for privacy, belied how fiercely protective she was of her family and those she loved.
Mary was most comfortable when surrounded by children and babies. She was a devoted, loving caregiver of numerous children of family and friends over the years. She loved all of them as though they were her own, never wanting them to leave, and they often felt the same way.
Mom, we’ll miss your warm, beautiful smile, the love in your shining eyes, your comforting hugs, your gentle, joyful, laughter, and your words of wisdom. You are the angel of our family who will watch over us for the rest of our days. Thank you for teaching us how to be strong, resilient, caring, and for leaving us with so many cherished memories. We celebrate you and your life well-lived. Aloha mom, rest peacefully until we meet again.
The family wishes to send a heartfelt thank you to Drs. Lane, S. Chieu and Camacho, the late Drs. Myers and Zuliani, the late John Henderson and staff of Henderson's Pharmacy, in particular to Mo, for their steadfast guidance, and to the St. Elizabeth Nurses Hardik, Defcel and Judy for their thoughtful, sensitive care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in the name of Mary Kostecki to the SickKids Hospital in Toronto or the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.
In accordance with Mary’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements have been entrusted to Pleasantview Funeral Home (905-892-1699).
Please share valued memories and condolences at pleasantviewcemetery.ca