Maria “Marie” age 95, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday March 15, 2019 in Swift Current, SK.
Marie was born in Kayville, SK on August 18, 1923. She was the third of eight children born to Romanian immigrants, Nicolai and Domnica Guraliuk. After completing Grade 8 she quit school to help with farm chores and with her younger brothers and sisters. She also helped babysit and do housework for her neighbors. In 1942 she headed east to Winnipeg and was employed at King George Hospital as a nurse’s aide. After the war ended, she worked at a bakery for a short time before being employed at Nightingale Nursing Home. It was at a dance in 1946 that she met a handsome young soldier by the name of Walter Heinrichs. They were married on February 1, 1947 and moved to Walter’s father’s farm at Kelstern, SK. In 1953 they bought their own farm at Dunkirk, SK. For two long prairie winters the family lived a short distance from the farm in the small Salt Plant town of Bishopric, SK where Marie ran the local hotel and cooked for the crew of men who worked at the Salt Plant while Walter looked after the Curling Rink. They and their three children, Bonnie, Doug, and Lynda moved off the farm in 1959 and headed to the big city of Moose Jaw as the small rural schools were closing. Marie took a job at Canaday’s Apparel from 1959-60. From 1960-62 she waited tables at the Princess Cafe. A fourth child, Rod, was born in Moose Jaw in 1962. Marie spent many years as a waitress at the Harwood Hotel (1962-68), the Grant Hall Hotel (1968-72) and Park Lodge Motel restaurants. She then worked as a switchboard operator at St. Anthony’s Home and Valley View Centre followed by a sales clerk position at White Cross Drugs. From 1975-78 Marie attended night school and obtained her typing and shorthand certification. She also acquired her Grade 10, 11, and 12 Grade Equivalency Diplomas. Marie was a 5-Pin Bowling Queen! She won numerous trophies, pins and crests over many years. She also was a Dancing Queen as she grew up in a very musical home. She and most of her siblings could play the accordion and fiddle and had many toe tapping get togethers. She later took up square dancing. Her love of dancing continued well into her eighties. In 2009 she moved to Swift Current, SK to be closer to her daughter, Bonnie, in her senior years. Being a “Social Butterfly” she quickly made new friends and worked as a cashier at the First United Church Rummage Sale every Wednesday. She earned the nickname “Sparkles” as she always wore something shiny and sparkly to work. She was a hard worker and great helper to all... young and old alike. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Marie is pre-deceased by two sisters: Ann Delnea and Lena Stratulat; and 5 brothers: Dan, Bill, John, Sam, and Connie Guraliuk. Marie is survived by daughters: Bonnie Perree (Doug) of Swift Current and Lynda Heinricks of Winnipeg; sons: Doug of Mossbank and Rod of Edmonton; five grandchildren: Ranae McKenzie of Buena Vista, Kim Sauder (Jeff) of Swift Current, Tess Heinricks, Lise Heinricks, and Liam Heinricks of Edmonton; and 5 great-grandchildren: Kalea Sauder and Abby Sauder of Swift Current, Jackson Fraser, Kaitlyn McKenzie and Carter McKenzie of Buena Vista. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law: Jean Guraliuk of Regina and Hedy Guraliuk of Bengough as well as numerous nieces and nephews. At Marie’s request there will be no formal funeral. A private celebration of life is planned for August in Moose Jaw. Those wishing to donate in her memory may do so to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
GG... “You Are Our Sunshine!”
In living memory of Marie, a memorial planting will be made by Jones - Parkview Funeral Services. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com or www.parkviewfuneralchapel.ca (Obituaries). Dayna Chamberlain - Funeral Director