Mary Rakochy Obituary

With heavy hearts, the family of the late Mary Rakochy announce her peaceful passing at the Canora Hospital, Canora, SK, on November 18, 2024, at the age of 92 years.
Mary was born on January 2, 1932, to Frank and Bernice (nee Witowski) Lygas in Kelvington, SK. She received her education from Pipestone Valley School, near Kelvington.
In 1949, at the age of 17 years, Mary boarded a bus and moved to Canora, SK, where she obtained employment as a nanny, housekeeper, and care giver. During her time in Canora, Mary met the love of her life, John Rakochy. They were united in marriage at the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canora on November 10, 1951. 
Mary and John lived on the Rakochy family farm and were blessed with four children, Danny, Walter, Delores, and Michael. They raised their children surrounded by the love and support of parents, grandparents, and extended family. 
Mary was a proud homemaker. She always put others first and generously gifted her canned fruits and vegetables and made perogies and cabbage rolls that were often shared across the prairie provinces. Cooking and feeding others brought her great joy.
Aside from caring for her growing family, Mary took pride in providing for them and managed her work and home to the best of her abilities. In her spare time, she enjoyed scrapbooking, tending to her flowers, gardening, and reading the police reports and obituaries in the newspaper. She also thoroughly enjoyed driving around with her daughter, Delores, whether it was just touring around town or longer distance expeditions to neighbouring communities. No matter where they went, Mary was observant and commented on the sites along the way and the journeys often involved delivering food to people’s houses. Over the years, she also enjoyed more extensive trips to Calgary, Jasper, Rainbow Lake, and Winnipeg. Mostly, no matter where, Mary simply appreciated the time spent with her treasured family. 
Mary was also dedicated to the Antoniwka Church Parish and to Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Church in Canora. As an avid member of the UCWL, Mary could further do what she loved best, support others, care for them, lend a helping hand, and spend her time providing for and helping those in need. 
Mary will be remembered for her quick wit, incredible generosity, and her passion for selflessly helping and supporting others. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. May her memory be eternal. 
Mary was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Bernice Lygas; parents-in-law, Anton and Mary Rakochy; beloved husband, John Rakochy; son-in-law, Robert Danyluk; granddaughter, Trisha Rakochy; brothers, Joe, Walter, and Stanley Lygas; sister, Laina Lygas; brother-in-law, Milton Peterson; and sister-in-law, Isabel Lygas.
She is survived by her children: Danny (Joan) Rakachy, Walter (Maryann) Rakochy, Delores Danyluk, and Michael (Kim) Rakochy; grandchildren: Ryan Rakochy, Shannon Rakochy, Adam (Virginia) Rakochy, and Kristin (Jay) Chaffin; brother, Marshal (Marlene) Lygas; sisters, Jennie Peterson and Eileen (Joe) Leitner; and sister-in-law, Linda Lygas; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A Prayer Service was held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from the Chapel of Leson’s Funeral Home, Canora, SK, and the Funeral Liturgy celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 27, 2024, from the Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Canora, SK, with Rev. Fr. Ivan Simko as celebrant. Rite of Committal followed in the Antoniwka Cemetery, north of Canora, SK. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the Antoniwka Church and Cemetery Fund, as tokens of remembrance, in memory of Mary Rakochy.