Date of Birth: January 7, 1917
Date of Death: January 21, 2015
Mary Howorth of Broadview Centennial Lodge, formerly of Whitewood, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2015.
Mary’s parents, Mike and Natty Perpulak, came over from Ukraine in the early 1900s to homestead land just outside of Wroxton, where Mary was born on January 7, 1917. She was part of a family of seven children, with one brother and five sisters. Her father was active in the Ukrainian Church as cantor and was known for his excellent voice. From her father Mary learned to sing, and she was often heard singing as she worked. In her later years, she joined the Pleasant Company Singers.
As was the custom, in her early years, Mary worked on the farm in whatever capacity that was required. She left school with only a grade 10 education, which was something she always regretted.
However, this became a driving point in the education of her family.
In 1934, she married Peter Alexander Howorth, with a dowry of three cows. They built a log house with two rooms and outbuildings. In 1948 they moved to a farm three miles north of Whitewood.
Mary and Peter were held in high regard within the community and were available to help anyone with farming, fixing cars, preparing meals and providing whatever help was needed. Never was anyone turned away without a big hot meal or at least coffee.
Mary continued to contribute to the community and was especially known for her homemade bread at bake sales. Mary was an active worker for the CWL, Scissors Creek Guild, Pleasant Company Singers, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Whitewood Nursing Home. She enjoyed knitting and quilting and mostly just enjoyed her family and friends. Her garden was her special relaxation. We will miss this lovely, special lady, but we know she is at peace now.
Mary was predeceased by her parents Mike and Natty Perpulak, her sisters Annie, Elsie, Irene, Pearl, Bella and Sister Vitalia, brother Peter, husband Peter, son Robert and three grandchildren. She is survived by daughter Ethel (Gary) Hughes from California, son Lawrence Howorth from Texas and daughter Audrey (Darryl) Francis from Olds, AB; daughter-in-law Lois Howorth from Calgary, AB; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews throughout Canada.
Mass of Christian Burial for Mary was celebrated on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Whitewood, with the Rev. Fr. Rene Mangahas presiding. The scriptures were read by Mary Wintonyk and Peter Moroz and the gift bearers were Kim Lucyk and Holly Rippey. Honorary pallbearers were all those who touched Mary’s life. Interment took place in the Whitewood Cemetery with Lee Ashfield, Craig Lucyk, Brett Ashfield, Jeffery Lucyk, Don Howorth, Cliff Shibulak acting as pallbearers. Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Whitewood.
