Dr. Mary (Hrenchuk) Pankiw

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Dr. Mary Pankiw (née Hrenchuk) on January 26, 2025. A devoted mother, sister, baba, great-grandmother, wife, educator, and community leader, Mary lived a life of service, faith, and dedication to her Ukrainian heritage.

Mary was born in the village of Brooklands, Manitoba, on June 1, 1923, to Peter and Irene (née Czarna) Hrynczuk. 

Despite societal beliefs that discouraged girls from pursuing higher education, Mary’s father championed her ambitions, making many sacrifices to support her academic journey. 

Mary attended Brooklands School and St. Nicholas School (now Immaculate Heart of Mary School). She was the first from her village to pursue Normal School training, paving the way for future generations of educators.

Her love for teaching was cultivated at home where she instructed her first pupils: cats, chickens and dolls. At 19, she began her formal teaching career in Narol and Lac du Bonnet, later joining the Winnipeg School Division in 1946. A pioneer in bilingual education, Mary sought to preserve her Ukrainian culture and traditions throughout her career. She taught in the English-Ukrainian Bilingual Program and Saturday Ukrainian Heritage classes, helping students foster an appreciation for their roots and take pride in their family history. 

In 1950, Mary married Alexander Pankiw, a Second World War R.C.A.F. pilot and fellow educator. Together, they raised five children. Following the sudden death of her husband in 1968, Mary balanced single motherhood with her relentless pursuit of education and professional excellence.

A lifelong learner, Mary graduated from the University of Manitoba with her Bachelor of Arts in 1965, and her Bachelor of Education in 1969. In 1971, she was the first woman to enrol full-time in the Faculty of Educational Administration at the University of Manitoba, completing her Master of Education in 1972. Her academic journey culminated in 1978 when she earned her PhD from the Ukrainian Free University in Munich, Germany. 

Mary’s dedication to education and public service was widely recognized. She received numerous honours, including the Canada Centennial Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Education (1967), the YM-YWCA Women of Distinction Award (1998), the City of Winnipeg Appreciation Award (2001), recognition from the Osvita Foundation Inc. (2005), and the Eira “Babs” Friesen Lifetime Achievement Award (2011). 

Beyond the classroom, Mary was a steadfast pillar of the Ukrainian-Canadian community. She served as Regional President of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada, volunteered at Folklorama’s Ukraine-Kyiv Pavilion, and was president of the Ukrainian Canadian Women’s Council (Winnipeg branch). 

Mary held leadership roles with the Council of Women of Winnipeg and represented Canada at international conferences. She was also deeply engaged with Winnipeg Teachers’ Association committees, the Manitoba Teachers’ Society, the University of Manitoba Senate and the Manitoba Modern Language Association. 

Following her retirement in 1993, Mary remained active in the community. She served on City of Winnipeg committees, led the Manitoba Society of Seniors, and participated in several choirs. Her soprano voice, which many described as “angelic,” could often be heard singing hymns at Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church in Brooklands, or Ukrainian folk songs at various events. At 83, Mary earned an Associate Teacher Voice Diploma from Conservatory Canada — a reflection of her lifelong passion for music. 

Mary had a deep appreciation for the arts. She authored three children’s books, wrote and published poetry, and played piano. Her home, adorned with framed prints, book-filled shelves and cherished drawings from her grandchildren, reflected her love for creativity. 

Often, the most vibrant presence of Mary’s home was that of her four-legged friends. Her compassion for all animals helped many stray cats and dogs find their forever homes, while birds, bunnies and squirrels rejoiced at the bounty of seeds, nuts, and garden vegetables she served in her backyard. 

Most of all, Mary loved spending time with family. 

Mary’s resilience, intellect, and unwavering commitment to her family, faith, and Ukrainian culture leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished for generations.

Mary was predeceased by her father Peter (1950), husband Alexander (1968), and mother Irene (1969). 

Left to cherish Mary’s memory are sister Anne Hrenchuk of Winnipeg, daughter Maureen (Mike Pocatello) of Leduc, AB, daughter Rosemary Jacobson (George) of Winnipeg and their children, Alleyna, Erik, and Katherine, son Alex of Kelowna, BC and his children, Travis and Jesse, son Paul (Denise) of Fort Saskatchewan, AB, and their children, Louis (Karen), Remy (Erin), Chad, and Maxwell, son Andrew of Winnipeg and his children, Alexander and Nadya, and her great-grandchildren — Alorah Jacobson of Winnipeg and Benjamin, Ryan, and Jordan Pankiw of Ardrossan, AB. Mary is also survived by her cousin, Mary Guzda of Didsbury, AB, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to acknowledge daughter Rosemary, son Andrew and granddaughter Katherine for accommodating Mary’s wish to remain at home and providing care as her needs and health changed. 

With gratitude, the family recognizes Fr. Walter Dudych and Fr. Mykhaylo Khomitskyy for their prayerful support and guidance. 

Special thanks to Dr. Jan Ritchie for her care throughout the years as well as John and Mary from Aevi Spa Salon for their kindness and attention, always making Mary feel special. 

Parastas will be held on February 11, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church (40 Ada Street). 

Funeral Divine Liturgy will be held on February 12, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church or the Winnipeg Humane Society. 

Vichnaya Pam’yat!