It is with heavy hearts but deep gratitude for a long life well lived that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Maria Kalicinsky, on July 6, 2026, just before her 100th birthday.

Maria was born on August 26, 1926 in Nemyriv, Ukraine and grew up in Drohobych. Like so many from Eastern Europe, her life was forever changed by the Second World War. As the Bolshevik front advanced, she left her parents behind and travelled west with her two sisters, brother and brother-in-law, eventually finding refuge in a displaced persons camp in Bavaria.

It was there, in November 1945, that she married the love of her life, Omelan. Their daughter Lesia was born in 1947. Realizing that returning to Ukraine was no longer possible, the young family made the voyage to Canada in 1948, settling first in Valley River, Manitoba with Omelan's uncle John Kalinsky and his family. In the early 1950s they moved to Winnipeg, where her children Ihor, George and Chrystyna were born, and where Maria worked at her brother-in-law's deli, Famous Meats.

Maria's faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted and longtime parishioner of Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Cathedral, she lived her faith daily through quiet acts of love and service. She always put the needs of others before her own, caring for her mother, her sister and her husband with unwavering devotion.

Nothing brought her greater joy than gathering her family around her table. She lovingly hosted traditional Sviat Vechir in her home until 2023, a cherished tradition that grew richer with each generation added to the family.

Maria leaves behind her children Lesia (Victor Hetmanczuk), Ihor, George (Christina) and Chrystyna (Evhen); grandchildren Taras (Laryssa), Mark (Diane), Alex (Emily), Vera (Bryan), Alia (Paul), Natalia (Lesyk), Eva (Patrick) and Nadia; great-grandchildren Maksym, Nicholas, Luka, Maya, Matthew, Caroline, Charles, Harrison, Paige and Hailey; nephews Roman Borowyk and Roman Holian, niece Laryssa Borowyk, and their families.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Omelan in 1988, grandson Peter, daughter-in-law Roma and six siblings.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. T. Babick, the staff of River Ridge Retirement Residence and St. Boniface Hospital for their care and compassion.

Funeral service and prayers will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Cathedral, 115 McGregor Street, Winnipeg, Rev. I. Shved officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Maria's memory to the Canada Ukraine Foundation (cufoundation.ca) or the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral Parish of Saints Volodymyr and Olha (stvo.ca).

Vichnaya Pam'yat. May her memory be eternal.

Slava Ukraini!