Mary (Telenko) Sumka

Mary Sumka (Telenko)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Mother Mary Sumka on February 27th, 2020 with family at her side.

Mary was born in Montreal on June 30, 1926, moved to Winnipeg in 1951 with her husband Peter. She was predeceased by her husband Peter and granddaughter Andrea. Mary is survived by her seven sons: Stephen (Donna), Daniel, George (Mary), Peter (Brenda), Albert (Shelley), Paul (Darcy), Andrew, and one daughter Katherine Orobko (Tony), plus18 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren, and her Sisters: Sister Marianne Telenko SSMI, and Sister Alicia Telenko SSMI.

Married life in Winnipeg started by living with Peter’s parents on Margaret Avenue. In time they moved to Selkirk Avenue building their family and life. Coming from a religious family Mary found St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church that was welcoming and similar to her church in Pointe St. Charles in Montreal. Her love of the church was a huge part of her life, so much so that she is a “lifetime” parishioner of St. Nicholas Church, joining the Ladies League UCWLC, parents committee and attending church faithfully.

Mary and Peter’s home was always an open door to family, friends and neighbors. It was not uncommon for cousins and grandchildren to stay overnight to allow their parents a break or vacation. She enjoyed creating traditional Ukrainian Meals and celebrating all holidays and special occasions. Perogy making started at 9:00 and didn’t stop till 6:00 creating well over twenty dozen to feed all who showed up. Her holubchi were the best, and you often left with take out to enjoy at your own home. You never left Mom’s kitchen hungry, no matter who you were.

With two religious Sisters often visiting Mary’s home it was destiny that her children attended Immaculate Heart of Mary School. With St. Nicholas Church and Immaculate Heart of Mary School. Mom ensured that the foundation of faith and learning were introduced to our young minds. Although financially it was a sacrifice, Mary, alongside Peter, participated in many fundraising activities as avid supporters of the church and school.

Mary’s positive attitude, and optimistic outlook on life, and deep seeded faith assisted her on living a good life when she transitioned to Holy Family Home in 2014. Her beaming smile, and wonderful personality made her a popular resident with the staff, and residents of Holy Family Home. Mom participated in all activities especially Church Services, and Bingo. Mom regularly stated that Holy Family Home is a Palace.

We’d like to thank Dr. Andrea Babick for her excellent care and compassion for our Mother. To the Staff of Mom’s Unit St. Mary’s 2A we express our heartfelt gratitude. Mom often referred to her caregivers as Angels: Agnes, Magda, Maria, Anna-lee, Jenny and Bernadette. Mom always said “Thank you” and asked “How are you today?”, and said “They are so good to me and all my friends”.

Thank-you to the Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate for their guidance, compassion and prayers throughout our lives.

Panakhyda will be held on Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00 pm at Korban Funeral Chapel - 907 Main Street

Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, March 5 at 11:00 am at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 737 Bannerman Avenue

Officiants for the service will be Fr. Isadore Dziadyk OSBM and  Father Bohdan Lukie CSsR.  The cantor will be Ron Lukie.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to:

Lubov Foundation - Holy Family Home, Bethany Home  (Home of the Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate) or St. Nicholas Church.

            Our hearts are full of memories

            With pride we speak your name

            Though life goes on without you

            It well never be the same