Mary Kuta

Born August 26, 1921, Mary was the oldest daughter of John and Anne Kuzio and along with her 2 brothers and 3 sisters: Millie, Nellie, William, Eileen and Edward, lived and worked on the family farm just south of Thorsby. Mary often spoke of the hard work that was required on a mixed farm and of the chores she did: baking bread, cleaning house, tending the garden and caring for her grandmother.

After meeting a handsome young man, John Kuta, Mary was swept off her feet and off the farm. Married on February 20, 1941, she moved to Thorsby, where she and John were blessed with three beautiful children, Betty, Dennis and Sylvia. In addition, Mary would later celebrate the birth of two grandchildren, Karen and Todd and years later, with four great-grandchildren, Matthew, Brendan, Brylar and Taitum.

Mary Kuta was predeceased by her mother, Anne, father, John, brother, William, and sister, Millie. She also mourned the loss of her husband, John in 1978.

Over the course of her years, in addition to being a wife, mother and grandmother, Mary also worked at the local Solo grocery store and later on at Casual Fashions and Notions. She was well known by many—living in the same community and area her entire life. Mary was a devoted lifetime member of the Holy Trinity Whitsuntide Russo Orthodox church. Mary’s father, John Kuzio, was one of the founding fathers of the tiny church; helping with fundraising, building and the church’s daily operations. Although small, the church was a large part of Mary’s entire life. Mary was the first baby baptized there after its completion in 1920. She attended as a girl, was married and raised her children in her faith in that church. As well, she was an avid volunteer, helping with many of the church functions, such as catering. She visited one last time, prior to her interment, next to her husband, John.

Mary had many interests over the course of her life, however some of her favorite pastimes included: baking, bingos, tending garden, watching Oilers hockey, reading (especially about the Royals and Wayne Gretzky) and music! Mary was well known for her hospitality and it was said that you could always count on the coffee being “on” at Mary’s house-along with some delicious baking of course! Everyone was always welcome.

In her life, Mary traveled far and wide. Trips included visits to various parts of Western Canada-with the mountains being her favorite. In 1976, she and her husband, John, visited his homeland of Poland and Mary returned there again with her daughter, Sylvia, in 1980. She toured many parts of the United States and also made two trips to Hawaii-first in 1986 and then again as her last big expedition in 2003.

It is a challenge to summarize the long and full life of Mary Kuta with only a few simple paragraphs. She was a positive and gentle person who never complained. She always spoke kindly of others and loved life at every stage.