Mary Myscouhg

The family is eternally grateful for the kind and continuous care given to our kind mother, grandmother and great-grandmother during her four year stay at Magnolia Gardens. Not to forget anyone, please know that we so greatly appreciate the whole staff for the kindness you showed our dear, sweet mother.

Also, we would be remiss not to thank Dr. Richardson for his compassionate and detailed care for Mary over three decades. Thank you!

Born in Hamilton in 1923 to Mary (Kubicek) Dworsky and William Dworsky, she was the younger sister to Helen. The family moved to Lachine, QC, in 1930. Brother Bill joined the family in 1946.

Mary graduated in secretarial studies from Lachine High School. She was most proficient, winning speed typing competitions (140 wpm).

Post graduation she went to work at the Dorval Airport (present day PET Airport). During WWII, she was sent to Bermuda to work for the Canadian Government. She treasured her time in Bermuda and spoke of it most fondly throughout her life.

Marrying Alexander Myscouhg in 1947, three years later they became the parents of Teena, followed by Judy and Donna. Years later they were equally delighted to become grandparents to five grandchildren (Taryn, Lauren, Brock, Brett, Bradley) and later to nine great-grandchildren.

Mary and Alex were keen and active members of the AUUC (Association of United Ukrainian Canadians) in gymnastics, choir, and the orchestra. Wee Mary could be seen dragging her double bass to practices while tall Alex played the tiny mandolin. Mary and Alex made beautiful music together in the orchestra, choir, and in life.

While Alex worked at Bell Telephone Company (Bell Canada) for 37 years, Mary was the chatelaine of Lachine…….from her hat making, cake decorating and sewing to her dinner parties, international cooking expertise and home preserves, Mary was the model mother. Mary had her girls in piano, dance, ballet, figure skating, you name it, Mary was her daughters’ cheerleader. Her “girls” will remember her perfectionism and fastidiousness in everything she did. Meticulously groomed and always fashion conscious, she kept up with the times by re-entering the work force full-time in 1962. A VERY brave act for the time. Working downtown Montreal fed Mary’s interest in fashion and keeping “in the know”.

And she was successful.

And she was kind.

And she was most energetic.

And she was selfless.

And she was loyal……fiercely so.

And she was determined.

And she was joyous and joyful….in the true sense of being FULL of joy.

In 1992, Mary and Alex moved to Langley, BC, to be closer to their daughters Judy (Bryan) Hayes and Donna (Tony) Huber. Having excellent fishing nearby was an added bonus. They enjoyed 20 years cruising the world (Bora Bora being a favourite), dancing, entertaining, the whole shebang.

Mary was usually the centre of laughter….There was always one question at a party. “Where’s Mary?” She was either the centre of fun and practical jokes or dancing up a storm with Alex; they were dream dancers.

The family will have a private celebration of this wonderful force of nature whom they proudly called Mummy, Baba, Pre-Baba. When you hear an accordion or polka, know that Mary and her Sasha are dancing. Ja tebe looblyou, mammo