Mary Bachiu

Mary Bachiu (nee Cristo) passed away peacefully at the age of 90 in Saskatoon, SK in the home of her eldest son Leonard and daughter-in-law Iona on February 12, 2014. She died as she lived, surrounded by her loving family. She was the matriarch and beacon of faith to her family.

She was predeceased by her loving husband John in 1975.

Mary was born on October 11, 1923 in Stonehenge, Saskatchewan to Sam and Neculina Cristo, brothers William, Samuel, George, and John predeceased her. Her sister Vicki and her husband Arnold Allers survive her.

She was the mother of four sons: Leonard, Lloyd, Vern, and Grant. Leonard is married to Iona and they have 4 children: Jeff and his wife Becky and their 3 children: Chandyn, Kalila, and Piper; Steven; Tim and his wife Sumaya and their 2 children: Oscar and Elsa; and Laura, Lloyd is married to Connie and they have 2 children: Dione, and Kris and his wife Suzanne and their 2 children: Ethan and Abby, Vern is married to Ruth and they have 3 children: Megan, Katie and her husband Rod and their son Daniel; and Aaron, Grant is married to Linda and they have 3 children: Jill, Kristi, and Lisa.

Mom lived a simple yet profound life. Her deep faith and her love of family and friends were the hallmarks of her life. She was not rich in material things but she was rich in the things that mattered to her most. Mom was a lifetime member of the Greek Orthodox Church and her faith kept her centered through the joys, troubles, and trials of life. Mom’s faith and values were reflected in her family. Mom had a way of making each of her sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren feel like we were the most special people in the world.

Mom was fiercely independent and never wanted to be a burden to anyone. She lived on her own till near the end in her apartment living amidst her good friends, her nieces and nephews, and in-laws. She said that she was often lonesome for her children but never bored. Mom wanted to live life on her own terms and to depart this life without being a burden. She maintained her positive attitude as her health failed, always trying her best to look after herself and never complaining.

We are so sad to say goodbye mom, but it is us that we are sorry for. You have lived the good life and fought the good fight. You have moved to Our Father’s House. You taught us all many things as we were growing up. However, you saved the best lesson for last – you taught us how to pass from this life to the next holding firm to the things you held so dear.

The Orthodox Funeral Service of Mary Bachiu was held at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at the Descent of the Holy Ghost Orthodox Church in Assiniboia, SK. Prayers were held at 7:00 pm on Friday, February 14, 2014 at Ross Funeral Chapel, Assiniboia, SK. Officiating Priest Father Cosmin Sicoe. Pallbearers were: Kris Bachiu, Tim Bachiu, Steve Bachiu, Aaron Bachiu, Robin Cristo, and Monte Cristo. Interment followed at Mount Hope Cemetery, Assiniboia, SK. Donations in Memory of Mary may be made to the Descent of the Holy Ghost Orthodox Church, PO Box 285, Assiniboia, SK S0H 0B0. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.rossfuneralservice.com.