Mary Lepinsky

Mary Lepinsky passed away in her sleep Jan. 5, 2002 at Pinewood Court Home for the Aged in Thunder Bay, Ont. at the age of 93.
She was born Oct. 18, 1908 in the western Ukraine. She immigrated to Canada with her parents and brother, John, arriving in Fort Frances on June 10, 1913.
She married Tony Lepinsky on Oct. 19, 1926 and raised four sons.
She was predeceased by her husband in 1958; her youngest son, Jimmy, in 1972; her father, Alex Klymko, in 1970; her mother, Anastasia, in 1978; and her siblings, Peter (1919), Nick (1974), Ann (1984), John (1994), Michael (1995), and Bill (1996).
She also was predeceased by her nephew, Billy (1961); great-grandson, Nathan (1991); sisters-in-law, Mary Lipinsky (Kaczorek) (1987), Marion Klymko (1993), and Alice Klymko (1994); and brothers-in-law, Dan Tomchuk (1944) and George Sutch (1995).
Also by her husband’s siblings, Harry (1952), Peter (1964), Annie (1974), Mary (1978), Nick (1993), and Mike (1999); and cousin and confidante of many years, Melanie Lovisa (1989).
Mary is survived by three sons and their wives, Walter (Marion) of Winnipeg, Man., Andy (Stancel) of Arnprior, Ont., and Stanley (Mary) of Thunder Bay, Ont.; 10 grandchildren, Rick, Rodger, Raymond, Craig, Sheldon, Christina, Mark, Mike, Maryann, and Jamie; six great-grandchildren, Selina, Josh, Jena, and Kevin, and Ashley and Jami-Lynn, and two great-great-grandchildren, Tianna and Talia.
Sisters-in-law Eileen Klymko of Fort Frances, Ont., Frances Lipinski of Portage La Prairie, Man., Olga Lepinski of Toronto, Ont., and Dorothy Lepinsky of Gananoque, Ont.; brother-in-law, Paul Lepinsky, of Brockville, Ont.; and 20 nieces and nephews also survive.
Mary was a resident of Fort Frances from her arrival in 1913 until October, 1996, when she moved to Thunder Bay. In her earlier years, she was known for her festive fruitcakes, candy making, delicious dinners, and growing the biggest cabbages in town.
Also unofficially known as the “Peroghy Queen”—a title well-earned.
She was always a dependable, willing helper for catering to showers. She later was employed at the Royal Bottling Works and the Twin Pines Restaurant.
The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff at Pinewood Court for their compassionate care of our mother.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 10, 2002 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Fort Frances.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations can be made to a charity of your choice.
We never lose the ones we love
For love itself lives on
And the joy we shared together
Is never really gone.
It lives in precious memories
Of you, who were so dear
Memories that bring comfort
And keep you always near.