Mary Irene Nychka
On November 12, 2016 Mary Irene Nychka passed away at the age of 85 years. Mary leaves to mourn: her husband Walter, daughter Marie Nychka (Mejia), son in law Mario Mejia, grandsons: Adam Blocka and Boyan Blocka, grand daughter in law Andrea Jacques, great grandson Zen Blocka and honorary grand daughter Nikki Hulowski.
Born in Regina, to parents Dmytro and Katie (Irene) Boyachek, Mary had a happy childhood and was active with the church, Girl Guides, and the Ukrainian National Federation where she sang, danced, and played the mandolin. Being an only child, she loved to visit her cousins out at "the farm" by Calder, Saskatchewan. In high school she was an avid basketball player and earned the nickname "legs" for her agility and speed. Upon graduation she trained as a Laboratory Technician.
When the Future Queen Elizabeth II came to Saskatchewan on a tour across the country, the Ukrainian dance groups from Regina and Moose Jaw combined for a performance. Walter Nychka was one of the boys from Moose Jaw. The show was a success.
At the age of 19, Mary was misdiagnosed with tuberculosis and spent 9 months in a sanitarium before a correct diagnosis of pleurisy was reached and she was released. Walter made regular visits the entire time.
Two years later Mary and Walter married and one year after that their daughter, Marie, was born. In a few years the family moved on to Calgary and then eventually to Saskatoon where they were very involved with various Ukrainian organizations. Mary passed on her love of music and dance to her daughter and spent many hours sewing costumes and supporting her training and dreams. When Marie left home, Mary and Walter moved back to Calgary where they worked tirelessly for St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Mary was instrumental with the building committee, the museum, and the gift shop at the church where she worked for over 20 years. Eleven years ago Mary and Walter moved to Edmonton to live with Marie and her husband, Mario.
Mary loved her family, her friends, her Ukrainian culture, and her God. Her beautiful smile and strong spirit will be greatly missed.
Prayer Service
Thursday, November 17 7:00PM
St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox
9831 75 Street NW, Edmonton
Divine Liturgy
Friday, November 18 11:00AM
St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox
9831 75 Street NW, Edmonton
Вічная Память
Our prayers go out to you Marie and the rest of the family on the passing of your Mom.
May her memory be eternal! Sincerest sympathy, Orest & Gwen
Walter, Marie and family
We were so saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved wife, Mother and grandmother Mary.
Mary carried a spark and was a very devoted person to her family and those she loved.
May she rest in peace with the Lord. May her memory be eternal.
I was in and out of the Nychka home since Grade 3. Mr. and Mrs. Nychka were always so kind to me.
Leroy, so sorry for your loss,
Mick
Just learned of Mary’s passing today through an old neighbour in Westgate.
I bought their house in 2005 and it was so nice to have met them and I enjoyed seeing them on some of their subsequent visits to Calgary. My condolences to all family members.Still living in their lovely home and my warmest thoughts go out to all of you. Love, Mariette
Just learned of Mary’s passing….never met her, but sounds like a wonderful person lost….may she rest in Peace. Mary had to be a beautiful person, as she had a wonderful, caring husband.
I had the pleasure of sharing many great times with Walter at the Curling Club….he truly was a loving man always taking care of Mary.
Thinking of you “Walter” and all of your family.
My heart goes out to you.
Joanne
it was by accident that I have read of Mary passing. I have meet Walter and Mary in Calgary. I did not know of their moving to Edmonton. We have lost contact with Marie. She did not attend our Nychka reunion at our house. We would have attended the funeral if we had known of her passing earlier. Please accept our condolence.
Ron & Merilyn Nychka