Obituary of May Kushnir

Mary Matilda Kushnir (nee Semeniuk), fondly known by all as May, was born on June 07 1914 on the farm near Sturgis, Sask. The first child to William and Doris (nee Snihor). Her parents left their home in the Austrian-Hungarian Empire and came to Canada for a better life. They were hard working pioneers. Mom the oldest of 5 children, her sister Ann, Brothers John and Edward and lastly sister Rebecca. She had a happy childhood and would tell us stories of these times on the farm growing up. She attended Cavell school and often said how popular she was, as she had many friends. She rode horseback to school and to get the mail. She loved sports played on the school ball team winning at the big annual sports meets. She completed Grade 11 and had to leave school to help her mother on the farm. She had many interests, she yodeled, she was artistic and loved to draw and paint. A good seamstress, sewing may clothes for herself and others. She was always fond of pets, and she and Bill enjoyed many over the years. She enjoyed watching sports on tv, especially hockey, while she crocheted. Many people received her beautiful afghans and baby clothes as gifts. She also could embroider, a skill she taught her daughter Judith. As her family would tell anyone, her family meals were by far the best ever, as she enjoyed cooking grand meals for all to share. She loved fall, when she could create her many jams and relishes. She had a real flair for fashion. Over the years she was always well dressed wearing a hat and glove. She did this to hide her crippled fingers that occurred when she was very young by scalding them in hot milk. May was united in marriage to William (Bill) Kushnir on October 18, 1936, and they were married for 70 years until his death in 2006. For the first year they lived with her mother due to the tragic death of her father that spring. They farmed in the Hamton district, and then in 1956 they moved to Yorkton in the home Sharron and Dale resides in now. She and Bill had five children: Judith, Gerald, Darrell, Dallas, and Sharron. Mom and dad had started to serve Jehovah in the 1930's. Mother remained faithful to her strong beliefs until her death. Her well used bibles are evidence of her reading them daily. As the years went by despite having health issues, and caring for her two sons that were ill, she always had time to share fully in the ministry. She will be remembered by many as a wonderful, kind and generous person. Her children and grandchildren certainly appreciated her gifts and care packages. How we loved and looked forward to these, including the jam, pickles and goodies she sent. Yes mom, over the years you have been a mother to be proud of, and we are grateful for what you taught us, despite poverty and hard times. But we did have happy occasions, attending family weddings and enjoying picnics at the lake, and many a berry picking trip when we were children. One memorable occasion was May and Bill's 60th anniversary at the Gallagher Centre, when family came from all over to attend this celebration. Due to failing health mom went into long term care on June 26, 2008 in the nursing home, where she remained until her death. Sharron and Janet were diligent in visiting with her and seeing that she was well cared for. Every year, Darrell would come and visit, to make sure that she had some fun, even taking her to Good Spirit Lake for a picnic. We want to thank all those who cared for her while she was in the Yorkton and District Nursing Home. Mother always believed in the promise of a paradise earth, when peace would be restored to the earth by God's Kingdom. She always loved to garden and I hope that one day she will be in a grand garden to enjoy. On Monday, November 5th 2018 May passed away peacefully at the Yorkton and District Nursing Home at the age of 104 years and 5 months. Besides her husband Wasyl, May was predeceased by two sons, Dallas in January 1991, and Gerald in August 1991; a sister, Anne (and Julian) Yale; and by her brothers William Semeniuk and Edward Semeniuk. She leaves to remember her and cherish her memory: daughter Judith Janet May Walker of Yorkton, her son Paul Kushnir & grandson Devon Kushnir of Yorkton; son Darrell John (Ruth) Kushnir of Niagara, ON, his daughter Tanya (Warren) Chin and their children Katelyn and Andrew; and son Alex (Esther) Kushnir, all of Ontario; daughter Sharron (Dale) Hudson of Yorkton, son Colin (Vesna) Hudson and their children Logan, Sophie, Stefan and Nikolas of Calgary, son Derek (Laura) Hudson and their children Kennedy & Gage of Airdrie, AB, son Joshua (Melinda) Hudson and their sons Sunnee and Liam, daughter Suzanna (Chris) Jones and their children Anthony and Alisha of Yorkton. Also a sister, Rebecca (Gene) Barber of Las Vegas, NV; and a sister-in-law, Pearl Semeniuk in Ontario. The interment took place on Friday, November 9th 2018 in the Garden of Devotion at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens. The funeral service was held on Saturday afternoon, November 10th from the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Yorkton with Mr. Glen Yale officiating. Friends so wishing can leave a condolence message at baileysfuneralhome.com Service Information Saturday, November 10th, 2018 2:00pm, Kingdom Hall Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens