Obituary of Mary Popowich

POPOWICH - The family of Mary Popowich of Yorkton, beloved wife of the late William Popowich, sadly announce her passing on January 27, 2026. Mary was 99 years of age. Mary was born in the Good Spirit area on July 10, 1926, to John and Extima (née Skwarchuk) Drabiuk. Her family lived on a farm, and growing up in the 1920s and 1930s was challenging. All family members had to share in the workload to survive. From an early age, Mary helped with farm chores and household duties. She learned to cook, knit, and sew, and was often sent to work for neighbours—babysitting and doing housework and chores—to earn money for the family. In the 1940s, her oldest brother, Bill, took her to British Columbia, where she worked and met her husband-to-be, William Popowich. After a courtship, they were married on November 17, 1946. Mary and William acquired a farm north of Springside, where they farmed until retiring in 1983 and moving to Yorkton. During the years on the farm, Mary became a homemaker, a devoted mother, and a full-time helping hand in the farming operation. Two children were born to them: Donald in 1947 and Adeline in 1949. Many farm tasks were done with toddlers and growing children close at hand. Mary helped William in the fields, especially hauling and stacking thousands of square alfalfa bales. Her duties also included milking cows, separating cream for sale, and using it to make exceptional cheese and butter. Cattle were the only livestock raised, though hogs, chickens (mostly from setting clucking hens), ducks, geese, and often turkeys were also part of the operation. Mary loved the roosters—they were her alarm clock at 4:00 a.m. Many items she purchased over the years had a rooster theme, and she built a large collection of rooster ornaments that brought her great joy. Her house and yard were always immaculate, with beautiful flowers everywhere. Her gardens were huge and bountiful, with rows as straight as an arrow and not a weed to be found. Mary’s cooking and baking were exceptional, and she was often asked to be the head cook at weddings and other functions. Mary was very personable and truly enjoyed spending time with neighbours and family, both at the farm and in Yorkton. Besides her many talents—sewing, crafts, culinary skills, and gardening—Mary was remarkably wise and intelligent, especially with mental math. Her long-term memory was extraordinary, and she could recall the names and birthdays of nearly everyone she knew. Mary had a keen sense of humour and gravitated toward people who embraced lightheartedness and did not take themselves too seriously. Her greatest joy in life was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who always felt her love and warmth in a uniquely special way. Mary was predeceased by her husband, William; her parents, John and Extima; her beloved daughter, Adeline; her siblings, Bill, Mike, Steve, George, and Sophie; sisters-in-law Lena, Margaret, Nellie, and Marj; and brother-in-law Bill. She is survived by her son, Don (Joan); grandchildren Ron (Kim), Darrel, Michael (Sass), Tanya (Kevin) Gullion, Peter Steranko, and Tara (Carey) Novak; great-grandchildren Kirsten, Connor, Nathan, Zachary, Danika, Alexis, Cameron, and Matthew; son-in-law Ron Steranko; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from the Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church with the Very Reverend Archpriest Michael Faryna officiating. Jason Kopan served as cantor. Tanya Gullion served as cross bearer. Don Popowich and Ron Steranko delivered the eulogy. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Ron Popowich, Peter Steranko, Carey Novak, Kevin Gullion, Barry Popowich, and Randy Popowich serving as casket bearers. Tara Novak, Michael Popowich, Darrel Popowich, Shirley Zuravlov, Laurie Heshka, Ron Skwarchuk, Donna Skwarchuk, Brenda Hoffman, Steven Steranko, Dave Adolfson, Marlene Vander Griendt, and Violet Wert served as honourary casket bearers. Memorial donations in memory of Mary Popowich may be made to Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church or to a Charity of One’s Choice as gifts of remembrance. Condolences may be left for the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com.

Вічная Пам'ять  -   Eternal Memory