SALMERS, Mary (nee Blasko) -
January 27, 1931 – May 30, 2023
Mary Salmers peacefully entered into well-earned rest on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Fairview Lodge in Whitby, Ontario.
She was the eldest daughter of Peter and Barbara Blasko (both deceased) and a proud second-generation Ukrainian-Canadian.
In 1951, Mary was joined in marriage to Ihor Stephen Salmers (also a proud second-generation Ukrainian-Canadian) and went on to provide a third generation of proud Ukrainian-Canadians in their five daughters.
Their strong marriage lasted 57 years until Steve’s passing in 2008.
Mary was recognized, in writing, by no less than our late Queen Elizabeth II and The Queen Mother, for the eggs she made for them. She also had a Ukrainian shop on Simcoe Street in Oshawa, where people could purchase such supplies and other artifacts to share her loving pride of her heritage.
Mary and Steve were married at the Ukrainian Presbyterian Church in Oshawa but then later, along with her husband and daughters, she became a very active member of Simcoe Street United Church.
Mary is survived by her 5 daughters; Stephanie (Brosko), Natalka (Natalie)(Dreichel), Marika (Mary)(McGrath), Eugenia (Genie)(Westwood), and Daria (Salemka). She is also survived by 3 sons-in-law, John Dreichel, Roger Westwood and Leslie De’Ath.
She was predeceased by 2 sons-in-law, Mike Brosko (2017) and Greg McGrath (2023).
Mary is also survived by her youngest sister, Olga Boltz (Ron). She was predeceased by her other siblings, Anne Fernley, John Blasko, Natalie Corley and William Blasko.
Mary is also survived by ‘joys of her life’ - her grandchildren; Nick, Melissa (Ron), Tim, Shawn, Andrea (Brian), Philip (Becky), Graham and Alyssa (Elvin). She felt blessed to have 4 great-grandchildren; Reid, Kyrie, Kaden and Dylan.
Mary’s life was further blessed with many beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, their precious children and so many family friends. She had a full life.
Mary’s family would like to thank all the medical, kitchen, house care and recreational staff at Fairview Lodge for all the humane kindness, gentleness and professionalism they always showed to our Mom, who truly considered Fairview her home while she was there.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully welcomed to Simcoe Street United Church or The Arthritis Society of Canada.
A Celebration of Mary’s Life will take place at Mount Lawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, 21 Garrard Road, Whitby, Ontario L1N 3K4 on SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2023 at 2:00 PM. with Rev. Dan Yourkevich officiating.
Visitation will be on Friday, June 9, 2023 from 6-8 PM and Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 1:00 PM. Interment to follow at MOUNT LAWN CEMETERY with the Celebration Service.
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