Maria Bakaisa Krywiak 1922-2024

On July 6, 2024, after being blessed with 101 incredible years of life experiences, our beautiful Mama slipped away peacefully at the CHSLD Polonais in Montreal. Maria Bakaisa was comforted in her final hours by daughter Mary and son Mike. She is predeceased by her husband Onufry Krywiak, her parents Hnat and Parania, her brothers Ivan, Mykhailo and VasyI and her sister Anna. She was the loving mother of John, Michael and Mary (Clive Prideaux). She was the proud grand-mother to Alicia and Thomas (Stephanie) and adoring great-grandmother to Annabelle and Scarlett.

Maria was strong, lively and curious about everything. She had a passion for gardening and baking, spoke several languages and even became a Mrs. Fix-it later in life. Her culinary skills,honed at an early age, made her famous for dishes like pierogies, goulash, borscht, and especially her apple and blueberry pies. Mama K was a second mother to many of her children’s friends. She was known for her laughter and sense of humour – even though her life, like many of her generation, had not always been easy.

She was born in Wislok, Ukraine where she met her beloved husband, Onufry, just prior to the chaos of the Second World War. They were married in their hometown in February 1942 and in 1948 they emigrated to Canada, settling first in Alberta and then in Montreal's St Henri district.They worked very hard to build a new life, with Onufry as a diesel mechanic and Maria supplementing their income through housekeeping.

The family eventually moved to Lasalle, where Maria and Onufry raised their children. They participated in many community activities such as church functions at the Holy Ghost Parish,beach-side gatherings on Lake Champlain, mushroom picking and picnics with friends, etc. After Onufry’s passing in 1987, Maria remained active, taking on even more interests and was often seen working in her garden, fixing her house and sharing her stories with friends at local coffee shops etc. She loved walking everywhere. Maria enjoyed outings with her daughter especially when visiting in Vancouver. She created a rich life with love and lasting memories.

Her life will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 16th with visitation from 9:30 to 11:30 AM at the Yves Légaré Funeral Complex, 7200 Newman Blvd., LaSalle and mass held at the Ukrainian Catholic Holy Ghost Church in Point St. Charles at 12:30 PM.

The family is forever grateful to the staff at the Ukrainian Villa for their patience, care and sense of humour, especially while Maria was the last resident for the month of May. The family also extends heart-felt thanks to Nurse Olena and staff during Maria’s very brief stay at the CHSLD Polonais. Condolences can be offered on the Yves Légaré website. In lieu of flowers, donations to Doctors Without Borders would be greatly appreciated.