Mary (Ungurain) Morash

In Loving Memory of

Mary Morash

1925 - 2015

On the morning of Thursday, April 16, 2015, at 8:05 Granny passed peacefully into eternity in the arms of her children.

Mary (Ungurain) Morash was born in Shell Valley, Manitoba on August 4, 1925 to Peter and Elana (nee Bilyk) Ungurain.  She was the third of twelve children to bless this union. Being the eldest girl, Granny left school at a young age to help on the farm and in the raising of her siblings which she talked of often with pride. The younger few were like her own.

Granny remained on the farm until she decided it was time to venture out, when she moved to Red Lake Ontario to work as a camp cook. She returned home to her parent’s farm, she then met and married John Morash on July 8, 1950.

For a job opportunity, Granny and Grandpa moved from Shell Valley to Snow Lake, Manitoba. It was here that their son, John Gerald was born.  He was the first of their six children. Not long after living in Snow Lake, they moved to Blue Wing, Manitoba, where they had Evelyn, Martha and Violet. They believed the big town of Roblin was the place to finally settle, so they moved a year later where they had their last two children, Calvin and Elsie.

Granny remained a housewife and homemaker for the majority of her life, but in the mid 1970’s she again tried her hand as an assistant camp cook to Elsie Galatiuk. She returned home in that same season to care for her eldest son, who had broken both arms in a construction accident. Grandpa and Granny were wed for 46 years until Grandpa’s passing in July of 1996.

Many may not have known what a fun loving, neitramnic (mischievous) lady Granny was, who cherished laughter. Her children and grandchildren are now well known for their neitramnic behavior, which they come by honestly. Her fun loving nature was also evidenced by the joy she brought to the Crocus Court Personal Care Home during her stay there for the last eight months. The staff enjoyed her as much as she enjoyed them.

We can say we all have our fond memories, but one of the most precious was the potluck family suppers each Friday evening at her house. (Uncle Calvin’s French-fries were always the best). It didn’t matter how many showed up or how long you stayed she never wanted us to leave regardless of how tired she got.

Throughout Granny’s life, her family was her most prized possessions which included her extended family to her immediate. Other characteristics that we loved about Granny were her generosity and selflessness. If she had her way we would all have been adorned like Kings and Queens.

Granny was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Elana; her husband John, her grandchild Robin, her Brothers George and John, Sister Evelyn, Sister in law Donnie, Brothers-in-law George, Peter and Nick, and Sister-in-law Mary.

Granny is survived by her six children, Gerry (Maryann) Morash, Evelyn (Mitch) Wasylenchuk, Martha (Tom) Messinbird, Violet Morash, Calvin Morash and Elsie Nattrass; 11 Grandchildren, David, Janine, Kyle, Jaret, Terlyn, Joshua, Robi, T.J., Karl, Charmaine and Scott; seven Great-grandchildren, Meagan, Georgia, Charlie, Domonic, Isabelle, Abigail and Jaelyn.  Granny is also survived by her six brothers, Alex, Frank, Sam, Ted, Jack, and Simon; and 2 sisters, Carrie and Doris, two sisters in-law Dora and Rose. She will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family. 

A Prayer Vigil Service was held on Friday, April 24, 2015 at 7:00 PM at the Chapel of Nairn-Chyz Funeral Home in Roblin, officiated by Rev. Fr. Brent Kuzyk.

The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 10:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Shell Valley, officiated by Rev. Fr. Brent Kuzyk.  Rev. Fr. Kuzyk was assisted by the Cantor, Ken Gaber and the Lennard-Shell Valley Church Choir.  The Cross Bearer was Karl Messinbird, and the Banner Bearers were Georgia Boyko and Robi Messinbird.  Evelyn Wasylenchuk and Elsie Nattrass read the Scripture Readings.  The Eulogy was delivered by Dave Wasylenchuk and Terlyn Nattrass-Goertz.

Granny was laid to rest at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Parish Cemetery in Roblin.  She was carried to her final resting place by her sons and grandchildren; Gerald Morash, Calvin Morash, Charmaine Morash, Dave Wasylenchuk, Janine Wasylenchuk, Jaret Nattrass, Terlyn Nattrass-Goertz, Josh Nattrass and Kyle Morash.

Following the Interment Service a Memorial Reception was held in the lower level of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Roblin, served by the Ukrainian Orthodox Women’s Association.

In conclusion, and in celebrating Granny’s life we have a poem, which we find most fitting.

The Broken Chain

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name,

In life we loved you dearly; in death we do the same

It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone.

For part of us went with you, the day God called you home

You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide,

And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side

Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same,

But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again

- anon

NAIRN-CHYZ FUNERAL HOME

Entrusted with Arrangements

Roblin’s Only Locally Owned

and Family Operated Funeral Home

(204) 937-2111

nairn-chyzfuneralhome.com