Obituary of Mary Kafara
With great sadness, the family of Mary Kafara announces her passing on December 1, 2020 at the age of 86 from an unexpected heart attack.
Mary was born to Frank and Nellie Yablonski in 1934 in Masefield, Saskatchewan. In 1940 the family moved from Masefield and settled in the Dunkinville area near Renwer, Manitoba, where Mary and her siblings were raised.
On June 7, 1952, she married Bronislaw (Brownie) Kafara. They also farmed in the Dunkinville area and raised their four children. Mary worked hard on the farm, helping out in the field as well as raising children. As the children were growing up, Mary sold World Book Encyclopedia and Avon, was employed by Canada Census, was a Star & Times newspaper correspondent, was involved as a 4-H leader and was an active member with St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Renwer. Mary looked forward to Sundays, as that was the time the family went to church, had a chance to relax at picnics, go to the lake and spend time with family and friends. Mary especially liked the Christmas season, as friends got together and went caroling.
In 1984, Mary and Brownie retired from farming and moved to Swan River, Manitoba. Mary enjoyed working at the Valley Workshop as a specialized aid and serving the St. Columba Catholic Women’s League. She was involved and participated in the Terry Fox Run for many years. While the couple lived in Swan River, they travelled to various places as well as Saskatchewan and Alberta to visit family.
In 2010, Mary and Brownie moved to Red Deer, Alberta. It was hard for them to leave family and friends in Swan River, but they looked forward to being closer to their children and grandchildren. Red Deer was home to Mary until her passing.
Mary will be lovingly remembered by her husband Brownie; daughters Janet Rooks (Dennis) of Candle Lake , Saskatchewan and Joan McIntyre (Darrell) of Red Deer; son Brian (Marlene) of Blackfalds, Alberta; daughter-in-law Donna Kafara (Harvey) of Red Deer; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters Helen Dutchyshen of Brandon, Manitoba and Jennie Zentner (Tad) of Langley, BC; brother Edward of Minitonas, Manitoba; sisters-in-law Diane Tripp and Elizabeth Yablonski of Swan River, Manitoba and Mary Olinyk (Ernie) of Surrey, BC; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Leonard in 1997, son Larry in 2004, brother-in-law Nick Dutchyshen in 2011 and nephew Christopher Yablonski in 2015.
Cremation has taken place with Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service of Red Deer in charge of arrangements. Due to Covid restrictions, there will be no service at this time. Mary will be laid to rest at a later date at Alto Reste Cemetery in Red Deer.
Should friends so desire, memorial donations in Mary’s honour may be made to St. Columba Catholic Women’s League, Box 1061, Swan River MB, R0L 1Z0 or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Condolences for the family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net.
Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials Funeral and Cremation Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944