Obituaries

MARY KUSHNER (NEE DURBAN)
NOVEMBER 21, 1922 – DECEMBER 3, 2022

“For everything there is a season, a time to be born and a time to die”

Peacefully, after a brief illness and in her 100th year, Mary passed on to her eternal home. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Steve, son Robert, and brothers Nick, Joe, Carl and sister Olga. Mum leaves to cherish her memory, daughter Cheryl Chartrand (Jeff), grandchildren Brad (Elizabeth), Tracey Vrecko (Quincy), Renee Langrell (Darryl) , Micah (Sheena) and nine beloved great grandchildren. She will be lovingly remembered by her brother Mike, sisters Dianne and Veronica, dear friends and her family at Sturgeon Creek 2 Residence.

Mary was born in High Bluff, Manitoba. She was the 3rd child of Ukrainian immigrant parents. Mum was premature at birth and spent her first weeks of life being incubated in the family oven. She and her family lived on the family farm during the Great Depression, and she shared that there was always food on the table, and she never felt poor. The resourcefulness, love and strength of family molded mum into the independent, confident caring individual we knew.
Mum’s family moved to Portage la Prairie where she spent her young adult years. She wed Stephen Kushner in 1946 and together they made homes in Northern Ontario and Manitoba until moving to Winnipeg in 1959 for Steve to take on his position as an Air Traffic Controller. Not one to be idle, Mum entered the workforce and enjoyed her years at Underwood McLellan Engineers and Air Canada. Her role with the latter afforded her the opportunity to travel worldwide and meet many friends whom she kept in touch with through the years.

Mum’s greatest attribute was her positive attitude. She had great intuition and always saw the best in a person or situation. She loved life, was always ready for a new adventure, and readily made friends. She will be missed!

Mary’s latter years were spent at Sturgeon Creek 2 Retirement Residence. We credit the wonderful staff and home care for adding quality years to her life. She loved the daily chats, exercises, activities, and especially the “Mystery Rides”! We were able to celebrate mums 100th birthday with family, grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends, and residents in attendance. She was like a queen holding court and relished every moment!

A thank-you to staff on 3 North, Grace Hospital, for the compassionate care you gave mum in her final days, brief though they were.

Mum had a strong faith, and we rest in knowing she is with her Creator. Christian Mass and Burial will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, if you so wish, a donation may be made to the Grace Hospital Foundation or a charity of choice.