ORYSCHAK, Marie - July 29, 1918 – February 22, 2022
On Tuesday, February 22nd 2022, Marie Oryschak passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family, at the young age of 103 1/2.
Marie, also known as 'Baba' to her close friends and family, was a character, to say the least.
Born and raised in Sundown, Manitoba, Baba was one of 14 children to Nicholas and Zoika Alexiuk.
The Alexiuk's came to Canada in 1903 from the village of Mikhalkiv, district of Chernievitz in the state of Bukovina in South-Western Ukraine.
They sailed on the SS Bulgaria, a cattle boat, during May 1903 and arrived in Halifax in June (now historically referred to as Pier 21).
From Halifax, they made their way to Winnipeg, MB and then took an ox-drawn wagon to Sundown, MB.
Baba spoke fondly of her life on the farm. She shared many stories from her childhood and her love of animals - she even had a pet lamb which she let sleep in her bed to keep her warm!
Baba worked on her family farm until the age of 20; she then became a teacher and taught in Northern Manitoba.
She loved singing and dancing, and one night she met a cowboy, Michael Oryschak, and they fell in love. In the summer of 1946, she became Marie Oryschak. Michael moved to Toronto in 1948, and Marie followed in 1952.
They had had four children, William (Lisa), Suzanne (Ed), Kathleen (Jim), and David (Judy). Marie was a loving stay-at-home mother to her four children for ten years before working in the catering business.
In 2008, Baba moved in with her son, William, his wife, Lisa, and her two grandchildren, Julia and Stephanie. At the age of 90, Baba had already lived many chapters, but if we do say so ourselves (and because I, Julia, am writing this), this was one of her best.
Baba played a crucial role in our family - a baba first and foremost, but more importantly, a best friend, in-house comedian, and hide-and-seek partner. Baba attended every dance recital, 4-H meeting, graduation, and every other major milestone in her grandchildren's lives.
Baba kept a busy calendar and social life: She attended the Hillsdale Adult Day Program; The Seniors 55+ club at the Courtice Community Center (she could beat you any day of the week at crazy 8's); and numerous seniors luncheons (even at 100 years old, she still had an appetite for free food - bonus points if there were chicken wings!). Her grandchildren kept her busy and, more importantly, loved.
Together they had all sorts of crazy adventures, like a cross-Canada train ride from Toronto to Vancouver to celebrate her 93rd birthday, trips to Ottawa to meet Prince William and Kate, numerous staycations in Toronto to see musicals, and so much more.
At 99, Baba first obtained her passport and travelled to Walt Disney World, Florida, to celebrate her 100th birthday, which was then followed by a Disney Cruise and an encore back at Walt Disney World to celebrate her 101st birthday.
Baba had an indescribable energy: she made you feel important, special and had a smile that could light up the room. It wasn't uncommon for strangers to quite literally stop her in the street and ask to take a picture with her.
Baba is loved near and far. She's lived a long glorious life, which of course, has had its trials and tribulations, but she had a way of keeping things fun and light.
At 103 1/2 years young, she had experienced so much throughout her lifetime. On Friday, February 18th 2022, she announced to her grandaughter Julia that she would need to pass soon. Baba knew how deeply loved she was and that she would need to give her loved ones some notice to say their goodbyes.
A few days later, on Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022, Baba took her final breath surrounded by family. We are forever thankful that she had the luxury of passing from old age, at home, with her family.
Baba is survived by her son William, his wife Lisa, her two grandchildren, Julia and Stephanie, her daughter Suzanne, her grandson Justin (Pam), and great-grandchildren, Olivia and Henry.
We want to take a moment to recognize and thank all of the wonderful Personal Support Workers (PSWs) that helped Baba live a full and remarkable life over the past 13 1/2 years.
Your support, kindness, and love for Baba will never be forgotten. We'd especially like to thank; Sarah, who has taken care of Baba for 11+ years, Manda, Puri, Andrea, Tanya, Amanda, Iryna, Lisa, Anna, Lorraine, Evelyn, and so many more. Your support means the world to Baba and to us.
Baba's legacy will forever be carried in our hearts.
We invite you to celebrate her life at Courtice Funeral Chapel (details below).
In true Baba fashion, we kindly ask you to wear your brightest colours (preferably pink, if you can).
Baba lived an incredible life that deserves to be celebrated.
Visitation will take place at the COURTICE FUNERAL CHAPEL , 1587 Highway 2, Courtice on Sunday February 27, 2022 from 4 to 8 pm.
Please use the following link to reserve a time slot: https://signup.com/go/KkfAwxH .
Due to COVID protocols the Celebration of Life at the Funeral Home will be invitation only, however, friends are invited to join the family on Monday February 28, 2022 at 1:30 pm via Livestream by using the following link: https://funeraweb.tv/diffusions/48076 .
Online condolences may be made at courticefuneralchapel.com .
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