Mihalik, Mary

It is with extreme sadness and grief that we announce the passing of our precious mother, MARY ROSE MIHALIK, at the age of 91 on Saturday, July 31, 2021 surrounded by her family, at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Mary was born, raised, and educated in Lethbridge. She had a warm, loving relationship with her late husband, Blondie, and was extremely close to her daughters, grandchildren, sisters, nieces and friends. Mourning her passing are her devoted daughters and sons-in-law, Linda (Jim) Zook and Debbie (Walter) Coyle, as well as four grandchildren, Alison (Pete), Alana (Brian), Megan, and Jimmy (Atley), Mary's sisters, Jolane Marusz, and Helen (Harold) Deal, their families, and her Mihalik nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Blondie, her parents, Paul and Katie Berze, her youngest sister, Liz Akroyd, and her niece Deeanna Akroyd.

Mary worked diligently alongside Blondie in the family grocery business, Mihalik's Food and Dry Goods. She greeted everyone with her beautiful smile and enjoyed working with and serving many loyal customers over the years.

Mary was an extremely dedicated, supportive mom and grandma. She was an excellent cook who loved to spend time with her family, sharing delicious meals often with a new dessert or square she wanted to try out on us. Her famous "pink square" was one of the favorites she donated to bake sales and friends in need.

Mary and Blondie were travellers. Our family enjoyed many summer holidays, most often driving to Las Vegas and California to Disneyland. Mom loved to drive, and she did! With Blondie navigating, she drove to Ontario to visit Debbie, Walt, Megan and Jimmy, one time even driving back home via Nashville and Memphis. They would also show up at the Oregon Coast for some beach time with Linda, Jim, Alison and Alana. They also visited Europe, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. Mary had a playful spirit: when they flew to Australia to visit Linda and Jim, they purposely waited to be the last passengers to deplane, leaving Linda and Jim to wonder if they missed their flight. To celebrate their 50^th wedding anniversary, mom and dad packed up Linda and Debbie and their families and surprised everyone with a flight to California so that everyone could experience Disneyland together.

Mary was very kind and very generous. She was well liked and respected in the community and was active in the church, as well as in many service clubs and organizations, often holding a position on the executive board. She liked to be part of bowling teams with her friends, walk, bake, go out for coffee, and play the lottery.

Mom came to the realization that she couldn't remain in her house on her own any longer. Sadly, she moved into care the day before the pandemic lockdown occurred. Although she was confined and isolated during Covid, we were able to have Virtual Visits twice a week. She was interested and participated in the lively conversation. We all looked forward to these visits, being united by our love for mom and missing her.

It was a pleasure and easy to care for mom. She was always grateful, loving and very appreciative of everything done for her. We were happy to help her as she spent her whole life helping others. She will be very sadly missed, and will remain in our hearts and memories forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, or to the Arthritis Society (www.arthritis.org/donate)

A private Funeral Divine Liturgy will be held on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. with Father Gary Sedgwick celebrating. The Divine Liturgy will be livestreamed and may be accessed via Mary's obituary on the Cornerstone website.