She was predeceased by her husband Nick on May 16, 2011; one son Glenn; her brothers, Thomas, Aloys, James, Anthony and Frank; two sisters, Justina Hudec and Josephine Hudec.
Mom was born October 25, 1922, on the Bakanec family farm at Fox Valley. Mom and dad married on November 18, 1942, and lived on the original Buye family farm, raising their children and enjoying farm life until they retired to Medicine Hat in 1986. In February 2013, mom moved to Chinook Village Retirement Community and then to Sunnyside Long Term Care Center in January 2014.
Mom adored farm life, especially her flower and vegetable gardens and her chickens. She spent countless hours cooking for her family, making hundreds of perogies for Christmas dinner, canning fruit and vegetables, making butter and cottage cheese, baking pies, buns, bread, and of course her famous cinnamon rolls. She also took special food orders that you were sure to get when we were growing up on the farm or when you came to visit in Medicine Hat. Mom worked tirelessly from morning to night. Occasionally, she would “lay down for 15 minutes” only to be back up after 10 minutes and back to work.
A highlight for mom was traveling to Slovakia in 1996 with her sister and niece where they visited relatives and Grandpa Bakanec’s place of birth. Mom loved nature and God’s little creatures. She especially loved butterflies and found great pleasure in watching them flutter in her flower garden. Mom enjoyed having visitors and no one could leave her home without having a “bite to eat.” Visits from grandchildren and great grandchildren lit up mom’s life. She would leave the “little finger prints” on the windows so she could enjoy them long after the children had gone home. Everywhere you looked were pictures of her family from tiny little framed ones, to ones on the fridge, down the hallway and in each room. Mom was all about her family.
As mom’s last days drew near she continued to show her expression of love for her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren with her smile. Mom’s faith in God throughout her life carried her through the grief of losing her son Glenn and her beloved husband of 68 years Nick. Her family and friends and anyone who knew her will cherish the times we spent together.
Family and friends gathered for prayers in the Pattison Chapel on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass was celebrated in Holy Family Parish (1451 Strachan Road SE) on Friday, March 7, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. with Fr. Philip Le celebrant. Interment took place in the Fox Valley Cemetery on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Holy Family Parish Building Fund 1451 Strachan Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4V3.
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