Mary Gulka

Mary Gulka, daughter of Edith Gulka and the late Harry Gulka, of Preeceville, passed away on Thursday, March 19th. She was 59 years of age.

Mary Anne Gulka was the second child born to Harry A. Gulka and Adeline/Edith (nee Pacholko). Mary was born in Preeceville, SK on June 23, 1966. She attended school there until her graduation in 1984. She took work as teachers’ aide in Endeavor, SK and helped on the family farm. In 1987 Mary moved to Edmonton, AB whereby for 3 years she worked for the Government of Alberta in a clerical position. In 1991, after the death of her father, Mary moved back to Preeceville to be with her mother and young sister Virginnia. 

Mary worked various jobs in Preeceville. She namely worked at the Century House Restaurant and Bar as a waitress and later as a cleaner. After the closing of Century House she became employed at Shop Easy Foods as the cleaner there for over 20 years. 

Mary loved to tend to her garden, making sure there was no weeds and the rows were perfect. She prided herself on having the best corn and plenty of cucumbers to give away.  She had many containers of petunias, and begonias overflowing with blooms. She even helped to tend other people's gardens because she wanted them to also have bountiful harvest or beautify their yards.  Mary loved all animals but her biggest love were her cats. After the loss of her two cats, Mary swore she would not have another cat. She in turn, made sure her neighbour's cats had a cozy place to visit and treats to enjoy, especially in extreme cold. She believed that you can't turn your back on a suffering animal. Mary believed that if you can help someone, you should. She had a fiery personality if you crossed her, but a heart that believed in forgiving if you can. She enjoyed the company of her friends and family. In the last few years her stamina was limited by her lung disease but she continued to work in her garden as this was such joy to her. 

Mary is predeceased by her father Harry Gulka(1989), and her brother Terry Gulka (2021). Mary leaves behind to cherish her memory her mother Edith, and her sister Virginnia (Chris) Fehr. Mary will be fondly remembered by her long-time companion, Larry, and many relatives and friends. 

Vichnaya Pamyat! Eternal Memory!

Forever cherished.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, March 25, from the Chapel of Preeceville Funeral Home.

Funeral Services were held on Thursday, March 26, from Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Catholic Church in Preeceville.

Interment followed in the Chechow Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial donations in memory of Mary may be made to Paws and Claws Animal Rescue (Box 1047, Yorkton, SK S3N 2X3) as gifts of remembrance.