PETRUNIK, Mary (nee Maria Simanova in Pohorela, Slovakia)

October 27, 1922- February 26, 2012 – Mary peacefully passed away at the Sault Area Hospital on Sunday, February, 26, 2012 in her 89th year.  Wife of the late Michael Petrunik.  Predeceased by her parents,  Juraj (George) and Kristina Siman and her brother Frank Simon.   Sister of Stella Rivet.  Mother of Ken, Michael George, Wayne, and Tina Petrunik (Petrova).  Grandmother of Kayte Fredrickson, Michael James, Kevin, Jason, Janna , Rebecca and Jamie Petrunik.  Great Grandmother of Olivia and Amelia Fredrickson, Ricardo Petrunik-Hernandez, and Zara Smith. Mother-in-law of Bernadette Petrunik, Lizanne Avon, Vivian Tsang, Connie Petrunik, and Marjorie Petrunik. Sister-in-law of Mary Barkley and Roberta Simon.  Grandmother-in-law of Blaine Fredrickson, Chris Smith, Nancy Perry, and Douglas Hernandez. Mary also leaves behind her nephews Ron, Robert, Richard, and Andrew, her nieces Colleen and Laura, members of the Siman, Fur, and Dovala families in Slovakia and many long-time friends, including fellow parishioners at St. Gerard Majella R.C. Church.  Mary cherished her Slovak heritage. She immigrated to Canada at the age of six with her parents from the village of Pohorela in the former republic of Czechoslovakia. For the remainder of her life Mary lived in the Sault.  She was a wonderful storyteller who delighted her family with anecdotes about the Slovak community and the good old days in the Sault’s West End. Although Mary’s life was often hard and she regretted having to leave school early, she felt great pride in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. Among her last words, to her daughter Tina, was the statement: “I have lived a good life”.   A mass for Mary will be held at St. Gerard Majella Church on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. with a reception to follow.  Rev. Francis Ezenezi officiating.  Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.  A future memorial service will be held in late spring.  The family would like to thank the nursing and other staff at the F.J. Davey Home for the wonderful quality of care provided to Mary during her final years. We appreciate that you always found time to do all the things that made life better for Mary and for us. We would also like to thank Mary’s personal physicians Dr. Ianni and Dr. Clark and the doctors at the Sault Area Hospital for their excellent care.  In lieu of flowers, and in respect for Mary’s attachment to her Slovak heritage memorial contributions  can be made in her memory  (Maria Simanova Petrunik) as follows: Chair (Dr. Mark Stolarik), Slovak History and Culture, University of Ottawa or to the Light the Cross Fund.  (Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre 705-759-2522).  Expressions of sympathy can be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com