Mary Tarnowski
January 12, 1927 – July 15, 2016

The death of Mrs. Mary (nee Siermachesky) Tarnowski of St. Mary’s Villa, Humboldt, SK, (and formerly of Bruno SK), occurred at Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, SK, on Friday, July 15, 2016, just two months after the passing of her husband Peter.   She was 89 years of age.   Mary was born January 12, 1927, to Anton and Ksenka (Susan) (nee Lichaz) Siermachesky at the home on the family farm four miles north of Carmel, SK. They soon moved to another farm one mile west of Carmel, which became their home.  Mary attended school at Mt. Carmel School and in the town of Carmel itself.  After grade six, she was needed on the farm and had to quit school.  There she helped her family make a living by tending cows, helping in the fields, and doing the myriad of chores on the farm at that time.  She endured the 30’s where crops were poor and farms eked out a living.  Mary said they were poor but happy. In July 1938, her father passed away, and that seemed to make a great impression on her for years after. Mary was very close with her family. She made many trips to Smuts to visit her brother Steve and sister-in-law Olga and became especially close with her niece and nephews.   She met Peter Tarnowski and on July 17, 1954, they were married in Holy Trinity Church Hall. They moved to their farm and began 28 years of farming and raising a family. They both especially enjoyed cattle and Mary’s favorite activity was milking cows. She always said that was a relaxing and enjoyable time of the day.  It gave them much of what was needed on the farm from dairy products to the cream cheques that helped with groceries for many years.  Mary and Peter had five children, four sons and one daughter. Mary always encouraged her kids to go to school, as it was important to her since she did not have that opportunity. Mary was a great cook, and made the best perogies and cabbage rolls. The family was always treated to the traditional Ukrainian feasts at Christmas and Easter. Mary was a wonderful host to her family and friends who would be invited to their home.   In 1982, Mary and Peter moved to Bruno where they lived until recently. Mary still had an interest in her farm. The seasons came and went with seeding and harvests until they finally quit farming. Mary and Peter went on fishing trips to many lakes in northern Saskatchewan with their friends. Mary loved to play cards and go to bingo. She made many bus trips to the various casinos with surprisingly good success. Mary and Peter were huge fans of their children and grandchildren when they played sports and attended as many events as they could. Peter entered a nursing home and Mary found she could not continue by herself. Mary entered assisted living in Cudworth, and later St. Mary’s Villa in Humboldt.   Peter passed away on May 11, 2016.  Mary passed away peacefully in her sleep, quietly and without anyone fussing, just the way she wanted. Her passing was two days before their 62nd wedding anniversary.   Peter and Mary had never spent an anniversary apart and will not for this one.  Mary will be lovingly remembered by her five children, 10 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren:  Marcian (Tracey) Tarnowski and family, David (Kristi Hofer) Tarnowski, and Stephen (Leslie) Tarnowski and their daughter Jillian; Marilyn (Barry) Dagenais and family, Tasha (Jody) Nett and their children, Aiden, Logan, and Kaylee, Shaun Dagenais, Tyler (Shena) Dagenais and their daughter Addison, and  Shanna  Dagenais (Hailey McRae);  Morris (Iris) Tarnowski and their family, Carter Tarnowski and Derek Tarnowski; Alvin (Kelly)Tarnowski and their family, Eric Tarnowski (Jasmine Saxon), and Kynan Tarnowski (Hannah Strautman); and Dennis Tarnowski; her sister Francis Danyliw; and by numerous nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband Peter Tarnowski (May 11, 2016); parents Anton and Susan (nee Lichaz) Siermachesky; three brothers: Steve (Olga) Siermachesky, Fred (Annie) Siermachesky and John Siermachesky; two sisters Anne (Pete) Gruza, and Helen (Bill) Senko; and by brother-in-law George Danyliw.  A Prayer Service was held for Mary at St. Bruno Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at 7:30 p.m., led by Fr. Joseph Ackerman, OSB.  The scripture readers were Eric and Kynan Tarnowski and the eulogy was delivered by Tasha Nett and Tyler Dagenais.  Music ministry was provided by organist Annie Moritz.  The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Bruno R.C. Church, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. celebrated by Fr. Joseph Ackerman, OSB.  Others taking part were:  Carter and Derek Tarnowski, crossbearers and intentions; Eric and Kynan Tarnowski, scripture readers; Tasha Nett and Shanna Dagenais, giftbearers; Barry Dagenais, communion minister; Lydia Thoms and Cathy Nett, memorial table attendants.  Music ministry was provided by organist Annie Moritz and members of the St. Bruno Parish Choir.  An honor guard was formed by members of the Bruno CWL.  Honorary pallbearers were “all those who shared in Mary’s life.”  Active pallbearers were Shaun Dagenais, Tyler Dagenais, David Tarnowski, Stephen Tarnowski, Eric Tarnowski, and Kynan Tarnowski.  Interment followed at St. Bruno R.C. Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be directed to either the Bruno Senior Citizens Friendship Centre or the St. Bruno Parish.

This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)