Mary Kanuka passed away peacefully with family by her side on Friday June 17, 2022 at the age of 67 years.
Mary was born in Edmonton to Mike and Annie Jakub. She met Jim in 1976, they married in 1977 and shortly afterwards moved to Calgary where they raised their family. Mary worked for over 30 years for the Calgary Catholic School Board earning a Long Service Award prior to her retirement. She loved animals of all sorts. She was mom to many fur babies over the years and was the go-to pet sitter for neighbours and friends. Together Mary and Jim enjoyed going to garage sales and flea markets. She loved camping and traveling with family and friends. She especially liked going to Disneyland. Mary gardened, cooked and baked and she was a fantastic cook. Christmas dinners in the Kanuka home included no less than four pies! Most of all, Mary loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Mary is predeceased by her parents, Mike and Annie and survived by her husband of 45 years, Jim; children, Tracy & Cameron; grandchildren, Haddie & Harry; brother, Mike (Doris) Jakub; and nephew, Kyle.
Donations may be made to any Animal Rescue Foundation of choice.
Jodie Moser says
Dear Jim, Tracy, and Cameron,
There are no words to describe the pain and heartache of Mary’s passing.
We will always remember her dry sense of humour, hearty laugh, warm smile, and dear dear family friendship. We feel such a loss and cannot imagine the loss you are feeling. It is truly too sad for her to leave this earth so quickly and far too young.
Gone but not forgotten…just look into the eyes of her children and grandchildren, and you will see her there.
Our deepest love, sympathy and hugs,
Jodie and Ed
Tim and Doris Sidlick says
Our deepest sympathies to you all. Mary was such a joyful, and fun loving lady. (She always made us laugh). We know how much she will be missed. We were privileged to have gotten to know Mary and Jim, through mutual friends. You, her much loved family, are all in our hearts during this very sad time. We are so very sorry for your terrible loss.
Suzanne Toth says
My heartfelt condolences to all of Mary’s family. I will never forget her brilliant sense of humor and ability to make everyone feel at ease and cared for. She was a wonderful addition to our staff and always had a smile to share. She will be missed!
Agnes says
To Mary’s Famiy! I love your Mom so much, we met at St.Peters years ago and bonded quickly! Her sense of humor was wonderful. Such a beautiful person! I am so sorry for your loss, she will be missed by many!
Agnes Kelly
Dan Penwarn says
I got to know Mary from my time at Father Scollen. She was the master of the front office, always willing to lend a hand to newcomers. Mary was funny and above all, a kind and generous person. I am very sorry to learn of her passing.
Sonia Stapleton says
Dear Jim, Tracy and Cameron,
I had the pleasure of working with Mary for five years at Father Scollen School, until her retirement in June 2021. Mary was the “heart” of our school, and when she retired, we missed her immensely. I will always cherish her wonderful sense of humour and her kindness. Mary left us too soon. My deepest condolences to you, your families, and Mary’s friends. May God grant you all, peace and serenity as you journey through your sorrow.
You are in our prayers,
Sonia Stapleton
Rhonda Schroh says
Mary will remain in my heart, she was an amazing lady. We had many fun conversations and I always appreciated her insight and sense of humour. It is often hard to find the right words at a time like this. I hope you find peace, comfort, and love in the many memories you were able to experience together.
Mary Lou Anderson-Frogge says
Mary wasn’t just a coworker, she was a friend. She was a ray of sunshine who made you feel good, especially; if you were having a crappy day! She was a witty lady who was full of kindness and love. You will always be a thought away. RIP sweet lady, I will miss you! My condolences to her family and friends.
Marita Bothwell says
I’m very sorry for your loss. I worked with Mary at Father Scollen back in 2006. She was so funny and kind. We shared many laughs together. My sincerest condolences to your family.
Rhonda Gordon says
I am so sorry to learn of Mary’s passing. We worked together at Father Scollen and she was a real ray of sunshine. Mary had a fabulous sense of humor…she was so sarcastic and always kept me laughing, and on my toes. Sending condolences to your family. She left this earth WAY too soon.
Inderjit says
My deepest sympathy to you all. Mary was a wonderful person and everyone loved her sense of humor. Praying for you and your family during this time. She will be missed.
ann.sacco says
Jim:
I am so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She was always so helpful in her dealings with me as my school was the feeder for Father Scollen. She always made my day and was such a lovely person and a joy to visit with. My heart goes out to you and you need to know she will be missed.
May God bless.
Michele Tschritter says
I had the great pleasure of working with Mary as my kindergarten aide early in my teaching career. She was a delight! Kind and warm with students. Always there to lend a hand and working in the background to keep us on track. Infinitely patient. She was a bright light in our world. Blessings to your family in this moment of sorrow. May you come to a place of joyful memories as time passes.
Jennifer Woo says
Dear Kanuka Family,
Mary and I worked together for four years at Father Scollen. She was always such a warm and welcoming presence in our school. In particular, she had such a soft spot for all of the students in our care, often those who needed extra love and attention. Despite a hefty workload, Mary managed to find time to chat and laugh with all of us. I greatly value her kindness, compassion and dedication. I am so grateful for the many gifts she shared with us. I am humbled by her life of service. May God grant her eternal peace, and comfort you in your sorrow.
With love and prayers,
Jennifer Woo
Neil Steenveld says
I had the pleasure of working with Mary for a few years at Father Scollen School. One of my most memorable memories is that she just enjoy reading while Jim fished. My deepest condolences to your families, and Mary’s friends.
Debbie Rodrigues says
I had the pleasure of working with Mary during my time at Fr. Scollen years ago We had so many laughs during our workday over the years until she retired. Mary was the kind of person who made you laugh instantly, the minute you heard her voice on the phone. She was also very gracious and kind and will be remembered by her work family. Sincere condolences for this sad loss to all her family and friends. May you find peace and comfort in your journey of grief and sadness.
Debbie Rodrigues
Jennifer Dawson-Fernandes says
Mary was the warmth and sunshine that greeted everyone who walked into Father Scollen. She always made us feel genuinely wanted and listened to. She was a wonderful lady to have worked with.
May you find comfort in those you love during such a difficult time.
Blessings
Ken Klein says
A witty lady who could trade barbs with the best of them. She was a pleasure to see when I came to Fr. Scollen School as a guest teach. Sorry for your great loss Kanuka family.
Ryan Wagner & Chris Bourne says
Our condolences to Jim and the family. Mary was such a lovely lady; we were lucky to get to know her (and Jim!). She was taken far too soon, and she will be missed!
Andrea Goulding says
In my 4 years of working with Mary, she was someone you could always go to when you needed cheering up. She was a champion to the students at Father Scollen. She was patient, kind and even during busy times, she kept an amazing smile going and always found time to fill the place with her humour. Mary, you will be deeply missed and I’m so honoured to have met someone like you.
Patrick Quinn says
Jim,
I was very saddened to learn of Mary’s passing. She was the heart and soul of the office at Father Scollen when I worked there. I can’t recall how many times I would get locked out of my office while working on the weekends and need to walk over to your house to borrow Mary’s keys to get back inside. She would just laugh, offer me something to eat and then send me back with her keys.
I will be praying for you and your family,
Pat
Jackie Szalavary says
I had the pleasure of working with Mary for 14 years at Father Scollen school. She always made you laugh with her wittiness and always caring. My two children who went there recall many times when she would tease them as well. Mary was loved very dearly by fellow employees and students as well. RIP Mary!
Selina Doucet says
So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She had such a kind heart and was very welcoming to me when I started at Father Scollen. I will always remember her smile and laughter.
Marina Cathcart says
Mary had an infectious energy that made you feel special and welcome. I always enjoyed spending time talking with both Tracy’s parents and hearing their stories. Laughter and smiles are the memories I will fondly keep with me. As well as the flavourful dishes Mary would have on offer!!
Wishing the family strength at this difficult time. With deep sympathy.
Patricia Weldon says
Tracy, Jim and Cam,
Please accept our sincerest condolences on the passing of Mary. She was such a lovely lady with so much spirit. May all the wonderful memories you have of her provide some comfort at this difficult time.
Love,
Patti, Kevin, Ashley and Ainsley
Theresa Kozina says
Jim, Tracy & Cameron,
We are truly sorry for your loss. No words can express our sadness of your loss. She always had a heart of gold, a wonderful smile and a love for her family. I will miss our random chats in the alley or our front yards. Hold your memories close and she will always be there.
Theresa & Joe Kozina
Antonietta Iavasile says
I had the privilege of retiring with Mary. Our small retirement group had great plans, lunching together, going for interesting walks together, Christmas Craft Sales together. I feel blessed that we did do some activities together, but I am saddened that we did not have much time to enjoy our retirement together. I will always remember Mary’s infectious laugh when she teased me. While we worked together, we would have a daily morning conversation, usually about our families. She was so proud of all of you. I will greatly miss, this very special lady and my very special friend.
Sherma Jeffrey-Ryan says
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Mary’s family. I had the pleasure of working with Mary at Father Scollen. She was beautiful and kind, with a great sense of humour. I enjoyed talking with her and sharing stories about our grandchildren. My prayers are with you at this time of grief. May God bless and comfort you!
Sherma & Kevin
Katherine B says
Dear Jim, Tracy and Cameron,
I had the pleasure of working with Mary, we would catch up and laugh often. Mary had a heart of gold. I will miss her kindness and laughter. My deepest condolences and may God bless you all.
Linda Willis says
Dear Jim, Tracy and Cameron,
We were all so saddened to read about Mary’s passing. The last time we saw you both was at Margaret’s funeral; we were all so moved and touched that you two made the time to attend and support our family….it was a bittersweet reunion to reconnect after so many years. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. With much love and sympathy, Dan, Diane, Karey, Linda and Joanne Kanuka
Helen MacKinnon says
My heart goes out to all Mary’s family. If you will indulge me, I’d like to share some beautiful memories I have of Mary.I had the pleasure of working with Mary at St. Rose of Lima, where I started my career in counselling. Mary very quickly became my right hand person in assisting me as a counsellor. As Mary worked in the front office attending to students needs she was most often the students first contact as they entered the school. When students looked weary or sad or disregulated in any way , Mary would make sure that I was aware so I could reach out and offer them help. Mary was very kind and caring but she also suffered no fools. If students needed a firm discussion, Mary was not afraid to enter into such dialogue but always in a caring manner. Mary was also quick to tell a joke, to smile and to laugh. Mary truly made a difference to the lives of students and staff alike. Mary also had an uncanny knack for remembering details , no matter how small or large. My son had a severe nut allergy and I love peanut butter cookies but never made them because of this. Years after I left St. Rose, and was visiting Fr. Scollen as the counselling consultant I had the pleasure of running into Mary. As I was leaving the school she told me to make sure I let her know in advance the next time I would be at the school so she could have some home baked peanut butter cookies ready for me. This was Mary, always thinking of others! Thank you Mary for all you did. You made a difference in a lot of peoples’ lives and for this we are all better. Rest well my friend. Love and prayers to all the family, Helen MacKinnon
Maria Zelda Nicanor says
I am a guest teacher of the district and Mary is the kindest, nicest and most accommodating school secretaries. You would always feel welcome with the sweetest smile and words she will tell you. I really felt sad when I felt she is already gone. Condolence to the bereaved family and rest in eternal peace , Mary.
Zelda
Patricia Duchesne says
My heart goes out to you and to everyone who loved Mary.
She was whisked away from us too soon. I will cherish our conversations and shared jokes. I will miss her sassy comments, beautiful smile and kind heart.
My sincere condolences, Patricia Duchesne
Jennifer Connelly says
Our deepest condolences and prayers for your family
Rima Bachich says
I’m very sorry for your loss. I worked with Mary at father scollen a long time ago. Mary was a wonderful person, caring, helpful, and everyone loved her. She was always kind with a nice smile on her face. My sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy to you all.
Praying for you during this difficult time.
Kevin Buck says
Jim, Tracy and Cameron,
I was deeply saddened to hear Mary had passed. Jim I will never forget when you would bring your dog (Duff if memory serves me correctly) after school to visit Mary. Mary would let me take him to the gym and I would throw a ball for him. His poor paws would be just a going to try and get the ball and he would huff and snort as he ran. Mary would laugh at how excited Duff would get when he chased the ball. Her laughter was infectious and always brought a smile to my face. She always kept me up to date with what fishing trip you were going on next.
Tracy and Cameron, your mom always spoke so highly and expressed to me how proud she was of the two of you. Tracy, she loved her two grandkids and would always show me pictures of how much they had grown and tell me what crazy things they were getting into.
Your mom was the sweetest person in the world and loved each of you so much! She was like a mom to many of the students at Father Scollen always giving them food if they needed it or would simply just listen as they explained their problems to her.
Every person Mary met was better for having done so. I will miss you my friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Mary’s family.
Kevin Buck
Monika Tomczak says
My heart goes out to Mary’s family. I had the pleasure of working with Mary at Father Scollen for a short period of time. However, in those few months, Mary made me feel welcome at Scollen. She was the energy and heart of that school. Her laughter and her humor were infectious! She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.
Gloria McGiffen says
To Jim and family: So sorry for your loss. Mary was a blessing to many who knew and work with. She will be missed. May you have many beautiful memories to keep close to your heart.
Deb Swanson says
I was a co-worker and friend of Mary’s for many years at Father Scollen. If you were one of the fortunate ones to cross paths with Mary thinking of her always puts a smile on your face. Such a warm hearted, kind and witty woman. She will be greatly missed. An Angel on earth taken far too soon. May the happy memories help you through this sad time. My sincere condolences
Deb Swanson
Roxanne Merkley says
Jim, Tracy, Cameron
I worked with Mary for years at St. Rose of Lima. What a wonderful woman she was. I don’t know if I ever remeber Mary without a smile on her face.
It was through knowing Mary, that we found an awesome babysitter in Tracy. As things come full circle, Mary’s grandchildren were cared for by my daughter, Sarah.
Rest peacefully, Mary. ” Where a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of wonderful memories.” May your memories give you strength during this difficult time.
Roxanne
Joyce Allan says
Dear Jim, Tracy, Cam and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing.
She was always such a sweetheart to talk with, she will be missed dearly. Prayers and hugs to all, Tony and Joyce Allan
Maria Jamison says
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of an admirable woman who always had a smile on her face, patience, and support for all. I feel so blessed to have met Mary and laughed with her on a daily basis. She made my stay at Father Scollen Catholic School a wonderful experience and I am really grateful. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.
Marian Kidd says
I loved Mary Kanuka! At Father Scollen we would have amazing banter, dueling sarcasm, with Mary usually the winner. There is a little place in my heart that you, Mary, will stay forever.
My deepest condolences to the family.
Winnie Diachuk-Bezemer says
Dear Jim, Tracy & Cameron,
I was saddened to hear of Mary’s passing. Although it has been years since I have seen all of you, I always remember Mary for being that warm, funny and welcoming person. My sincerest condolences to all of you for the loss of Mary. May the memories you shared keep her close in your hearts forever.
Brian Mahoney says
Hello Jim,
I just became aware of Mary’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss.