It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of Mary Makowecki (Rawluk) who passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025 at the Lamont Continuing Care Facility at the age of 99 years.
Mary’s mother, Anna Rawluk, travelled from the Ukraine to Canada by boat while pregnant with Mary who was born upon arriving in Alberta in November 1925. Her childhood, like so many children of the time in rural Alberta, was occupied with mostly hard work and some fun with her two brothers, Bill and John, in the Lac Bellevue area.
In 1942, she married Dmytro (Dan) Makowecki, raised 4 children, and became a Baba to 9 grandchildren and a GREAT Baba to 17 great-grandchildren. All the pride of her life.
Mary loved to watch hockey, ringette, slowpitch, softball, soccer and any activities of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and often tuned into CNN. She was an Edmonton Oilers fan and liked Connor McDavid and always loved #99 Gretzky!
She worked many years at the McQueen Lodge in Edmonton where, at the time of retirement, she was the head cook. She was an avid walker even up until her late 90’s and enjoyed many walks at “the cabins” despite the bears and sometimes while chasing cattle. Mary enjoyed shopping trips and visits with all who dropped by! Her life was fulfilled by helping family and friends.
She is survived by her children, Clarence (Lorraine), Raymond (Janice) and Tom; grandchildren, Natalie (Kevin), Geoffrey (Nicola), Jennifer, Michele (Greg), Kyla (Scott), Brian (Lauren), James (Serena), Trish and Sheri (Mike); and 17 great grandchildren, Tristan, Brynton, Evan, Miles, Jaxon, Abigail, Alexander, Owen, Danielle, Nicholas, Charlie, Errol, Adriana, Rhylee, Oscar, Simone, and Karis.
She was predeceased by her husband, Dmytro Makowecki; daughter, Clara Latham; and son-in-law, Barry Latham; parents, Nick and Anna Rawluk; brothers, William (Elizabeth) and John (Irene); and grandparents, Maria and Mike Lukenchuk.
Mary was loved and will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many relatives and friends. Mary was a BABA to all and had an ever-growing list of friends acquired at sports games, school events and social gatherings. She made friends everywhere she went.
The lovely little girl born in the Lac Bellevue community will forever be remembered and missed for the coffee discussions, gardening, the farm and cabins, family events, kindness and hospitality to everyone; care and love for Dmytro; and her love of family, young children, dogs and life. She was and will always be a very special person.
Thank you to Dr. El Hajj, the nurses and staff at Lamont Health Care Centre for their care in comforting Mary. The care was very special and deeply appreciated by Mary’s family and friends.
Condolences can be made to the family online at First Memorial Funeral Services-Riverview Chapel. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/fort-saskatchewan-ab/mary-makowecki-12305326
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held on April 26, 2025 from 11AM to 2PM at Fort Saskatchewan Community Hall 9964-93 Avenue, Fort Saskatchewan.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of choice.
