Marika (Mary) Alexiuk April 6, 1925 – July 24, 2006 On Monday July 24, 2006 Marika (Mary) Alexiuk, cherished daughter to the late Lena and Harry, died with peaceful dignity at the Vita Personal Care Home. Marika departs us now to join her parents and her baby brother Eli. She was also predeceased by her beloved family members; sister-in-law Dorothy, brother-in-law Peter and nephew Allan. She is survived by her five brothers; John & Marion, Matt & Lorraine, Paul & Pat, Andy & Edith, Phil & Marlene and her sisters Jean & Ed Genik and Nettie Yarmie, as well as many generations of nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins and friends. A gentle soul, “Meeka” provided a delightful narrative along her way through life with all of those blessed by her company. She maintained a sharp wit, backed by genuine opinions. She called life as she saw it in her naming of things with whimsical terms of endearment. Her anecdotes and sense of humor will perpetuate as she is dearly quoted by her family. Marika contracted smallpox and scarlet fever in the 1926 epidemic at the age of six months. She was tenderly nursed to health by her dear Baba Alexiuk, but this devastating disease left her in delicate health her entire life. Throughout her 81 years, she faced her challenges bravely and with courage. To attend Sundown school, she trudged back and forth 4 ½ miles. Her home-life was lived on the family farm near Sundown. Ever loyal, she later in life tended to her aging parents while managing the household chores, purchasing groceries and paying the monthly utility bills. She always enjoyed her lively fashions and dressing up for functions and the many gatherings that brought the family together. It was nearly impossible for company to surprise Marika as she could often be found peeking around a curtain from anywhere inside the house. Free in her way outdoors, she loved walking in the woods, picking mushrooms and berries. She went everywhere on the Alexiuk farm keeping a watchful eye on her environment and all creatures great and small including her nephews and nieces, the flowers and the fields. She knew all the best spots for scratching one’s back along her paths to and from to the highway, garden, barn or bush. She lived a humble life and greatly appreciated God’s gifts bestowed upon her and lived in quiet harmony with nature. Our precious Marika, you are so loved and missed. We bid you a very fond farewell as we faithfully treasure your memory. May the winds blow softly, and the earth sit lightly upon your grave. The funeral service will be held Thursday, July 27th at 10:30 am at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Dr, Steinbach, officiated by Very Rev. Fr. Miron Pozniak and Rev. Fr. Oris Naherniak. Following the reception, burial will take place at the Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery in Sundown. If friends so desire donations in memory of Marika may be made to Canadian Diabetes Association (Manitoba Division), 200 – 310 Broadway; Wpg., MB R3C 0S6 Vichnaya Pam’yat