Mundare Resident Mary Homenick Turns 106!

Mundare Resident Mary Homenick Turns 106!

Mary Immaculate Care Centre Submitted

Mary Homenick was treated to birthday cake and musical entertainment by the Silver and Gold Bandits in celebration of her 106th birthday at the Mary Immaculate Care Centre in Mundare on Friday, August 14.

Mary was born on August 14, 1914, and was the seventh child born to Magdalene and Harry Bilyk. Apparently, her mother wanted to baptize her as “Slawka” but the priest said no, this is the feast day of the Virgin Mary, so she should be called Mary. And so it was.

There were 10 children in the family, six boys and four girls. We don’t know too much about her early life, but she tells us that she loved to sing, and read, and ride horses. She went to Myroslow School. Mary loved school and wished that she could have continued with her schooling, but after Grade 8 she had to quit because she was needed to help at home.

Mary attended Borschiw Church with her family.

At the age of 18, she married Joseph Homenick, who at the time had started farming around Camrose. There they settled for a few years and had two daughters, Olga and Eileen.

They later made a few moves, first to Holden, then to Strome where they owned a restaurant, and then to Vegreville, where Mary cooked and catered in a number of restaurants.

Mary became very involved with different types of service at Holy Trinity Church in Vegreville. She belonged to the UCWL for over 50 years and was presented with a long service award. She was president for a couple of terms.

She was on the executive for the building of St. Anne’s Manor, and she spent many years working around the altar, cleaning, taking care of linens, arranging flowers, and always being there whenever there was a need.

Mary enjoyed good health, but about 20 years ago, she sold her house and moved to St. Anne’s Manor in Vegreville. Later, she decided that Father Filas Manor in Mundare was the best place for her. And now, she has been here in Mary Immaculate for the last few years.

So…here we are today at age 106. Congratulations Mary, Happy Birthday, and God Bless you.