Mary-Anne Kandrack
March 12, 2021
February 12th, 1958 – February 21st, 2021
With her loving son by her side, Mary-Anne Kandrack took leave of this world just before sunset on February 21st, 2021, while under the exceptional care of the staff at the St. Boniface Hospital Cardiac Care Unit in Winnipeg, MB. In addition to her son Makenna, Mary-Anne is survived by: Aunt Antoinette Michaluk (Ernie), aka ‘Auntie Tootsie’; brothers Tony, Joe (Michaela), and Tim; nephew Michael, nieces Lauren and Carly, and great-nephew Jacob; Paul Shreenan; extended family, honourary sisters, and friends from near and far. Mary-Anne was loved deeply and by many. Predeceasing her were her parents, Steven and Phyllis Kandrack, as well as her cherished friend, Dale. The family is planning a cremation now, followed by a service for her later in the spring or summer.
Mary-Anne was born February 12th, 1958 in Winnipeg and, after some challenges in childhood and adolescence, was determined to change her life’s trajectory by getting a university education. While attending the University of Manitoba, she earned her B.A. in Psychology in 1983, completed the Pre-Master’s Program for Sociology in 1984, and attained her M.A. in Sociology in 1987. Persisting on, she conducted her Ph.D. (abd) work in Sociology at Carlton University in Ottawa. A brilliant and bold woman, Mary-Anne began her illustrious nearly-thirty-year teaching career – which would include numerous awards and recognitions – after accepting a position within the University of Manitoba’s Sociology Department. A story-teller at heart, Mary-Anne taught thousands of students over the years and her indelible influence can be felt in the outpouring of love, grief, and memories being shared in her honour now by those who knew and loved her. Her formidable class presence, exceptional teaching style, quick wit, and hearty laugh will long be remembered, as will her big, beautiful heart. She was known for her strong opinions and also for encouraging her students to seek knowledge from many sources, to nurture their critical thinking skills, to formulate their own opinions, to develop their confidence, and to find and use their voice. Mary-Anne believed by doing these things, a person became ‘dangerous’ in a positive way. “Be dangerous,” she would say, with a wink and a smile. Over the years, she masterfully and compassionately raised awareness in her classes around such issues as mental health and disorders, housing insecurity, the trade, and poverty. In her spare time, Mary-Anne loved being a community advocate, going to the movies or lunch with friends, keeping up with politics and world issues, and cheering on The Jets. However, her favourite role and the one that she was most proud of was being Makenna’s mother. Her motto was “Live Your Life” and she aspired to do just that in the best way she could, every day.
This world has lost a powerhouse of a human with the passing of our beloved Mary-Anne and while we rightly mourn her death, we also honour her incredible life, by remembering her tenacious spirit, her cheeky sense of humour, her grit and determination, and her ever-optimistic attitude that something fantastic and exciting might be just around the corner. Rest easy and journey well, Mary-Anne.
“Like a small boat
On the ocean
Sending big waves
Into motion…
Like how a single word
Can make a heart open…
I might only have one match
But I can make an explosion!”
(Rachel Platten – Fight Song)
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Mary-Anne Kandrack February 12th 1958 – February 21st 2021..
Voyage Funeral Homes & Crematorium
Décès pour la Ville: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba