Rodych, Mary
Mary Ethel Rodych (nee Monckton), 86, of Saskatoon, passed away on April 14, 2021 of complications from congestive heart failure, with family by her side.
Mary was born on November 16, 1934 in Regina to Mary Ethel and William Monckton. The youngest of 4 children, sister to: Roderick Monckton, Vincent Monckton and Beryl Costain. She was also proud to be part of an extended family of 4 half siblings: James Monckton, Kendal Monckton, Oliver Monckton and Kathleen Brown. Mary was very proud to carry her mother’s name and often shared that story with her family.
During Mary’s childhood, she spent much time with her mother as her mother taught her to recite poetry by Irish and American poets. As a teenager she was interested in music and drawn to the family piano. She taught herself to play and showed great perseverance as she muddled through Dvorak’s Humoresque until she had perfected it. She was told if she could do that on her own, she could do anything. This endeavour solidified her love of music which continued throughout her life. The family home was always full of music: a CD in the stereo, Mary at her organ or her beautiful voice resonating from the kitchen.
Mary graduated from Central High School in Regina in 1952, where she excelled in both academics and sports, becoming the provincial high jump champ in her senior year. After graduation, Mary accepted a job at the SaskPower Corp and it was during this time that she met and married the love of her life, Bernie Rodych, on August 6, 1955. Soon after their wedding Mary and Bernie began their family, having 5 children in 8 years: David, Victor, Patti, Cindy and Karen.
Mary’s family was her passion. She raised her family with energy and enthusiasm, throwing countless birthday parties, attending every one of her children’s sporting events and eventually baking their wedding cakes. As the years went by, Mary enjoyed watching her family grow and spending time with her grandkids. She attended their sporting events, vacationed at Clear Lake with them, treated them to ice-cream, and shared with them her love of reading. She was always excited to receive news of their achievements or envelopes filled with photos. Mary loved games and she loved her family. When she discovered Zoom this past year she was thrilled. The family would gather over Zoom for biweekly Yahtzee and weekly cribbage games and Mary never missed a date. The family will never forget how she signed off each call with hugs and kisses for all while forming a heart with her hands.
Mary believed that a busy person was a happy person and when she wasn’t caring for her family, she could be found curling, bowling, golfing, gardening, sewing, playing bridge, or volunteering in the community. She loved life and it showed through the joy she found in everything she did.
The Rodych family moved several times, from Regina to Vancouver to Winnipeg and finally to Saskatoon. Mary handled each move like a pro and once the children were settled, she set out to make friends. Most often this began by her starting a bridge club in each new neighborhood. At the height of the Saskatoon club’s existence, they were 12 ladies strong. Bridge night at the house was always a fun and noisy time which everyone seemed to enjoy. Mary was still playing bridge before the pandemic halted things, Duplicate Bridge at the club and something she referred to as Kitchen Bridge. She spoke often of the Kitchen Bridge ladies and how she enjoyed their conversations and comradery.
At the age of 40, while living in Winnipeg, Mary discovered golf and it quickly became a love of hers. After moving to Saskatoon, in 1978 she joined the Riverside Golf and Country Club where she played up until her passing. She won many tournaments, set club records and also achieved 6 holes in one. It was always a good day when she was on the golf course.
Mary was an avid gardener and expert seamstress. Her family enjoyed the fruits of her labours whether it was a dinner of stir-fried vegetables or wearing one of her original creations.
Mary was passionate about community service. Committing much of her time to the Catholic Church, throughout her life she held various roles: teaching Sunday School, serving as first president of the CWL at St. Martin’s Parish in Regina, and sewing the priest’s vestments. In 1988 she began teaching English to Canadian immigrants. She loved teaching her students and her commitment extended to their families, helping their children find internships or helping family members write resumes. She was proud of her commitment to Read Saskatoon, being their longest standing volunteer of 33 years.
In addition to her many hobbies, Mary loved her job working as a product demonstrator. She enjoyed meeting all the shoppers, particularly on senior’s day at the neighborhood Safeway. And she loved seeing how her smiling face and sales pitch grew the sales numbers for the day.
Mary was once asked what she considered to be the best day of her life and she responded without hesitation: “Most certainly my wedding day!” She married the love of her life and what an adventure they had together. Mary and Bernie loved to travel and enjoyed road trips throughout Canada and the US, as well as travel to Europe and Hawaii. But when Mary discovered the golf in Southern California, she and Bernie joined the snowbirds, and spent many Februarys enjoying the SoCal sunshine. Together they enjoyed watching sports and shared their love for the Roughriders. She and Bernie had season tickets for many years, but Mary’s loyalty to the team remained throughout her life. She would always don the green and white on game days and would often be seen wearing her Roughrider jacket around the community.
Mary led a life full of love, laughter and friendship. Her favourite cocktail is a Manhattan and she would be pleased if you would wear your Rider green and think of her kindly as you raise your glass. Sláinte!
Mary is survived by her 5 children and their spouses: David and Debbie Rodych of Calgary, Victor Rodych of Lethbridge, Patti and Terry Kikcio of Saskatoon, Cindy Rodych and Michael McKernan of Winnipeg, and Karen and Ben Roberts of San Diego. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Mary was predeceased by her parents and siblings and by her loving husband, Bernie, in 2017.
Due to Covid19, a Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (#26-1738 Quebec Ave, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9). Cremation arrangements in care of Ashley Knash – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mary Rodych April 14 2021..
Mourning Glory Funeral Services
Death notice for the town of: Saskatoon, Province: Saskatchewan