Mary Kalist

To watch the recording of the service, click this link: https://video.ibm.com/embed/recorded/134310568

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mary Kalist (née Drozda) of Saskatoon, age 82 years, who left us peacefully on March 31, 2025. She is joyfully reunited with her late husband of 45 years, Bob Kalist, and lovingly remembered by her sons David (Venessa) of Ardrossan, AB and Patrick (Larisa) of Newmarket, ON, daughter Andrea (Richard Lockert) of Ottawa, ON, seven grandchildren Alexa (Jordan Halter), Andrew, Jae, Jordan, Allison, Anna and Clara, brother Wally (Carol) Drozda, nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Mary was born on June 16, 1942, in Saskatoon, to Peter and Annie Drozda. Her father's readiness to help anyone in need and her mother's work ethic and love of gardening influenced her own life. Mary attended Pleasant Hill School and then the Saskatoon Technical Collegiate, after which she worked for the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. She married Bob Kalist, an accountant and federal public servant, in Saskatoon on August 7, 1965, and they raised three children. Proud parents and involved grandparents, being present in the lives of their loved ones brought them true happiness.

When Bob's health first began to decline, the couple chose to live life fully, criss-crossing the country to spend time with family and friends. With strength and determination, Mary cared for her husband through the challenges of his final years, surrounding him with love and dignity.

Mary embraced her Ukrainian-Canadian heritage. A parishioner of St. George's, she was a longtime member of the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Canada. She served as a Folkfest Ambassador of the former Ukrainian Kyiv Pavilion, and in recent years sang with the Dibrova Ukrainian Folk Ensemble of Saskatoon. Her braided breads graced countless weddings, funerals and celebrations. Mary crafted beautiful Easter eggs; a passion shared with her daughter. As an artisan and natural teacher, she cherished passing these skills to the young.

What energized Mary the most was interacting with people, those newly met as well as lifelong friends. Every time she took a flight to visit one of us, we had to ask if she made a new friend on the airplane. Beyond her daily call with Andrea, she would reach out regularly to others, to check on how they were doing and to offer encouragement. A wonderful storyteller with a long memory, Mary would bring the past to life with both fondness and laughter. She could work a room of people as only few could. This human connection and caring made a real difference to so many people.

The Prayer Vigil for Mary Kalist will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., with the Divine Liturgy on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at St. George's Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, 210 Avenue M South, Saskatoon, with the Very Reverend (Padre Captain) Ivan Nahachewsky officiating. In honour of "the very best Baba ever", the Crossbearer will be Clara Lockert and the Pallbearers will be Alexa Kalist, Andrew Kalist, Jae Kalist, Jordan Kalist, Allison Kalist and Anna Lockert. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery (entrance at 33rd Street and First Avenue).

We are grateful to the medical staff at the Royal University Hospital and The Hospice at Glengarda for the care and compassion shown to Mary, and for warmly welcoming the stream of family and friends to her bedside in her final weeks. Mary faced her sudden illness with positivity and courage, urging smiles over tears and sharing memories in place of mourning.

Memorial donations may be made to St. George's.

We honour our remarkable mother, mother-in-law, Baba and friend. Her absence is felt deeply yet her light will shine on in the hearts of all who loved her. Vichnaya Pamiat'.

❦