Marie Kishchuk

It is with greatest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Marie Kishchuk, on March 17, 2025. Predeceased by her parents Harry Maduke and Mary Kordiak and older brothers Bohdan (Bud) and Boris, she is survived by her devoted husband of 69 years, Boris, and her five children: Natalie, Daniel (Kathy), Barbara, Tom (Joanne), and Paul (Kristina), as well as the eight grandchildren she adored: Anastasia, Marieke, Oksana, Lars, Michael, Simon, Evan and Bennett.

Marie was born in Wilkie, Saskatchewan and moved to Saskatoon with her family in 1937. She attended high school at Nutana Collegiate, and held a bachelor's degree in Home Economics and two Master's degrees, in Continuing Education and in Modern Languages (Ukrainian Literature and Folklore), all from the University of Saskatchewan. Following in the footsteps of her mother and godmothers, Marie was active in the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada from 1958, serving in many roles including leadership in the longstanding projects Pysanka, Icon of the Universe, and the heritage cookbook From Baba with Love. She retired as Curator and Director of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada's Saskatoon headquarters in 1999, continuing to work in heritage management and consulting.

Marie was active in Ukrainian community life in many capacities, and was awarded Honorary Lifetime Membership in the Museums Association of Saskatchewan and the Ukrainian Museum of Canada. Her 65 years of service in the Hanka Romanych Branch of the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada were honoured in 2023. In addition to serving on the boards and committees of several community organizations, by ministerial appointment she served on the Saskatchewan Heritage Advisory Board and the Saskatchewan Multicultural Advisory Council. She received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan in 2012.

Marie became Poppy, a Caring Clown, in 1998, to lift the spirits of those in poor health. She sang for many years in the church choir and other choral groups, and returned to studying piano after retirement. Marie's family especially remembers her thoughtful kindness and lively interest in everyone's lives, as well as in current events. She will be deeply missed.

A private family service will be held. If you wish to make a donation in Marie's memory, please contribute to an organization of your choice.