VOHRADSKY, Mary (nee Blyth)
December 25, 1917 – December 22, 2014
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Mary Vohradsky at the Kimberley Special Care Home on December 22, 2014, just three days before her 97th birthday.
Our special, kind and talented mother was born December 25, 1917 in Linlithgow, Scotland to Walter and Jane Blyth. She immigrated to Canada at the age of 18 months to reside in Cumberland, BC where her father worked in the coal mine. After a short time there, the family moved to Wellington, BC and then on to Coleman, AB.
At an early age music became an important part of her life. She was taught by her father who was a classical violinist. Mary’s musical talents developed quickly. She played piano in the Frank Edl and Frank Hosek Orchestras in the Crowsnest Pass starting at the age of 14.
In 1938, Mary married Vince Vohradsky of Bellevue, AB and then moved to Kimberley, BC the same year. Together they raised their three children, Walter, Frances and Barbara.
Mom was a great homemaker and always had a pantry bursting with canned vegetables and fruits, kitchen containers full of homemade bread and treats like her famous pineapple-cherry square, scotch perkins and shortbread. There were many samples of her embroidery work around our home as well. Mom loved sports, both as a participant and spectator. She loved softball, swimming, bowling, fishing and camping. She hated to miss a hockey game and was an avid fan of the old Kimberley Dynamiters in the 40-50’s right up to the present Junior B Team. The last game she attended was at age 94. She was an active member of the Pythian Sisters for 60+ years, holding many positions. Volunteering for “Meal on Wheels” was another enjoyable activity for her.
Through all of these interests, music was her passion. She spent many years playing in local dance bands including, “The Rhythmares”. You could find her “tinkling the ivories” at the Blue Bird Inn and Ta Ta Creek, Elks, KP and Moose Halls. She later became the organist at the Kimberley United Church and continued in this capacity for 30 years, retiring at the age of 88. Mary’s musical legacy lives on through her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mary is survived by her three children, Walter Vohradsky (Anne) of Merritt, BC, Fran Franklin (Dan) of Courtenay, BC, Barb Streich (Allan) of Kimberley; sister Christine Udahl (Robert); sister-in-law Iris Ruzek; 8 grandchildren; Greg, Vicki, Vincent, Rod, Cindy, Kristen, Sean and Daneen; 13 and 2/3 great grandchildren; special niece, Norma Gates and nephew Gerald Fisher; and many other nieces and nephews.
Mary was predeceased by Vince, her husband of 52 years; her brother, Walter; sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Norman Fisher; and nephew Norman Udahl.
Mary’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2014 at 1:00 pm at the Kimberley United Church, 10 Boundary Street, Reverend Christine Dudley officiating. Condolences may be left for the family at www.markmemorial.com
No flowers by family request. If so wished, donations may be made in Mary Vohradsky’s memory to the Kimberley Special Care Home (The Pines), 386 – 2nd Avenue, Kimberley, BC V1A 2Z8
The family is most grateful to the dedicated staff of The Pines for their exceptional care of our Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma.
Mark Memorial Funeral Services in care of arrangements
(250) 426-4864