Mary Calancia was born on February 12, 1918 in the MacNutt district of SK; one of eight children born to Louise (nee Kendel) and John Rathgeber. Mary resided in the Calder/MacNutt district all her life. On July 16, 1938 she was united in marriage to John Calancia. This union was blessed with three sons: Ernie, Mervin & Ricky. Most of Mary's working years were spent on the farm 4 miles south of Calder. Mary worked right alongside of John, handling all the farm duties, except mechanical. The couple also worked at the MacNutt Creamery and later the Roblin Creamery. They retired into MacNutt and had resided there for many years. After John's passing in July of 1991, Mary continued to live independently in MacNutt until poor health brought her to the Langenburg Special Care Home in 2000, where she resided until her passing on September 4, 2012. She was 94 years of age. Mary's hobbies included playing cards, curling during the winter months and watching baseball/fastball during the summertime. Calder was her number one team. She was also an excellent cook as there was never a bad meal on the table, and always a fresh dessert after the main meal. In her spare moments she enjoyed knitting, sewing and crocheting. She could pull teeth, fix wounds, cure colds, there was no home remedy she wouldn't try. She also had a generous heart, she would help anyone in any way she could. She leaves to cherish her memory her three sons: Ernie (Jean) of Nakusp BC; Mervin (Marilyn) of Winnipeg; and Ricky of Regina; four grandchildren: Kathy, Craig, Charmain & Chantel. The funeral service was held on Friday, September 7, 2012 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Faye Greer of Westview United Church officiating. Musical selections were 'In the Garden', and 'Just A Closer Walk With Thee'. The interment took place in the Garden of Devotion with Ernie, Mervin & Ricky Calancia, Tony & Barry Calanchie, and Bill Chornawka serving as the casketbearers. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home.
