Obituary of Margaret Podilsky

MRS. MARGARET JOHANNA PODILSKY
APRIL 26, 1923 - JULY 12, 2024

Margaret (Gretel, Mami, Oma, Great Oma) age 101 passed away peacefully, at Samaritan Place, her home for the past seven and a half years, into the loving arms of Our Lord.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Julia, Nathaniel (Lorraine), and Natalia (James Stinn); her grandchildren: Christopher, Cassandra (Jesse Selkirk), Nathan (Kendall), Nicholas (Kasia), Daniel, Matthew (Marlee Green) Joseph, Katrina, and Samantha (Adam Swalm); and her great grandchildren: Lilith, Brigid, and Preston.

She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, DR. Myroslau Podilsky, her parents Johann and Paula Rusch, and her brother Friedbert  Rusch (Heidi).

Margaret was born and raised in Dornbirn Austria. After high school she attended Business College — qualifying as a legal secretary/administrator.

Margaret met her future husband, Myroslau, who was studying medicine in Innsbruck Austria. After the end of the war, he was relocated to Dornbirn, where he rented a room in her mother's home. He furthered his studies in Innsbruck but visited Margaret as often as possible (every two weeks). They developed a strong friendship even though he had a girlfriend at the time. Eventually their friendship blossomed into love, and they were married on September 24, 1949, in Klosterle Austria.
They both sought a better life with opportunities and immigrated to Canada, arriving in Halifax on December 24, 1949. After a short stay in Edmonton, they moved to Saskatoon on February 12, 1950, so Myroslau could start his internship at St. Paul's Hospital to requalify for his MD. At that time, Margaret obtained a position at St. Paul's Hospital, in the Polio annex. In June 1952 they moved to North Battleford where Myroslau had obtained a position at the Saskatchewan Hospital as a residing psychiatrist. Shortly thereafter they were expecting their first child Julia (1954) and then undiagnosed twins (Nathaniel and Natalia) in 1957. She happily took on her role as homemaker and caregiver.

Margaret always tended to a large vegetable garden (canning and preserving for the long winters ahead) and partnered with her husband to have a large, well-kept flower garden.

Mami was actively involved in her community, both in North Battleford and later when they moved to Saskatoon in the late 70's.

She was an active member of the CWL in her church, Beta Sigma Phi, and supported her children in their activities (piano, figure skating and hockey). She loved gardening, volunteering whenever help was needed and hosting social events like her garden parties, and other special occasions.

Mami loved to cook and bake. Besides keeping her Austrian cooking and baking traditions alive she learned and honored Papa's Ukrainian traditions and cooking (borscht, kutia, perogies, and cabbage rolls). She was proud of her Austrian heritage, but equally honored, blessed and proud to be Canadian. She expressed this by celebrating Canada Day and attending local events. She was proud and felt blessed to have a family.

Margaret will be remembered and missed by her family and friends for her soft, kind yet strong demeanor, loving and non-judgmental approach, humor, laugh, selfless and caring attitude, but especially for her Christian ethics and principles in daily life.

Prayers will be held Thursday August 1st at 7:30PM at St Anne's Roman Catholic Church.

The funeral service will follow on Friday August 2nd, at 11:00AM, Father Lawrence Demong officiating.

The family wishes to thank and acknowledge all staff at Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon City Hospital — Convalescent Ward, St Paul's Hospital, and Samaritan Place Long Term Care Facility. (Our angels of mercy and care).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation, Kidney Foundation, and Parkinson Canada.