Mary Batuik

BATUIK (nee Haresmowich), Mary - It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our Grama, Mary Batuik. Mary passed away on the morning of Friday, March 11, 2011 at the I.O.O.F. Seniors Home in Barrie, Ontario. She was in her 105th year. Born October 1, 1906 in Glenella, Manitoba, Mary was the eldest of seven children born to Panko and Eva Haresmowich. Mary and her two sons Eddie Firman (deceased) (Jane) and Victor Firman (deceased) (Sylvia), lived in Geralton and then Toronto, before Mary and her husband Morris settled in Oakville around 1955. Mary and Morris, together with her son Victor and his wife Sylvia owned and operated the B & M Snack Bar on Kerr Street - this was when Kerr Street was still a dirt road with neighbouring farms. The restaurant was well known at the time and this was due to Mary’s amazing culinary skills. In the late 1960’s, early 1970’s, a new building was erected on the site of B & M Snack Bar, and this became Vic’s Variety. Mary, Morris, Victor and Sylvia operated this business until the late 1980’s when the business was sold and they retired. Mary and her daughter-in-law also owned a fabric and wool shop just down the street from Vic’s Variety. After her husband’s death in 1991, Mary continued to live in her home on Maurice Drive. In 2005, Mary sold her home and moved to Vistamere Seniors Residence, and in 2009 moved to Barrie, Ontario to be closer to her surviving son. She was Grama to: Kris Thompson (nee Firman) (Bruce )(deceased), Carole Green (nee Firman) (deceased), (Michael), Patti Brooks (nee Firman), (Ken), Sandi Firman, (Dennis), David Firman, (Barbara), Kelly Firman, Danny Firman, (Patti), Joey Firman, (Alex). Great Grama to: Nathan and Ryan Brooks, Tahnya and Tara Parachuk, David and Samantha Debono, Cassandra Firman, Rebecca, Christopher and Grace Firman, and Rebecca Green. Family and friends may call at the Ward Funeral Home, 109 Reynolds Street, Oakville on Thursday, March17, 2011, from 6:00 until 8:00 pm, followed by funeral on Friday, March 18, 2011 @ 11:00 am. Donations to C.O.P.E. Service Dogs, P.O. Box 20035, Barrie Ontario L4M 6E9, the Canadian Cancer Society or charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family. Condolences may be forwarded to the family through www.wardfuneralhome.com