MARY TIVADAR

1926 - 2014

Mary Anne Tivadar, beloved wife of the late Steve Tivadar, passed away in Lethbridge on Sunday, June 29, 2014 at the age of 88 years, surrounded by her family whose loving support brought her peace.
Relatives and friends were invited to Prayers at St. Basil’s Catholic Church, 604 - 13 Street North, Lethbridge on Friday, July 4, 2014 at 7:00 P.M.
The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Basil’s Catholic Church, 604 - 13 Street North, Lethbridge on Saturday, July 5, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Nathan Siray, Celebrant. As a tribute to Mary, you are encouraged to wear bright and cheery colours, to celebrate her life. A private burial service followed at the Cardston Cemetery.
Mary is survived by her six children Paul (Patti) Tivadar of Black Creek, British Columbia and their four children Jason (Jenn Wightman) Tivadar of Kelowna, British Columbia (daughter Olive), Tiffany (Wayne) Craig of Victoria, British Columbia (daughters Jayda and Emily), Alexis Tivadar (Oliver Breu) of Victoria, British Columbia and Bailey Mertz of Black Creek, British Columbia; Sylvia (Keith) Joevenazzo of Vulcan and their three children Chris (Andrea) Joevenazzo of Drayton Valley (children Lia and Jake), Greg (Trina) Joevenazzo of Calgary (son Simon) and Mark (Ina Fisher) Joevenazzo of Lethbridge (son James); John Tivadar of White Rock, British Columbia and his three children Amanda (Seth) Crook of Okotoks (children Kennadi and Kolten), Sarah Tivadar of Lethbridge and Emily Tivadar of Calgary; Michael (Pat) Tivadar of Medicine Hat and their two children Courtney (Jeremy) Bruins of Medicine Hat (daughter Ireland) and Dylan (Chelsea) Tivadar of Medicine Hat (daughter Allie); Tim (Carolyn) Tivadar of Lethbridge and their four children Logan, Taneale, Shea and Zachary; Stephanie (Nick) Czibere of Coalhurst and their two children Hayley (Cam) Feyter of Lethbridge and Nicholas (Chelsea) Czibere of Nobleford (children Nico and Summer). Mary is also survived by her cherished and greatly loved sister Betty Glen of Lundbreck, sister-in-law DuWayne Tivadar of Lethbridge and by many wonderful nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Steve Tivadar; parents Steve and Mary Petek; brother Stefan Petek; father-in-law and mother-in-law Josef and Gisela Tivadar; brother and sister-in-law Lewis and Myrna Petek; brother Frank Petek and sister-in-law Yutta Brown; brothers-in-law Don Glen, Joe Tivadar and great grandson Anthony Joevenazzo.
Mary was born on January 13, 1926 in Lipa, Yugoslavia, the first child of Steve and Mary Petek. She immigrated to Canada in 1933 with her mother, joining her father in Vauxhall. The family set down roots and Mary started school at New West District. She worked as her father’s hired hand until she moved to Lethbridge to “try it” on her own. She worked at the hospital in the kitchen, then decided the city wasn’t for her and returned to work on the family farm. She loved working outside. Mary met Steve when he came to the farm to purchase some pigs. They immediately connected and were married on January 22, 1949. They bought a farm in Glenwood a few years later and were raising their five children and expecting their sixth. On a summer’s day in July 1961, the unimaginable happened. Steve lost his life in a plane crash. In the spring of 1962, Mary sold the farm and moved her family to Lethbridge. There she created a wonderful, loving home for her children. She had wonderful neighbors and lived in her home until she was eighty three. Mary was passionate about her garden and her flowers. She made the best Chicken Noodle soup and was famous for her chocolate chip cookies. She was less famous for always having at least six vegetables on her dinner table. She made beautiful paper tole creations for her family. Mary loved to dance and would take on anyone in a round of mini golf. She had great faith and was a devote member of St. Basil’s Catholic Church for fifty three years.
Mary loved her people. She had wonderful girlfriends Pearl, Doreen, Katie and Ella. They spent many Saturdays doing lunch, dinner and a movie. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her greatest joy. She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader. She left this world surrounded by family while stories were told, laughs were shared and tears were shed. She will be missed but we are so happy she is with her one great love.
If friends so desire, those wishing to make a contribution are encouraged to send flowers in honour of Mary’s love for gardening.
Mary lived out the last year of her life at Legacy Lodge. The family wish to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff there for all their understanding, care and compassion. They were AMAZING. Thanks to her We Care gals who never failed to make her day brighter.