Mary A. Kowcun, 88, Dickinson, died Monday, December 19, 2011 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Mary’s Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Friday, December 23, 2011 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dickinson with Father Todd Kreitinger celebrating, interment will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be Thursday, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service. There will be rosary and vigil 7 p.m. Thursday with Deacon Ron Keller presiding.
Mary Ann Chornuk was born December 15, 1923 at Fork River, Manitoba, Canada, to Nicholas and Martha (Yaroslaski) Chornuk. As an infant, Mary moved with her family to Scobey, Mont., where she was raised and attended school. Mary began working at an early age and became a proficient cook and seamstress. She married Anton Kowcun on May 30, 1947. Together they lived in Oregon and Scobey, and finally settled in Polson, Mont. After Anton’s death Mary began sewing items in order to support herself, in addition to being a restaurant cook and later home health care provider. Upon retirement she moved back to North Dakota to be closer to family.
Mary enjoyed traveling and going deer and elk hunting with Anton and their friends. She also enjoyed fishing, gardening, and playing cards. But telling jokes and socializing with family and friends was special to her.
Mary is survived by two sisters, Ann Grosz, Dickinson, and Nellie (Steve) Grosz, Billings, Mont., one brother, Harry (Linda) Chornuk, Watford City and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Anton, one infant son, and two brothers, Andrew and Ivan Chornuk and one sister, Pauline Haverluk. In lieu of flowers the family requests that a memorial be given to a charity of the donor’s choice in Mary’s name.
