Mary Kitz, resident of the Ituna Pioneer Lodge, passed away on Monday, June 23, 2014 at the Lodge, where she had been a resident since June of 2013. Mary Kitz was born on August 4, 1924 in the Homefield district of Saskatchewan; a daughter of Amelia (nee Ziglo) and Nick Danesewich. Mary lost her parents at a young age and was raised by her grandmother, Mary Ziglo-Lutz, and then by her brother Walter. Mary attended Beaverhill, Smokeside & Folkstone Schools, where she did very well, skipping two grades. Mary worked in Abernathy & Yorkton before her marriage to D'Metre (Metro) Kitz on November 12, 1944. They worked in Langenburg for a time, then rented land from Metro's father & uncle. In 1958 they purchased land north of Ituna in the Beckenham district, where they farmed until their retirement in 1999, at which time the couple moved into Ituna. Mary worked alongside Metro in all aspects of the farm and carried the farm while Metro was away working for the PFRA. Mary's talents were cooking, gardening & being active in the communities where she lived. She was proud to make over 50 Ukrainian wedding cakes. She was a faithful member of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, firstly at Beckenham and then in Ituna. Mary & Metro were fortunate to have taken a trip of a lifetime, visiting over 10 countries in Europe. Mary loved her family and being a part of all the family gatherings held over the years. Mary had only one regret in life, she wished she had learned to play the guitar. Predeceased by her husband Metro in February of 2008; daughter-in-law, Flo Kitz; her brother Walter; and by a sister Olga Danesewich. She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Patricia (Mervin) Peesker of Coledale, AB and family: Shaun (Stacey), Michelle & Jeremy; Raymond (Sarah) Kitz of Whitehorse, Yukon and his son Jonathon (Natalie); Linda (Ross) Kauffman of Ottawa, ON & family: Romona (David) & Triston; Maryann (Marvin) Golemba of Ituna and family: Joshua (Laurel), Colin (Sarah) & Derrick; Joan Kitz of Calgary & her son Devon (Jillyan). Ten great grandchildren: Ashley, Michael, Morgan, Alexander, Aiden, Kallie, Allysa, Olivia, Cloe & Violet. Prayer services were held on Thursday evening, June 26th from Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ituna. Members of the UCWLC led the rosary service before the prayers. The Requiem Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Friday, June 27, 2014 from Sacred Heart Church with Very Rev. Boris Kyba C.Ss.R. as celebrant. The cross bearer was Michelle Peesker, the epistle-reader was Ramona Kitz. Responses were led by Ladmer Moskal & Heidi Spilchuk. Jane Chorney represented the UCWLC and served as the flag bearer. The interment took place in the Parish Cemetery with Joshua, Colin & Derrick Golemba, Shaun & Jeremy Peesker, and Devon Markert serving as the casket bearers.
