Mary Skjenna

1923 ~ Marie “Mary” Skjenna ~ 2021

Mary Skjenna (nee Dziatkewich) died peacefully on September 12, 2021, in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Mary was born on June 29th,1923, on the family homestead near Chilmark, Alberta, the fourth of seven children to Wasyl and Anastasia Dziatkewich. Mary left home at 17 years old living and working at various jobs in Buffalo, Cereal, and Calgary. She spent about a year in Ajax, Ontario working in an ammunition plant near the end of WWll. When Mary was working at the Colonel Belcher hospital in Calgary, she met and subsequently married William Spratt. In 1954, Mary married Olaf Skjenna moving to Buffalo, Alberta. After many years on the Skjenna farm Mary and Olaf retired to Medicine Hat. Mary enjoyed herself wherever she went with an enormous zest for life. Her first love was always her family, as all her children and grandchildren knew. She spent many hours enjoying herself while entertaining her grandchildren whether it was with displays of her tap dancing or producing freshly baked buns. Gardening was another pastime Mary took great pride in, she grew a bounteous vegetable garden on the farm and enjoyed her flowers when she moved into town. Medicine Hat also allowed Mary the opportunity to join a slow pitch team, compete in seniors games, and do countless volunteering whether it was with the Legion, her church or any other good cause. She was always proud of and excited about all the activities she participated in and good deeds she carried out. Mary thrived anywhere she went, always willing to try new adventures, she was never late.

Mary is survived by her three sons, Bob Spratt (Linda), Mel Skjenna (Maggie Gamble), and Dennis Skjenna; six grandchildren, Jason Spratt (Sharla), Kyle Spratt (Candis), Joel Spratt (Morgan), Abaigeal Skjenna-Luoma (Darren), James Skjenna, and Kathleen Skjenna; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Helen Johnston and Jennie Vincent, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Anastasia and Waysl; siblings, Tony, Tiny, Paul, and Sophie. A private family memorial was held on September 22, 2021 at Saamis Prairie View Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Mary Skjenna. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, Medicine Hat, Alberta. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone 1-800-317-2647.