Predeceased by her husband Jakiw Holubizkyj, loving mother to Nestor Kozlowsky (Deborah Wagner), Lida Kozlowsky (Myron Pyskir), Vira Kozlowsky, stepmother to Ihor Holubizkyj and grandmother to Boris (Bojana), Mykola, Shayan, Ruslan and Alexie.
Following WW2, Mary, still very young, fled with her Mother from Europe and settled in Rochester, NY. Mary had a strong work ethic and after finishing her education found employment to help her mother with the household expenses. During these early years Mary was active in the Ukrainian community, singing in various choirs with performances across the
border in Canada. At one of these cultural events held in St. Catherines, Mary met her future husband Wasyl Kozlowsky and soon married.
Mary's life revolved around her family. After the birth of her youngest daughter Vira, Mary went to work as a bookkeeper. She worked much of her life but retired to care for her Mother who had cancer. A few years later she became caregiver to her ailing husband Wasyl before his passing. She then moved to Toronto to be closer to both of her daughters. In Toronto she met Jakiw Holubizkyj, a fellow widower of like mind. Mary again found joy and contentment and after a short courtship married Jakiw in 1998.
Both Mary and Jakiw enjoyed volunteering and were active members of UNF Toronto West branch, as well as active participants in various Ukrainian organizations. As Mary's children, Lida and Vira became mothers themselves she full heartedly embraced her role as "baba" with
much enthusiasm and abounding love. She enjoyed taking Shayan and Ruslan on frequent walks in the surrounding park near her home with Jakiw. Mary also spent joyful times at the family cottage with Boris and Mykola. Mary loved all her grandchildren and made sure she
celebrated with them at every occasion.
In 2016 Mary and Jakiw transitioned to independent living at the Ivan Franko retirement home in Mississauga. Although Mary left Ukraine at a very young age, her love and support for Ukraine remained steadfast throughout her life. She was a generous donor to various charitable organizations and churches in Ukraine.
Mary was a kind, gentle, generous person who lived to help her family and community.
Vichnaya Pamyat
Resting at Turner and Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., Toronto. Visitation will be Monday, February 16, 2026 from 5-8 p.m. with a prayer service held at 7 p.m.
Interment at St. Volodymyr Cemetery (Oakville) on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
All are welcome to join the family for a short gathering, to pray and say our final farewells at the gravesite at approximately 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the Ukrainian World Congress.
Funeral Details
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Visitation
Turner & Porter - Yorke Chapel
2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M6S 1P4
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Monday, 16 Feb 2026 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Info: prayers at 7 p.m.
Interment
St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Cemetery
1280 Dundas Street West, Oakville, ON, L6J 4Z3
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