MARY ZINK

It is with great sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of Mary Zink on May 7, 2026, at St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 91.

Mary will now be reunited with her husband, Paul Zink, who predeceased her on April 14, 2023.

Mary, known lovingly as Mom, Oma, and Oma Oma, will be dearly missed by her children and their families: Angela (Juergen), and their children Ryan (Brett) and Jessica (Jordan); Arlene (Bernie), and their children Natalia (Mike), Katerina (Marc), and Luke (Sarah); Carolin (Clyde), and their children Theon and Mercedes (Anders); Richard (Denise), and their child Braeden, Presley; Kathy; and George Cormier (Lois) and their family.

She will also be dearly missed by her great-grandchildren: Nicholas, Jake, Elsie, Amelia, Nadia, Gabriella, Marcus, Charlotte, Delilah, Natalie, Emmet, Russel, and Remy.

Mary was predeceased by her brothers, Wilhelm and Gustav, and sisters, Louisa and Mellie. She will also be missed by her siblings, Selma (Otto), Richard (Marion), and Lottie (George), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary was born in a German farming community in Poland to Wilhelm Mantay and Natalja Peltzer. During her childhood in Poland and Germany, she lived through the Second World War and endured many hardships. At a young age, she was separated from her family and sent to work in Poland.

In the early 1950s, Mary immigrated to Canada with her sister Selma. She arrived not knowing the language and learned it on her own. She began working at a sewing factory in Winnipeg, where she met Paul. After dating for a time, they were married on August 3, 1957.

A year later they started their family and built their home. They raised five children of their own and fostered many others over the years. Mom and Dad built and renovated houses and never shied away from hard work. As their children and grandchildren grew up and moved into homes of their own, Mom was always there to help with renovations, especially when it came to painting. Her “mechinca” was always the trusted tool for making the straightest “cuts.” Mom had a strong work ethic. She worked as a server at the Clarion, Norwood, and Norvilla Hotels, and later worked at a synagogue before retiring at the age of 84.

She worked hard in and around her home. Mom loved tending to her flower garden, and it showed — her yard was always bright with beautiful flowers.

Her home was a source of great pride, always spotless and in perfect order.

Mom was a wonderful cook and always made sure everyone was fed and well cared for. When family came by for even a casual visit, you could always hear her say, “Eat! Eat! Eat!”

Mom also loved to sew. When we were younger, Mom made many of our clothes and always made sure we had matching dresses and looked our best. Even as we got older, she spent countless hours sewing wedding, bridesmaid, and graduation dresses for her children and grandchildren.

Mom’s greatest joy was her family. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren immensely and they loved her just as much in return. Oma was always there to care for her grandchildren as they grew up, and one of the many ways she expressed her love was through her cooking. The memories of her delicious punchkees, homemade macaroni and cheese, butter honey buns, blueberry pierogies, piroshky, and “Oma-hoppers,” to name only a few, will remain in our hearts forever.

She showed her love through her actions and was always there for us, no matter what.

Some of Mom’s favourite moments were travelling to Mexico with her family and hosting family gatherings.

When Mom finally found time to relax, she enjoyed watching her favourite television shows, including Wheel of Fortune, The Price Is Right, and The Young and the Restless.

Mom also loved watching her all-time favourite German singer, Semino Rossi, on YouTube. Her family would joke that she loved watching Semino Rossi almost as much as she loved her children.

Mom was truly the “super glue” that held our loving family together. She created traditions that will live on in our hearts and will be carried on through generations of our family.

We cherish every moment we spent together and all the memories that were made.

We love and miss you so much, 

Mom, Oma, our dear Oma Oma.

You will forever be in our hearts.

In accordance with Mary’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral. A private family celebration of life will be held.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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