It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Ann Kyryluk (Babichuk) who passed away on April 26th, 2025 at St Joseph's Hospital, surrounded with love by the family she held so dear.
A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Mary Ann was kind, generous, and had a way of making everyone feel like they mattered. Unique in every way, Mary Ann walked her own path with courage and independence. Her love was the kind that wrapped you up like one of her "big squeeze" hugs - the kind her grandchildren will miss greatly. She adored the kids, and even on her bad days as her disease progressed, she would never fail to get up to the window to wave goodbye until we were gone from sight. Her art studio was the place dreams were made for her kids and grandkids, inspiring them and leaving them with cherished memories.
Born on April 30, 1955, Mary Ann was raised in Fort William and lived in Thunder Bay for her lifetime. Her childhood was filled with fun times on Empire Avenue and at the family- built camp at Hawkeye Lake. She worked a number of jobs, but found her place at Canada Post, where she made her career as a letter carrier. She took an early retirement and loved the freedom to pursue her true calling as a visual artist.
Her children were her priority, and she was always there to talk, listen and help however she could. She never shied away from getting her hands dirty and always had a project on the go - fixing, painting, building - and in later years, loved to watch us get things done (the sound of power tools buzzing was her favourite!). She also had strong opinions about how these jobs should be done, never failing to "offer" her thoughts, and despite our frustrations, always ended up being right!
She knew what she wanted and just as importantly, what she didn't. That stubbornness came with fierce loyalty and an unwavering sense of who she was. This sense led her to more formally pursue her passion - Mary Ann was a creator and recognized early on that her hands held her talent. Her love for art was more than a hobby; it was the language through which she expressed herself best. She obtained her Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2009, which she obtained over fourteen years, studying part-time while working and raising her family.
She immersed herself in the Thunder Bay art community and beyond, and from there, experienced some of her proudest and most fulfilling moments. Her 'Within Our Grasp' installation brought great joy as she listened to and recorded the stories of over 200 community members while casting their hands, which were then joined in a continuous loop. She was a fixture at Lakehead University's Visual Arts Building and Def Sup, a member of the Underlay Artist Collective which was dear to her heart, contributed to the design of the first transit art bus as part of the Satellite Studio Artist Collective, and exhibited in solo and group shows throughout Canada, to name a few of her accomplishments. Her work was always large - in size and significance.
Mary Ann will be missed immensely by family and friends. The smile that came to her so easily and naturally was one that will never be forgotten. She is survived by her daughter and best friend, Michelle Logozzo (John) and grandchildren Sullivan and Scarlett, her son, William Quinn, her son, Alex Kyryluk (Kristen) and grandchildren, Carson and Zoey, and her brothers William Babichuk and Bob Babichuk (Nancy MacDonald).
She was predeceased by her parents William and Mary (Lovis) Babichuk, brother Brian Babichuk, and sister-in-law Lorna Allen, as well as numerous aunts and uncles.
Cremation has taken place and according to her wishes, there will be no service. A private interment will take place at a later date in Riverside Cemetery.
If friends so desire, donations may be made in Mary Ann's name to the Underground Gym.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
