April 3, 1940 – February 24, 2025
With heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of our mum, grandma, great-grandma and Sister Mary Ethyl at the age of 84.
Mary Ethyl was predeceased by her husband Raymond Horwood, her parents Nick & Dorothy Wawryk, Sister Muriel Carter, Brothers Paul (Judy) and Ken, Brother-in-law Dennis Boychuck and Ray’s siblings.
Mum is survived by her children Rodney Chanas, Kim Howell and Mark Chanas, grandchildren Steven (Clare) Howell of New Zealand, Kerri (Andrew) Klaprat and great-grandson Lawrence Howell. Her brother Charlie (Lorna) Wawryk, sisters Beverly (Bob) Runzer and Doreen (Wayne) Thomas and Sister-in-law Amy McLay. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Mary Ethyl was born in Selkirk and grew up in the Netley area. She worked at many different places over the years retiring from the Sanatorium Board (MB Lung Association). Mum loved reading, playing cards, games and her many flower gardens. She loved all kinds of music and was always singing or humming.
Mum suffered from Alzheimer’s for the past 10 years, which was truly heartbreaking for all who knew her. Mary resided at Betel Home for the past 2 years. The family would like to thank the staff at Betel for their care and compassion while she lived there.
Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB. R3C 4G2 or Betel Home Foundation, 212 Manchester Avenue, Selkirk, MB., R1A 0B7.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Mary’s memorial page using the comment field below.
Kim, Rodney and Mark, thinking of you and your families. Auntie Ethyl was always so full of life. Mom (Jo) always thought of her more as a younger sister than a niece. Mom used to tell me I got my laughter, humour, smile and enthusiasm from Ethyl. I am so glad Mom and I got to stay with her in Selkirk a few years ago. She and Mom got to connect one last time. Love to you all.
Thanks Shelley for your kind words, Mum also enjoyed see you and Aunt Jo that time as well.
I deeply regret that fact that I haven’t visited in years. Aunty Ethyl was the coolest lady ever. Not only did she have the voice of an angel. She had the heart of one. I’ll always Live my Aunty.
She was a peach. I have a wonderful memory of her singing…..Damps took us to Austin Threshermans Reunion and she sat on a bench outside the replica church singing hymns with Joy Gillespie all day….every time Blake, Murray and I made a loop she was still there singing!
Auntie Ethyl was a cornerstone of family. She and Muriel forged everyone together with their gentle spirits. I have so many memories of baseball games, water bombing fights and trips to the beach (even if I was kicked out of the car for talking too much 😂) Her laughter and enthusiasm for everything will always live in my heart. Rest Easy
Too funny Carla and so true. Auntie Ethyls Christmas letters were always cherished by me and if it wasn’t for her taking her living time to write those letters I’d never have known anything of family as I was too busy being a foolish young man chasing a dollar. Her example always shone a light on what truly mattered.
Our condolences to Kim, Rodney, Mark , Sisters & Bother & families Ethyl was the most hard working independant person I knew We were Blessed to have her as a neighbor & friend
We had many laughs together!! I will cherish my memories of our friendship , John & Doreen
Thank you to everyone who is leaving a message, memory of Mum
We greatly appreciate it.
Kim, Rodney & Mark
Thank you to everyone is has a left a message or memory of Mum
We greatly appreciate it
Kim, Rodney & Mark
Rodney, Kim, Mark
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. I met your mom over 40 years ago when I started working at the Lung Association. She was so funny and always had me “in stitches”. I enjoyed hearing her stories. I have so many great memories of your mom and one that I think of often is seeing her pushing my little 1 year old, in her wheelbarrow, to go look at her beautiful yard – that image always makes me laugh and puts a smile on my face. Hugs to you all.
Kim, Rodney and Mark, Lynda and I are grieved by your Mom’s passing. She was a great person and she never failed to keep in touch with Mom before she passed herself in 2020. She was a very kind and generous lady.
She was such a kind, sweet person. She babysat me when I was very young. I do remember singing with Ethyl and Granny and Grampian on the farm. ❤️
No grass grew under Ethyl’s feet. She had an energy and zest for life and she lived it. My earliest memories of her, were when she and Muriel lived with us on the farm. I shared a bedroom with them for a few years, as they attended school in Matlock. She added to my life then and continued to do so over the years. She had a most beautiful and melodic voice. Ethyl had a great sense of humour and I can still hear her laughter. I am so sorry for your loss Mark, Kim and Rodney and family.
Rest in peace my dear cousin.
Hugs to all of you.
Gayle Anna
Mary was a very hard working lady.
She took pride in everything she did and it showed.
She was very friendly and kind-hearted.
Rest In Peace, Mary.
Condolences to all of the family. I will remember Ethel as friendly and happy, with that great sense of humor.