Obituary of Maria Polonenko

Maria Polonenko (nee: Shesterenko) Went home to be with the Lord on June 11, 2016 at the age of 93. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her children: Dan (Anna; Andy & Kerry, Colin), Paul (Ruth; Larissa, Nathan), and John (Cheryl; Tanya, Melissa, Ken & Leah). Maria is also survived by her sister, Nina, and her brother, Robert. Maria was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Roman, as well as by her sister, Vera, and brother, Walter. Maria was born in Chelm, Poland and immigrated to Canada in 1948. Maria and Roman were married in 1950 in Toronto and settled on a farm in Niagara Township. While managing the busy life of raising a family, Maria diligently worked alongside Roman in the vineyards and orchards of their Line 2 and Progressive Avenue fruit farms. They re-located for a few years to a farm near Arthur, Ontario. Following Roman’s retirement after nearly 30 years of farming, they settled in St. Catharines. Maria then worked as a Nurse’s Aid in the geriatric unit at St. Catharines General Hospital until her retirement in 1987. Maria will be remembered for her energy and incredible work ethic as well as her gift of hospitality which she generously shared with family, friends, neighbours and her special church family. She loved an opportunity to host a group around a table filled with her delicious, homemade food, often sourced from her own garden and orchard. She was sincerely committed to her Church and, together with her husband, served her congregation of the Slavic Baptist Church with dedication. Above all, she was known for her deep faith in God and her devotion and great love for her family. Her intense, faithful prayers for her family and friends leave us a lasting legacy. Maria's family will receive guests at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton St., on Thursday, June 16, 2016 from 7-9 p.m. A Service in Celebration of Her Life will be held in the funeral home chapel at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 17, 2016. A Burial will follow the service at Victoria Lawn Cemetery, Queenston St. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Slavic Evangelical Baptist Church Ukrainian War Displaced Projects or the Slavic Evangelical Baptist Church Mission Eurasia would be greatly appreciated by the family.