This project is dedicated to the memory of Mary Hyjek, my beloved companion of 15 years. Mary passed away on Thursday October 5th, 2006 succumbing to a lengthy battle with Cancer. One of her last requests was that the goals of this mission, which has been in preparation for the past four years, be reached and completed. She insisted that I continue with this project by raising funds through the sale of teddy bears in hopes of providing less fortunate families with wheel chairs desperately needed for their youngsters.
Mary, Richard & Brandi up North
New Years at home
Winter up North
Mary up North
Mary & Brandi at cottage
BBQ up North with staff of St. Raphael's
Mary with Brother (Anna) & Parents
Mary & her Father up North
Mary working on garden
Mary & Paulette
Mary & Richard weekend in Vermont
Richard & Mary on her 50th Birthday
Mary & Sabrina
Mary, Richard & Sabrina
(First Communion)
7 weeks old
On Sept. 3, 2007 at 12 yrs
Brandi decided to join Mary
At Becket, Mary was most prayerful and peaceful. She loved worshipping the Lord and got a lot out of the Word of God and the homilies. In later years she became more contemplative, letting herself be carried into the depths of the mystery of the life of love of the Blessed Trinity, having been attracted by their love since her youth and undoubtedly childhood. I first met her at Manna Camp from 1978 (I think she was there my first year attending) until my last year which was July 8 to 14, 1990. She really enjoyed that week at Kinkora every year because we filled the week with spirituality, not just chapel time, but talks, discussions, reflections, silent time, and camaraderie. I was on the planning team for most of that time, and we spent a lot of energy planning it all, which is one reason why I stopped going. I felt it wasn't right for me to spend so much time plannng just one week, when I needed much more time and energy to plan better what I was doing all year in the parish. A number of times she told me she appreciated something I said or did there, as she was very sensitive and attentive. She was a truly spiritual soul, and I believe generous in her response to people in need or pain. God bless you.
Fr. Gilles A. Surprenant
What you're doing is nice. My special memory of Mary goes back 22 years. When I first moved to P.E.I. I didn't know anyone. I was lonely for all my friends in Montreal.Mary was the only friend who hopped on a plane and came to visit me in the dead of winter.She came for my birthday in December.When I asked her why she came,she said she knew I'd be lonely.That was so special of her. People usually come here in the summer for the beaches,not in the dead of winter.She was very special.
Paulette Vienneau
Mary was an individual who enjoyed life, family and friends. She maintained a positive attitude throughout her life regardless of the challenges that came her way. She was always ready to offer support and encouragement. We were truly fortunate to have been able to call her, friend.
John and Linda
My relationship with Mary started before I was even born, as she had been chosen by my parents to be my godmother. She knew my parents from Montreal and, as a dear friend, they had decided to include her in my life. Because we moved to the States shortly after my first year in the world, my time spent with Mary was few and far between. But, she never forgot my birthday or a special event in my life. My first conscious memory of her was when she came down to our home in Connecticut with Richard for a visit. We were able to reacquaint ourselves and I had an opportunity to get to know the generous and loving spirit of my godmother. I was fortunate enough to have gone to visit her and Richard toward the end of her life at their home in Quebec with a close friend of mine. I got to meet their dog Brandi and enjoyed a pleasant meal at their lovely home. She shared photographs of her time in Montreal with my parents and me as an infant. I am so grateful I was able to reconnect with Mary before she passed away. While our relationship was stunted by the distance between us, I always knew she was thinking of me and me, of her.
Miranda