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MARY (MARIA) KOOTNEKOFF

February 10, 2013

Mary Kootnekoff was born on March 10, 1917 in the Ubezhescha (now the Ozeroff Village) to a Doukhobor family of William J. and Mary Savinkoff(Trofimenkoft). Mary went to English classes at Carson School and briefly at Fruitova school after it was built to Grade six. She also attended Russian school. As a young girl she enjoyed doing Doukhobor handicrafts like sewing, embroidery, knitting and crocheting, some of which she continued to enjoy into her later years.

Her family lived in various Doukhobor villages of Grand Forks before moving to the village of Sirotskoye.

She also worked on local farms as well as farms in the

Oliver, Osoyoos area and Creston Wynndel area. In January of 1942 she married Pete N. Kootnekoff in Grand Forks. They moved to the North Riverside area of Grand Forks living there for about three years. Then they purchased some acreage West of Grand Forks and built a home where Mary lived until her passing. Her children Pete and Elaine made it possible for her to stay in her home by helping her when she needed it. Mary had four children. In her younger years Mary was a member of The Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood and Later The Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ. Mary was blessed with good health until recently, requiring her to not do so much. She passed away peacefully on Sunday morning February 10, 2013. She was 95 years of age. Mary was predeceased by her husband, her parents, parent in laws, one grandchild, a nephew and two sisters Anna Makortoff and Fanny Savinkoff.

Mary leaves behind four children-daughters Marie(George) Dykun, Nina Kootnekoff, Elaine(Don) Lea and son Pete Kootnekoff. Also six grandchildren, nieces and other relatives. Mary was an independent, quiet and gentle person. Services were held February 16, 2013 in the USCC Community Centre with interment in the SION Cemetery Grand Forks. May God accept her soul into his Heavenly Kingdom and may she Rest in Peace.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Everett Baker of Grand Forks Funeral Home.



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