It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Great Grandma, Grandma & Mother, Maria Poje who passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 20th at the incredible age of 100.

Maria lived a remarkable and inspiring life. In 100 years, she experienced more than anyone could imagine and learned more than what could be taught in a classroom. She was born in Ukraine to Katrina Hopco, she had a brother named Ivan and a sister named Anna. Maria remembered everything from her childhood. In her lifetime, she experienced many adversities such as the Great Depression and the havoc of World War II. Without obtaining an education beyond grade school, Maria acquired the ability to speak in five languages. As a teenager during the war, she worked in Germany under the supervision of a French family on their farm. She often reflected on how hard she worked and how well they fed her, always an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables and bread. There was only time to eat briefly between her many duties on the farm. Despite the hardships, she had fond memories of her time in the "old country", loving the weather and beauty Europe had to offer.

After meeting her husband, Juri Poje, and having 2 sons they choose to immigrate to Canada when the war was over. In 1952, Juri set out to Canada while Maria stayed back awaiting the arrival of their third son. After a long and challenging journey, Maria arrived with her three boys in tow on McKenzie Island of Red Lake, ON where they spent decades rebuilding their life together. She went on to have four more children, seven in total; Phillip, George, Bogdan, Raymond, Doreen, Joseph and Olga. Maria spent her days cooking, baking, gardening and taking care of her family and home. Without hydro, hot or running water, Maria worked endlessly to make sure her family of nine never went hungry. She exemplified resilience and a hard work ethic. After settling into life in Canada although disliking the long cold winters, Maria & Juri bought their forever home on MacIntosh Street in Cochenour where Maria created a garden the size of the house and spent many years being the best Grandma anyone could ever hope for.

Maria was known for her green thumb and would meticulously look after any living plant which would flourish in her care. Her mother taught her how to garden and she tended to her vegetables with great attention and devotion. She valued flowers which were in abundance throughout her yard, her favourite being sunflowers and black-eyed Susie's. If she didn't answer her phone, her daughter Olga would often find her fussing in the gardens ensuring not one weed could fester.

Maria was notorious for her daily walks along the highway from Cochenour to Balmertown with a walking stick in hand, her trademark beehive hair-do and a babushka to secure it.  She was always on the look out for fresh papanka (mushrooms) while out walking the neighbourhood or back country bush.

If you had the privilege to meet Maria, she often left a lasting impact. Her intelligence, high standards, good sense of humour, wit and spunk were strongly present even up to her last day. She was intuitive, strong and determined. She appreciated those that took the time to engage with her and listen to her stories. She had a wealth of knowledge and experience that she loved to share with others. It was evident that she loved to cook, her favourite meals to prepare for loved ones were her delicious perogies, cabbage rolls and apple cake. Maria also had a passion for clothes, admittingly her addiction. It was apparent in her well established wardrobe that she had memorized and could identify if an article was misplaced on any given day.

Maria spent her last two years in Thunder Bay with her granddaughters Kayla & Cora. Although she had difficult times, these times were rich with positive experiences. She enjoyed craft shows, ice cream dates, car rides to site see beautiful houses and awe over flowers. Hillcrest Park and the Marina were her favourite spots to visit. She was mesmerized by the ships in the harbour of Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant overlooking the city. Maria loved to meet new people hear their stories and where they came from. She made strong connections everywhere she went.

Maria is predeceased by her husband Juri Poje, sons George (Bonnie), Raymond and Joseph (Patti). As well as her beloved daughter Olga (Carmen) and grandson Robbie.

She will be lovely remembered by her children Phillip (Lynne), Bogdan and Doreen (Robert). Grandchildren Jason (Blanca), Linda (Todd), Sheldon, George, Deidra, Janice (Kirk), Cora, Tracy (Derek), and Kayla (Sylvain). Great grandchildren Dalton, Trevaughn, Nelz, Preston, Tenisha, Katelen, Teanna, June, Brayden, Cassidy, Zach, Mayz, Chaz, Daxz, Carlee and Lyana.

We have lost the matriarch of our family. We are forever grateful for her vast presence in our lives and the love she shared with us for so long. The many memories of her will comfort us as she will be incredibly missed. Her legacy will live on within us through everything she taught us.
A special thank you to JoAnne Lemieux of Thunder Bay who made a special bond with Maria during her last year of life. We cannot express our appreciation for the friendship, support and compassion she brought to Maria during each of their visits. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Maria's name to Hospice Northwest.

Rest in peace and with God Grandma.

A private ceremony will take place in Maria's honour.