Maria Zhuk (nee Panasiuk), of Chatham, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 20, 2023 at the age of 99.
Predeceased by her husband Stefan (1999), Maria is survived by her three daughters: Sandra (Mark) Martin, Olive "Olesia" (Ben) Varriano, and Mary (Murray) Campbell. "Baba" will be dearly missed by her 11 grandchildren: Ken (Alyssa) Martin, Greg (Leigha) Martin, Brad (Laura) Martin, Rob (Yasmin) Martin, Vanessa (Ben) Hamilton, Stephanie (Paul) Cattle, Olivia (Mark) DesJardine, Rachel Varriano, Jaclyn Campbell, Andrea (Iain) Burnett and Lisa (Brandon) Jenner, and her 9 great-grandchildren: Ezra Martin, Hudson Hamilton, Évangéline Cattle, Rosala, Benton, Eloise, Vivianna DesJardine, Grace Varriano Lowther, and Evelyn Burnett.

Maria was born in Ukraine. As a youth she was taken from her family during WWII to labour in Germany. Later she immigrated to Canada from England with her husband and first child. She faced the challenges in her life with great strength and wisdom. Her priorities were her faith in Jesus Christ, and her family. She was a longtime member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. Spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her great joy. She loved gardening, sharing the bountiful harvest it produced with many.

Maria has been laid to rest and family has remembered her privately. We rejoice that Maria has reached her eternal home in heaven.