Mary Helen Pikula (nee Modrzejewski)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Mary at St. Peter’s hospital on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the proud age of 91.

Predeceased by her devoted husband Henry (2019). Loving mother of Deborah Pikula (Rob Martin), Edward Pikula (Patti Mann) and Linda Tweedle (Doug). Extremely proud Babci of Matthew (Lauren), Lisa (Vince), Erin, Katie (Jon), Jack (Bryn), Jeffrey (Kaitlyn) and Adam (Victoria). Adoring Great Babci of Keira and Zoey Prisciak and Mason Munno.

She will be forever missed by her siblings John Mojeski, Jean Edwards, and Chris Zych, her sisters-in-law Mary Mojeski, Joan and Bernice Pikula, and her many nieces, and nephews. Predeceased by her brothers-in-law Lou Zych, Tom and Joe Pikula.

Mary loved to bake and was an exceptional cook. She is famous for her pies, tarts and banana breads and was the first person called upon whenever anyone needed something baked. She was well known for her huge hugs and if you were lucky to have been on the receiving end of one you knew you were genuinely loved. Mary loved to socialize, stopping to chat with people anywhere she went. She attended the Ryerson Institute of Technology, graduating in 1954, and later worked for the Niagara Regional Police Services, retiring in 1994 after 17 years of service.

She had a lifelong love of sports, and profound love of music and polka dancing. Her greatest joy was her  grandchildren and later her great grandchildren. She was a wonderful grandmother who was a constant presence in her grandchildren’s life and was their most passionate cheerleader at any and every event. She loved to travel especially with her grandchildren or sisters and those memories are part of her living legacy.

The family would like to thank the St. Peter’s 3 East Palliative Care Unit for their amazing care and compassion. Visitation at Merritt Funeral Home 287 Station Street, Smithville on Sunday January 4 from 3 – 7 pm with Vigil prayers at 3 pm. Mass with Christian Burial at St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church, 166 West Street, Smithville on Monday, January 5 at 11 am.

Interment at St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations would be appreciated by the family to St. Peter’s Palliative Care Unit or St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church where Mary was a long-time member of the Parish and Catholic Women’s League.