Mary Josephine Goranson

Mary Josephine Goranson, late of Weyburn, SK passed away on December 10, 2025, at the age of 89 years.

She was predeceased by her parents, Josef and Mary Nagy; her husband, Evan Goranson; brother, Joe Jr.; and her sisters: Helen Mazak, Elizabeth Wicks, Margaret Hoover and Barbara Sloman.
Left to mourn Mary are her children: Wayne (Heather) Goranson and their son, Charles (Monique); Diane (Michael) York and their children, Jordan (Katlin) and great-grandson Dexter, Jessica (Sam), Joshua (Gabriella); Karen (Greg) Charyna and their children, Benjamin, Sophia; Arlene (Bob) Overman  and their children, Alex, Evan, Noa-Grace; Stuart (Melanie) Goranson and their children, Thomas (Madison), Kate; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers-in-law, relatives, friends, and her caregivers.

In the 1930’s Mary’s parents immigrated to Saskatchewan from Hungary. Mary learned English in school and in February 1955 she joined a nursing class at the Grey Nuns Nursing Hospital in Regina–a class of 28 women who became lifelong friends.

Mary met Evan Goranson on a blind date and on June 20th, 1959, they were married at Weyburn Calvary Baptist Church. They had five children and regularly attended the Baptist church where she served on the social committee for years. The church and farming community were pillars of Mary and Evan’s lives. Their nearest farm neighbours were the Millers and the Walters. Gloria and Alice became Mary’s close friends and supporters. 

Mary’s life for many years was focused on raising her family and nurturing their home, a vegetable garden, and flower beds.  She was known for her hospitality and humor. Many were welcomed and loved around the big oak table in their home.  Mary genuinely cared for those around her.  She would say “everyone has a story” and treated others with sincere compassion and curiosity. With children in high school, Mary returned to work as a Home Care nurse.  She and Evan also travelled extensively and reunited with Mary’s family in Czechoslovakia. Later, the farm was a perfect place for Mary and Evan to welcome, love, and share their way of life with their 11 grandkids.

When Mary moved to her new home at Hill Top Manor, she was a maternal presence for staff and other residents, keeping her eye on everything and everyone.  Hill Top was where her own story finally found its peaceful end, with family by her side.

Mary’s family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Hill Top for their care and to Tanya Kwochka (Comforts of Home Senior Care) for her dedication to Mary’s personal support since 2015. 

In lieu of flowers, for family and friends so wishing, charitable donations in memory of Mary may be made to the Weyburn & District Hospital Foundation, Box 1416, Weyburn, SK, S4H 3J9.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. from the Calvary Baptist Church, 1619 ~ 1st Avenue, Weyburn, SK with Doug Loden and Rob Ogilvie officiating.  A Private Family Interment will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn, SK with luncheon following at the McKenna Hall, Weyburn, SK.

For those wishing to attend virtually, please follow the live stream video by opening Mary’s memorial page on RD Family Funeral Chapel’s website starting at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026. 

If you experience any difficulty viewing the service or encounter issues with the livestream, please no not contact the funeral home.  Instead, contact Prairie Wave at (306) 581-5403, as they are the third-party service provider.  Thank you for your understanding.