Obituary of Mary Bridget Baska

Mary Bridget Baska

(January 22, 1935 - October 18, 2021)

Mary Bridget Baska of Camrose passed away peacefully on October 18, 2021, at the age of 86.  

Mary was born on January 22, 1935, the second of eight children, to her parents Margaret and Patrick Caulfield in Ballinasloe, Galway, Ireland. Mary spent her young life working at Dubarry Shoe Factory. She studied and learned short hand and how to type, skills she used for writing letters to friends and family over the years. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and going to the local cinema. After her father passed away, she helped support her mother and family. Her parents were devoutly Catholic which developed her deep and lasting faith and devotion to the Rosary and the Mass.

Mary’s trusting faith in God’s Providence played a significant role throughout her life. She met a Canadian man, Charlie Baska, and they were married in Ireland on August 5, 1970. Although she was sad to leave her family and friends, Mary lovingly joined her new husband in Alberta and settled on his family’s farm, where their sons Patrick and Kevin were born. The family moved to Provost then to Camrose in 1985, where she since called home. They were blessed to have celebrated 50 years of marriage last year, but sadly Charlie passed away this January and she missed him dearly.

Mary spent her life as a homemaker and was devoted in service to others. She was active in her Catholic parish as a CWL member, volunteer in various ministries, and a minister of Holy Communion to the sick and homebound. Mary was a strong woman of faith and prayed the Rosary daily. Many family, friends and even strangers found comfort in her assurance “I will pray for you.” She shared her knowledge and enthusiasm for her Catholic faith with all those around her. Many would also be treated to her letters, notes, goodies and fresh homemade buns she made weekly. Mary was grateful for all the blessings in her life. She was an inspiration and will be greatly missed. 

Left to cherish her memory is her son Rev. Father Patrick Baska of St. Theresa Parish, Edmonton; son Kevin (Callista) Baska; granddaughters Cassandra, Katelynn and Katrina Baska; sisters Teresa (Tony) Dolan, and Betty (Benny) Connolly; brothers Noel (Mary) Caulfield and Jimmy (Nula) Caulfield; sister-in-law Bridget Caulfield; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and extended family and friends. Mary is predeceased by her husband Charlie Baska; her parents Margaret and Patrick Caulfield; brothers John Caulfield, Paddy Caulfield and Tommy Caulfield; sister-in-law Kathleen Caulfield.

Thank you to the doctors and nurses at St. Mary’s hospital for their kindness and care. In lieu of flowers, family and friends are welcome to make a memorial donation to St. Joseph’s Seminary or St. Francis Xavier Catholic Parish Building Fund.

Due to Alberta Health restrictions, a private family service was held. The Funeral Mass was live-streamed 12:00 p.m., Monday, October 25, 2021 on the St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church website: https://stfxcamrose.caedm.ca/  and a recording of the funeral mass will be available following the service on the St. Francis Xavier Church website under "Recorded Masses". Interment has taken place in the Camrose Cemetery.

If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Mary's memory may be made to the St. Francis Building Fund, or to St. Joseph's Seminary.