MRS. MARY OZAR of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. George Ozar, passed away on Sunday, July 4, 2010 at the age of 97 years.

Born in the Ukraine, her dad brought her to Southern Alberta when she was sixteen. She stayed with relatives until she met her husband to be, Nick Lazaruk and got married when she was twenty. Together they bought a farm in Turin, Alberta and farmed there for 16 years, after which they moved to Lethbridge.

She is survived by her only son, Bill Lazaruk of Lethbridge, her granddaughter Ronda Illingworth, grandson Darrell (Louise) Derksen of Kelowna, grandson Warren (Susan) Fick of Calgary, granddaughter Karen (Peter) Williamson of Calgary, and her great grandsons; Spencer and Travis Illingworth, Zen and Sol Derksen, and great granddaughter Emily Fick, along with her step-daughters Nancy (Walter) Fick of Red Deer and Georgina Phillip of Victoria. She is also survived by cousins; Ann (Nicholas) Lastuka of Lethbridge, Helen (Mel) Ruston of Lethbridge, Rose Beresnak of Raymond, Mary (Tom) Lane of Montana, and Ted (Sheran) Leverick.

She was predeceased by her husband Nick Lazaruk, and later remarried to George Ozar, who also predeceased her.

She loved working in her garden and planting many colorful flowers. She loved spending time with her great grandchildren as they filled her heart with so much joy, love and laughter. She had many very special friends who would often come to visit and enjoy her company. Over the years she provided so much strength and support to her family and friends. She was a true ""gem"" and she will be truly missed by many whose lives she touched.

A Visitation will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 pm on Thursday, July 8, 2010 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, July 9, 2010 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, with Valerie Martell-Kostiuk, officiating.