February 12th, 1958 – February 21st, 2021
With her loving son by her side, Mary-Anne Kandrack took leave of this world just before sunset on February 21st, 2021, while under the exceptional care of the staff at the St. Boniface Hospital Cardiac Care Unit in Winnipeg, MB. In addition to her son Makenna, Mary-Anne is survived by: Aunt Antoinette Michaluk (Ernie), aka ‘Auntie Tootsie’; brothers Tony, Joe (Michaela), and Tim; nephew Michael, nieces Lauren and Carly, and great-nephew Jacob; Paul Shreenan; extended family, honourary sisters, and friends from near and far. Mary-Anne was loved deeply and by many. Predeceasing her were her parents, Steven and Phyllis Kandrack, as well as her cherished friend, Dale. The family is planning a cremation now, followed by a service for her later in the spring or summer.
Mary-Anne was born February 12th, 1958 in Winnipeg and, after some challenges in childhood and adolescence, was determined to change her life’s trajectory by getting a university education. While attending the University of Manitoba, she earned her B.A. in Psychology in 1983, completed the Pre-Master’s Program for Sociology in 1984, and attained her M.A. in Sociology in 1987. Persisting on, she conducted her Ph.D. (abd) work in Sociology at Carlton University in Ottawa. A brilliant and bold woman, Mary-Anne began her illustrious nearly-thirty-year teaching career – which would include numerous awards and recognitions – after accepting a position within the University of Manitoba’s Sociology Department. A story-teller at heart, Mary-Anne taught thousands of students over the years and her indelible influence can be felt in the outpouring of love, grief, and memories being shared in her honour now by those who knew and loved her. Her formidable class presence, exceptional teaching style, quick wit, and hearty laugh will long be remembered, as will her big, beautiful heart. She was known for her strong opinions and also for encouraging her students to seek knowledge from many sources, to nurture their critical thinking skills, to formulate their own opinions, to develop their confidence, and to find and use their voice. Mary-Anne believed by doing these things, a person became ‘dangerous’ in a positive way. “Be dangerous,” she would say, with a wink and a smile. Over the years, she masterfully and compassionately raised awareness in her classes around such issues as mental health and disorders, housing insecurity, the sex trade, and poverty. In her spare time, Mary-Anne loved being a community advocate, going to the movies or lunch with friends, keeping up with politics and world issues, and cheering on The Jets. However, her favourite role and the one that she was most proud of was being Makenna’s mother. Her motto was “Live Your Life” and she aspired to do just that in the best way she could, every day.
This world has lost a powerhouse of a human with the passing of our beloved Mary-Anne and while we rightly mourn her death, we also honour her incredible life, by remembering her tenacious spirit, her cheeky sense of humour, her grit and determination, and her ever-optimistic attitude that something fantastic and exciting might be just around the corner. Rest easy and journey well, Mary-Anne.
“Like a small boat
On the ocean
Sending big waves
Into motion…
Like how a single word
Can make a heart open…
I might only have one match
But I can make an explosion!”
(Rachel Platten – Fight Song)
7 thoughts on “Mary-Anne Kandrack”
Kandrack was my very first professor that I was introduced to in university on my first day. She is also the professor that left the biggest mark on me, even 4 years later. Her presence, teaching style, words, and encouragement influence me daily. I absolutely adored her lectures and would be deeply disappointed if class was cancelled. I treasure the conversations we shared after class and all of the laughter shared during class discussions. She was such a force in this world and will forever be an empowering inspiration in my life. I was deeply saddened to hear of her passing and can’t even begin to imagine the loss her family and friends have suffered. I hope sharing how much she positively affected her students will bring them some comfort. She will never be forgotten and will always be missed. May she rest in peace.
I had the privilege of having Mary-Anne be my professor during my time at UofM. She was my very first class in freshman year and the question she asked us at the start of that class stayed with me forever, “what would the world look like if women mattered?” She was so inspiring to me, and was by far my favourite class that semester. I ended up taking everything she had to offer. She even vouched for me to the dean when I didn’t meet a prerequisite for a class she was teaching a couple years later. We had a great relationship and I still think of her warm spirit, no bs attitude, humour, and courage often. Her spirit lives on in so many of us. My deepest condolences to your family. I would love to attend her celebration of life in the spring, what is the best way to be notified of the date?
Remember her the most of all my professors.
The world really will be missing an exceptional
Human
and she would understand this
Just when the moth thought it’s life was over…
It became a butterfly.
(She gets it 😉)
Professor Kandrack was a fantastic professor. She had a big heart and tons of passion. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her is lucky to have been part of such a great woman’s life.
Professor Kandrack was an amazing professor. My first year of university I remember she told us that she truly loved teaching and that she really believed that her students will change the future. She was extremely passionate and a wonderful person. She has influenced my life and career path and I will forever be thankful.
A good friend, sad to hear. Hugs Mary Anne you were an exciting Prof.
Professor Kandrack was one of my very first professors during my first semester at the University of Winnipeg back in Fall of 2000. I even remember she brought her son to our sociology class one day. She was a very nice lady and great teacher. Her lectures were very entertaining and energetic – the time would just fly right by. She was also very pleasant outside of class, which was quite rare. I really appreciated her and am sorry to hear of her passing. I was just thinking about my past professors and she came to mind and so, I Googled her name. My condolences to her son and the rest of the family. She was very special and will be missed.