Date of Birth: June 18, 1920
Date of Death: August 8, 2016
Theresa Potyondi slipped quietly away on Monday, Aug. 8, 2016 at St. Paul Lutheran Home, Melville, Sask. at the age of 96 years.
Theresa leaves to cherish her memory: her four children, Albert (Marnie Berridge) of Regina, Allan (Kathy) of High River, Alta., Ernie (Sandra) of Fenwood, Sask. and Beatrice (Randy) Augustine of High River, Alta.; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, Curtis (Tanya) and their children, Joshua and Matthew of High River, Alta.; Darcy of Edmonton, Alta.; Blaine (Tanya) and their children, Olivia and Carter of Calgary, Alta.; Donelle (Jaret) Elliott and their children, Kaitlynn and Alexandra of Calgary, Alta.; Derek and Dustin Augustine of Calgary, Alta.; one sister, Margaret (Roger) Armstrong of Whitewood, Sask.; as well as numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.
Theresa was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Joe (2005); her parents, Anton and Mary (nee Szucs) Somogyi; her mother and father-in-law, Rose and Steve Potyondi; her brothers, Steve, Tony and Mike; and numerous sisters and brothers-in-law.
Theresa was born on the home farm in the Saxon Hill district on June 18, 1920 and attended Success School. As with most farm girls, she helped with chores and gardens, as well as looking after her younger siblings and working in the house. She also worked for some years in Melville at Ideal Dry Cleaners.
On Oct. 13, 1941, Theresa married Joe Potyondi and they moved to the Brewer district for a few years, then to a farm in the Success district. They enjoyed the farm life for many years until Joe’s health concerns prompted
a move to Melville in 1966. Theresa and Joe also spent time managing and maintaining Camp O’Neill, a children’s summer camp on Round Lake.
Theresa loved to bake and cook, and her bread and buns, doughnuts, rétes and many other Hungarian dishes were enjoyed by family and friends. Son-in-law Randy especially enjoyed how she would rattle the pans early in the morning just to wake him up! The garden was her pride and joy and she spent many happy hours planting, weeding, harvesting and canning.
Theresa was a long-time member of the Rosary Sodality and was always a willing volunteer to help with their projects. Theresa and Joe often travelled to see their family, with numerous trips across the prairie provinces and to B.C. It was always a bonus if they could take in a rodeo along the way.
Declining health for both Joe and Theresa forced a move to St. Paul Lutheran Home, Melville, in 2004. Theresa’s gentle nature touched the lives of many residents and staff during her years there. A special thank you is sent to all the caring and compassionate staff for the wonderful home they made for her at St. Paul.
Wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend and neighbour – you were the best at them all. Your lifespan of 96 years has touched many hearts, enriched many lives and made us all just that much better for simply knowing you; you will be sorely missed. The doors will open on our storehouse of memories each time we smell hot, fresh baking cooling on a rack, bacon frying on a Sunday morning or we gaze proudly over a well-kept and bountiful garden shimmering in the sun.
A vigil service was held Friday, Aug. 12, 2016 at Matthews Funeral Home, Melville with Sr. Theresa Kreiser presiding. The reader was Rosalie Woloschuk and Yvette Beutel led the music.
Mass of Christian burial was
celebrated for Theresa on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016 at St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church, Melville with the Rev. Fr. Albert Schmitz as celebrant. Organist and vocalist, Led Gadica, led in the hymns, “In the Garden”, “Ave Maria,” “Be Not Afraid” and “Previous Lord Take My Hand.” The eucharistic minister was Rosalie Woloschuk and the lector was Toni Wassil.
At the reception following the interment, as well as at vigil, the eulogy was given by Pauline Betz. All of Theresa’s family and friends were considered honorary pallbearers.
Interment took place in St. Henry’s Parish Cemetery with Darcy Potyondi, Blaine Potyondi, Randy Augustine, Derek Augustine, Dustin Augustine and Ken Somogyi acting as pallbearers.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville
