Date of Birth: December 26, 1919
Date of Death: March 26, 2023
The family of Katie
Sawchyn, wife of the late William Sawchyn, of Ituna Pioneer Lodge, formerly of Melville and the Fenwood district, sadly announce her passing on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at the Ituna Pioneer Lodge. She was 103 years of age.
Katherine (Katie) Sawchyn was born on Dec. 26, 1919 to Nick and Nancy (nee Belak) Kozakewich. She was the second oldest of eight children. Katie received her education at Roberts School and helped at home with her brothers and sisters. Katie worked for several people, either cooking (baking bread) or housecleaning. She worked at the hospital in Yorkton as a housekeeper.
Katie and William were united in marriage on Nov. 7, 1942 in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Goodeve, Sask. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Vancouver. In 1943 Katie and William settled on a farm in the Fenwood area and continued farming for 53 years, after which time they retired and moved into the Queen Street Manor in Melville, Sask. Katie was an active member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church at Fenwood and also in the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Goodeve. Katie was a member of the church choir and Ladies Association in Church. Katie was thrifty in whatever she set her hands to, whether preparing food or taking a piece of a garment and making something with it. She also liked to crochet. If Katie wasn’t helping with farm work, she enjoyed making cinnamon buns and perogies for the whole family. The entire family couldn’t get enough of her rhubarb jam and homemade bread. They would follow her recipes, but were never able to get theirs to taste the same.
Katie and William were married for 64 years and were blessed with four children: Mervin, Janice, Elaine and Doreen. Katie passed away on March 26, 2023 at Ituna Pioneer Lodge with her family by her side.
Katie leaves to celebrate her life, four children and their families: Mervin Sawchyn (Pat), Janice Giesbrecht (Ed), Elaine Musyj (John in spirit), Doreen Sawchyn (Robert Goodwin); 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Helen Sawchyn; and sister-in-law Sophie Kozakewich; as well as nieces, nephews, and relatives.
Katie was predeceased by her husband, William; her parents, Nick and Nancy; sisters Annie, Adela and Marie; brothers Mike, John and Alex; son-in-law John; brothers-in-law John, Tony, Alex and Edward; sisters-in-law Olga and Sophie; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Prayers were held on Thursday, March 30, 2023 and the funeral service Friday, March 31, 2023, both from the Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Yorkton, Sask. with Rev. Fr. Michael Faryna officiating. Responses were given by Jason Kopan. The cross bearer was Erica Musyj and the banner bearers were Nadine McDougall and Noella Chase. Interment followed in the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Parish Cemetery, Goodeve, Sask. with Byron Nurse, Richard Nurse, Shawn Sawchyn, Sheldon Sawchyn, Nathan Giesbrecht, Rochelle Squires, Brittainy Meeko, Nolan Musey and Joel Meeko serving as casket bearers. In memory of Katie’s life, memorial donations may be made to Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 89 Bradbrooke Dr. Yorkton, SK S3N 2Y2.
Katie’s family would like to thank Rev. Fr. Michael Faryna, Bailey’s Funeral Home, the nursing and kitchen staff of Pioneer Lodge in Ituna. Condolences may be left for the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com
Вічная Пам’ять – Eternal Memory
