ANNE HELEN PASKARUK

April 10, 1926 – January 28, 2021

It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of Anne Helen Paskaruk, our beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother after living a fulfilled life of 94 years. Anne was born on April 10, 1926 in Solowychy, Ukraine, the second eldest of four girls, born to Roy and Marjie Swetka.

Anne arrived in Canada as an eleven-year-old with her parents and three sisters in June 1937, at the port of Halifax, traveling to Shellbrook to join relatives and then settling in the Paddockwood area. On completing her schooling, Anne obtained employment at the Paddockwood General Store where she worked the last three years of WW II. During this time, she volunteered to help the local postmaster, to sell war bonds for the cause.

After having met Steve Paskaruk of Albertville, they married in 1946 then moved to Hamilton, ON where they worked and saved over the next seven years for a piece of land back in Saskatchewan. Their first son Kenneth was born in December 1950 in Hamilton, ON.  Having longed to return home, they bought the family farm in Paddockwood, SK from Anne’s parents in 1953. Their second son, Larry was born in October 1953 and their third son, Philip was born in January 1955.

In addition to raising her three children, Anne played a large part in running the farm which included the usual daily farmyard chores, homemaking, gardening and the lake. Anne truly enjoyed the farm life and its challenges often reflecting on those years as the best in her life.  In addition to the hard work, she found time for canning, sewing, being involved in community and church activities.

Anne will be remembered by her children as a very generous and loving person who put the interests of her family and others before her own. Anne often reminded them of the importance of education and encouraging them to be the best one could possibly be in whatever they pursued in life. Throughout her life Anne loved spending time and catering to her family which brought her the greatest joy.

In 1973, Anne and Steve Paskaruk retired from farming and moved to Prince Albert where she spent her remaining years.  She secured employment with People’s Jewelers’ from 1973-85, during which time she was one of the top salespeople in SK, receiving numerous awards while assisting in management duties.  Family members will tell you that Anne was highly motivated and not afraid of hard work but more importantly helpful to others where she could in pursuit of her public and private activities. During her retiring years, Anne maintained a keen interest in following politics, square dancing, reading and daily exercise.  Anne was a regular attendant and active member of her church, involved in many of its activities always upholding a strong belief in its Christian teachings.

Anne is survived by her three children, Ken (Ann) Paskaruk, Larry (Maggie) Paskaruk and their son James, Philip Paskaruk and his children, Adam Paskaruk (Jessica MacDonald), Kristin (James) Sedgwick and their children Lucy and Macy, and Lisa (Justin) Fiske and their children Taylor and Mason, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, extended family members and other relatives.

Anne was predeceased by her husband, Steve, her father Royand mother Marjie, as well as sisters Mary, Cassandra and Katherine and their husbands.

The Paskaruk Family extends a heartfelt thank you to the caregivers at Mont St. Joseph Home for their compassionate and loving care while Mom was with them.  Also, the family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the nurses and doctors who attended to Mom’s needs while at the Victoria Hospital. Private funeral services will be held for the Family at the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Prince Albert on February 8th, 2021 followed by interment at the South Hill Cemetery.  A public celebration of Anne’s life will take place at a memorial luncheon to be announced at a future date when public health protocols permit.

Arrangements in care of MacKenzie Chapel & Crematorium – Shellbrook Funeral Home.  Brian & Bev Stobbs, Renee Phaneuf & Mark Gyeorick – Funeral Directors.  www.MacKenzieChapel.ca 306.763.8488.

• Date : 2021-01-29
• Location : Prince Albert, SK