Ann Safruk

April 10, 1929 – February 22, 2023

It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ann Safruk on Wednesday, February 22, 2023.

Loving mother of John (Cookie), Joanne (Richard) Neudorf; proud Baba of Carleena and Shayleah Neudorf; as well many friends and family here and in Ukraine.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, John Safruk; her parents Marie and William Hawryliw; her sister Rose Patraschuk; and her brother Michael Hawryliw.

Ann’s parents lived in Ukraine and left with their first-born daughter, Rose, to move to Canada for a better life.  Ann, the youngest of 3, was born on their family farm near Glaslyn, SK.  She attended Glaslyn School and loved singing in school concerts and plays.  There was always lots of work on the farm.  She said on Saturdays she would ride her bike from the farm to Glaslyn with a large cream can of milk on the back of her bike for sale, or jump on the tractor as a young girl to help at seeding time, chop wood, or help Mom in the house.

Ann married John Safruk on August 7, 1955 and moved to the family farm in Samburg where they had 2 children – John William and Joanne.  She spent her time caring for her chickens, geese, turkeys, and pigs; and she sheered sheep and milked cows. They were also grain farmers so she was not afraid to shovel grain from the back of the truck to the granary, and assist dad with all farm machinery. They worked as a team. She grew a large garden, did lots of canning, baked bread, and made the best perogies, cabbage rolls, and doughnuts.  She loved company and nobody went home hungry or left without a jar of cream or something from the garden.  A lot of Sundays were spent picking blueberries, pin cherries, or mushrooms in the bush.

Ann had a strong orthodox faith.  She was secretary and treasurer of the Samburg Orthodox Church for over 40 years.  Ann loved to travel with her daughter to many places like Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Hawaii, Disneyland, Mexico, Caribbean, Greece, most of Europe including Norway, Sweden, Finland, U.K., Ireland, Scotland, an African Safari to Kenya and Tanzania   and several cruises. She travelled 4 times back to Ukraine to visit relatives and cherished every memory of her visit. Her dream vacation was with her husband John to Barbados and a Mexican cruise and a special trip with her granddaughters to Disney world. Definitely travelling to Las Vegas with her son John and wife Cookie was memories she cherished forever.  Ann made many friends travelling and kept in touch with many through the years.

Ann loved and was proud of her children, but her highlight was becoming a Baba to Carleena and Shayleah.  She looked forward to visits from them.  She wouldn’t miss a concert, competition, or activity they were in.  She was their biggest fan.

John passed in 2001 and she moved to Prince Albert.  Her time was spent at Smitty’s for coffee with at least 20 friends most days.  Unfortunately, because of her declining health she moved to Birch Hills Seniors Home in January 2020.  She made many new friends at her new home. Ann continued her love of singing and most days you could hear her singing with her friends.

Eternal Memory – Vechnaya Pamyat.  Rest in Peace, Mom.  You’ve had a beautiful life, now rest with Dad who you missed dearly and share your stories of past times.

Because of Ann’s love of animals, donations in Ann’s memory may be made to the Prince Albert SPCA, 1125 North Industrial Drive, Prince Albert, SK S6V 5T1.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 684 3rd Avenue East, Prince Albert, SK.  Interment will follow in the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery, Samburg, RM of Garden River, SK.  The service will be live-streamed and recorded, and may be viewed at https://fweb.tv/96971

Family and friends may leave online condolences at https://grays.ca/tribute/details/2831/Ann-Safruk/obituary.html#tribute-start

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306) 922-4729, Lisa Bos-Atchison, Funeral Director, and Mary MacWilliams.

• Date : 2023-02-22
• Location : Prince Albert, SK