It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Elsie, in the early morning hours on Sunday.  Born on the homestead farm near Cudworth, Saskatchewan, she was one of nine children born to Metro and Helen Kosmynka.  They were a very close knit group and Mom talked very lovingly about growing up on the family farm and the great times she had.

She married Bill Michayluk on October 15, 1955, and moved to various farm communities while Dad taught school, before settling down in Prince Albert.  They had three children- Darryl (Eva) and their children, Dorothy (Darcy Begrand) and daughters Haley and Rilyn; Angela Johnson and her daughters Kaelyn and Brielle; and Stuart (Catalina) and son Gabriel – her daughter Pat (Rob Boyko) and their sons Ryan, Brett, and Nic,-  Garnet and his girlfriend Tammy (Read).

Mom’s life was making sure her family was taken care of and she did a wonderful job.  She supported our decisions, did what she could to help us, and most importantly, loved us unconditionally – there is nothing else that matters.  Dad’s sudden passing in April of 2002 hit her hard but she surrounded herself with her family and loved taking care of her grandchildren and great grandchildren whenever she could.  She knew how to bake the best bread, pies and donuts among other things of course, but it was her perogies that she was so famous for.  She loved gardening especially taking care of her beloved pink roses.

When her oldest son Darryl passed away from cancer in 2011, it devastated her.  Soon after, two bouts of pneumonia made breathing difficult and she succumbed to COPD.  It was a battle that took its toll.  She moved into the Herb Bassett Home a year ago in August where at first, she was not too thrilled being there, but after “training” the staff as she called it, realized later on that this was her home.  She was very fond of several staff members and she looked forward to their conversations.  Mom was a beautiful and very smart lady, stubborn at times, and as sharp as a tack, who loved watching the older sitcoms and game shows and often asked the staff to stay and watch television with her.  She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh.  She enjoyed visitors and the many phone calls from her family and friends.

She was so proud of her kids and grandkids and all of their accomplishments.  Even though her grandsons Ryan and Brett lived in the United States, they phoned her on a weekly basis and as she called it, they would “shoot the sh—“.  She loved all of them dearly.

 The Friday before she died, Brett flew in from Philadelphia and we all went for a visit. Garnet saw her Saturday.  We had no idea that it would be the last time…

Left to mourn is her brother Walter (Diane) Kosmynka, Delorse (Ed) Kisil, Pauline (Julius) Frank, Rose Chuhaniuk, and sister in law Muriel Kosmynka, and in laws, Jean Sholter, Francis, Irene and Fay Michayluk as well as numerous nieces and nephews.   We also want to say THANK YOU to the staff at Herb Bassette for making Mom feel at home.

She is predeceased by her parents, her husband, Bill, her son, Darryl, and brothers Michael, Peter, Orest, and sister Olga as well as Dad’s parents and many of his siblings.

Mom, we know that you are resting well. We are so devastated by our loss, but we know you’re at peace and with Dad and Darryl now.  We were so blessed to have you as long as we did.  We will cherish your memory forever.

Elsie’s funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 3, 2015, at River Park Memorial Chapel, 301 River Street West, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Father Michael Lomaszkiewicz officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be directed to the Saskatchewan Lung Association, 1231 8th Street East, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7H 0S5. Funeral arrangements entrusted to River Park Memorial Chapel, Don Moriarty, funeral director.

• Date : 2015-11-29