Eugenia “Jean” Switenky (nee Hawreschuk)

Jean Switenky was born on September 9, 1928 in Ens, SK. She grew up living on the farm, the youngest of three children, born to Maria and George Hawreschuk. Her childhood involved walking a mile and half to school, doing farm chores, cooking and sewing. Jean did beautiful crochet work and embroidery. Her formal education ended to her regret at grade 10. She spent the rest of her life encouraging her children and grandchildren to attend school or college. Jean loved going to dances with her older siblings, Bill and Helen. She met her husband Steve at a country dance. They were married in 1955 and shortly after three children, Sharon, Judy and Greg arrived. Jean’s focus became her home and family. Jean loved spending time with her numerous nieces and nephews. She was an excellent cook, baker and gardener. Jean also enjoyed reading and letter writing to relatives she seldom saw. Other pleasures included spending time at her small farm near Domremy or at her little trailer at Emma Lake. Her Avon business of over thirty years provided many special opportunities and lifelong friends. When the grandchildren arrived, Grandma Jean spent many hours cheering at their many activities. Her refrigerator became a gallery of their pictures. Grandma Jean made the best cinnamon buns, apple pies, perogies and cabbage rolls. When Jean became ill in the last few years, her simple pleasures included a cup of Tim Horton’s, an hour at the casino or listening to mass on television.

Jean is survived by her three children Sharon (Dale) Howland, Judy (Garth) Beddome and Greg (Arlene) Switenky; her grandchildren Laura (Shaun Spence), Lesley, Grayam (Mega Gee), Haley, Erin and James; many nieces, nephews and their families, whom she truly loved; her sisters-in-law Elsie, Muriel, Olga and Maggie and other relatives.

She was predeceased by her loving husband Steve in 2001, after 45 years of marriage; her parents George and Maria; her brother William; her sister Helen and her husband Mike Hiibner; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Rosie and Michael Matwishyn, Peter Alexander, Joe Switenky, Walter and Myra Switenky, John and Shirley Switenky and Mike Switenky; her niece Linda; her nephew Earl and other relatives.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 13, 2011 at St. Michael Roman Catholic Church, 1505 – 13th Street West, Prince Albert, SK with celebrant Father Travis Myrheim. Interment will be held at Prince Albert Memorial Gardens. In lieu of other tributes, memorial donations can be made to Victoria Hospital, Palliative Care Ward, 1200 – 24th Street West, Prince Albert, SK S6V 4N9. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray's Funeral Chapel, Lorne Adams, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2011-05-11 06:00:00
• Location : Prince Albert, SK