EWANCHYNA, Rosilla, née Wozny, of Prince Albert, peacefully entered eternal rest, with family at her side on April 18, 2024. Born December 22, 1937, at the Holy Family Hospital in Prince Albert, Rosillia grew up on the homestead at Janow Corners, spending her school years at the family home in Meath Park. Rosillia lived her life in and around the Prince Albert area creating a lifetime of memories.

Rosillia, a lover of academia, attended Janow School, Meath Park High School and achieving the award of General Academic Proficiency in her graduating year from the Academy of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary in 1955. She pursued a career in teaching attending Saskatchewan Teachers’ College.  With a passion for teaching, she encouraged her younger sisters, Sharon and Marion, to know many literacy skills before the onset of their school years. Her teaching career encompassed schools in the Prince Albert Catholic School Division blessing many students with wisdom, love and positive encouragement retiring in 1988.  She loved her students at St. Marks and W.F.A. Turgeon and was keen to support them in many ways.  She maintained friendships with many of her teacher colleagues her entire life. She was the trailblazer of the family becoming the first of many to become educators including her sister Sharon, first cousin Barry Hollick and additional cousins, nieces and second cousins in Western Canada. In her early retirement, Rosillia spent time substitute teaching and taught private piano lessons.

Just shy of their 65th wedding anniversary this summer, Rosillia met her husband, Elias (“Fergy”) during her years at Janow School.  High school sweethearts, they spent time at dances, ball games and many family functions.  Elias escorted Rosillia to her high school graduation, patiently waited for her to complete her teaching education; they were engaged soon after she completed her post secondary education (Picture 1).  Married on July 18, 1959, at St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Parish, they hosted over 300 guests at the Arcade for the reception.  Rosillia and Elias settled in Prince Albert and made a loving home for their family.  She spent many hours and drove countless miles locally and provincially supporting her sons’ athletic endeavours.  Whether she was at the hockey rink, baseball field, soccer field or the golf course, Rosillia proudly and quietly cheered on each of her sons and afterwards generously hosted many of her son’s friends and teammates for wonderful Ukrainian food. She was always generous with her time and energy.

Created millions of stitches into crocheted, knitted and needle point items for family and friends. There isn’t a family home that doesn’t have a doily, Christmas tree decoration, an afghan or an embroidered dish towel.  These treasures made with love are wonderful family heirlooms.  An avid craft enthusiast and a passionate reader, she was a woman of many creative talents.

Rosillia was an accomplished pianist achieving her grade 10 Royal Conservatory of Music.  She had a unique musical style that was welcomed at many family functions. She loved to cook and bake, hosting many events at their homes or at the acreage in her retirement.  No one ever left her home hungry.  She spent decades supporting the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of St. George’s.

Left with a lifetime of memories of a wonderful wife, mom and Babcha are her husband, Elias; her three sons: Fergus (Katherine Herrel), Rory, and Troy (Lisa Rebane); her troupe of grandsons: Brett, Ace, Wyatt, and Ryder.  Mourning her loss are her sisters Olga Karasiuk, Sharon (David) Tkachuk, Marion (Wayne) Blake; brothers and sisters in law; Sylvia Podborochynski, Welsey (Helen) Ewanchyna, John Ewanchyna, Orest Ewanchyna, and Wilf Klinger.  Remembering her legacy are a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.  Mom’s warm smile and cozy hugs will be remembered by all.

Rosillia is predeceased by her parents, Ann and Walter Wozny;  parents in law, Paranka and John Ewanchyna; godparents, Mary Lukasiewicz and Edward Semchuk; her grandson, James Ewanchyna; brothers and sisters in law; Mike and Jean Tycholiz, Louis Podborochynski, Sylvia Ewanchyna, Carolyn Ewanchyna, and Robert (Bob) Karasiuk.

Her life passion was her family and close friends. She prioritized these in front of herself. She fought hard through many sicknesses and ailments without a minute of complaints to anyone. She persevered through the toughest operations, some being unsuccessful leaving long term pain, and the most difficult sicknesses, but yet she was able to fight everything off to the young age of 86 years. She did this for the people that loved her.  Rosillia was able to persevere when others would have given up. She was able live longer for one other reason – she had a massive heart that beat strong with love. She had more love to share than could be imagined and went out of her way for others her entire life in a quiet and respectful manner. Her passing in peace was without struggle or pain, and the higher place she now rests will benefit with her there. She will be overly missed and everlastingly remembered. Following cremation, a Private Family funeral will be held for close family and some invited friends. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Herb Bassett Home and the Victoria Hospital for taking care of Mom. They were all so very kind, considerate and utmost professional.

In lieu of flowers or donations, simply spend more time with people that you love, go out of your way for others, mend any broken relationships of the past and move forward with your life in the most positive direction possible. Rosillia was the most considerate person known to many and widely recognized for her thoughtful cards that came in the mail for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, new babies and of course her famous Christmas cards… that would always arrive as early as the start of November! She loved to be the first to wish others well 🙂

Vichnaya Pamyat—Eternal rest unto her.

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lori Saam, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.

• Date : 2024-04-18
• Location : Prince Albert