Obituary of Lena Sawchuk

Lena Sawchuk (nee Ursulak) passed away June 19, 2018 in the comfort of her own home with her family at her bedside. Lena was born January 6, 1920 in the Calder District, to Stephan and Zoitza Ursulak. She was the youngest of 13 children. Lena began her schooling in Beresina, and then moved to Ontario with her sister. She attended school in South Porcupine for 3 years, and in Kirkland Lake for 1 year. Following this, she returned to Saskatchewan in 1930, and attended Beresina until grade 8. The hardships of the 30's prevented her from furthering her education. Lena met the love of her life, Peter Sawchuk, who she married on October 26, 1939 at the Romanian Orthodox church between Calder and MacNutt. In 1942, they purchased their first home where they lived and farmed for 33 years, and raised 6 children. They moved into Churchbridge in 1975, and worked as janitors at the Churchbridge Elementary School for 7 ½ years. During their retirement, they enjoyed gardening, fishing, family gatherings, and spending time with their grandchildren. Peter and Lena were always active members of the Orthodox Church. Some of Lena's other pastimes included knitting, crocheting, baking and preserving, reading the Bible, and helping her family in any way she could. Peter and Lena embraced their Ukrainian heritage by having traditional celebrations such as Christmas and Easter. Some of the special values they passed on to their family were love, forgiveness, and a strong Christian faith, mirrored in their 76 ½ years of marriage. Lena is survived by her children, Doreen (Rodney) Haberstock, Deanna (Orest) Tanchyk, Margaret (Len) Mutz, Steve Sawchuk, Debbie (Ivan) Morash, Cheryl (Myron) Trafananko, 18 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren, and brother-in-law John Sawchuk. She is predeceased by her husband Peter, her father Stephan, and mother Zoitza, brothers (George, Fred, John, Peter, Willie, Nick, Sam), sisters (Elsie, Vera, Carrie, Sophie, Rosie), daughter-in-law Jeanette Sawchuk, and granddaughter Jocelyn Morash. Thank you to the family members, Langenburg Home Care nursing staff, palliative care, and hired workers who provided compassionate and loving care which enabled Lena to remain in her home until our Lord came for her. Prayers were held on Sunday evening, June 24th 2018, and the funeral service on Monday morning, June 25th 2018, all from Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton. Very Rev. Fr. Mel Slashinsky officiated. Crossbearer was Cindy Putland, Bannerbearers were Perry Sawchuk & Ken Haberstock. Interment took place at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Trevor Sawchuk, Travis Morash, Bernice Lyons, Paula Tetzlaff, and Chelsea & Christy Trafananko serving as the casketbearers. Eternal Memory! Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com Service Information Sunday, June 24th, 2018 7:00pm, Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church Monday, June 25th, 2018 10:00am, Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens