Obituary of Sophie Yanko

YANKO - Sophie Yanko died peacefully with her loving family at her side at the Silver Heights Nursing Home in Raymore, Saskatchewan on May 16, 2014. Sophie was born on April 18 1924 in the Beckenham area north of Ituna, Saskatchewan to parents Nicholas and Theodoria (Wendz) Mandziak. She received her education at Bon Accord / Kitzul School but as was the case at the time, she had to quit school prematurely to help her mother and father with the younger children and the work that farm life required. She always wished she had been able to complete her education. In 1947, Sophie with her parents and siblings, her grandfather Wendz and an uncle moved to a farm north of Jasmin. On October 19, 1952, Sophie married her best friend Peter Yanko at Sacred Heart Church in Ituna. They began their lifetime career in farming in the Campbelltown area north of Jasmin. Their greatest joy was when their son Dennis was born. They retired from farming in 1995 to a comfortable home in Kelliher. Sophie was a person who believed in fairness and honesty. She loved visits and conversations and wouldn't let anyone leave without first having coffee and some baking which typically led to a full meal. Sophie was a great cook, especially her homemade bread. Her cabbage rolls were mouth watering and she always had sweets in the freezer. She grew huge, well organized gardens, milked many a cow, raised many geese, ducks, chickens and helped Pete with farm chores. You always saw them working together. She would take some time to relax and read. Her motto was cleanliness is next to godliness, needless to say we had to tidy up quite often. She was our family historian, remembering family genealogy, birthdays and ages. She recorded everything either on a calendar or a book in her purse. Sophie was very proud of her four grandsons and eagerly awaited their visits. When her great grandsons arrived, they brought her so much joy and laughter with their antics. Two months ago she was excited when her first great granddaughter was born. She was a strong, kind hearted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, sister in law and aunt. Sophie is survived by Peter, her husband of 61 years, son Dennis (Dianne), grandsons Jeremy (Jody), Cory (Natalie), Nathan (Janine) and Ryan (Krisdelee) . Great grandchildren Aidan, Colton, Brinna, Max, Ryker, Brody and Benjamin. Sisters Pauline (Steve) Hrynuik, Ann Feszczyn, and Natalie Lilley. Brothers Nick (Peggy) and Harry (Pat) in laws Kay Sydorko, Ann Weed, Nellie Fushtey, Julia (Aubrey) Dillon, Caroline (John) Moneo, Mike (Winnie), Bill (Barb), Anna Yanko and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Nicholas and Theodoria, sisters Mary (Metro) Kohut, Kay (Paul) Buczulak, Rose (Walter) Antonishyn and Eva (Marv) Stusick and brother Orest, brother-in-law, Mike Feszczyn. In laws Fred and Maria Yanko, John, Olga (Wayne) Weed, and Rose (Joe) Kotylak, Walter Sydorko, Jay Weed and Bill Fushtey. Prayer services were held on Tuesday evening, May 20, 2014 and the Requiem Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Wednesday, May 21st, all from St. Vladimir & Olga Ukrainian Catholic Church in Kelliher. Very Rev. Fr. Boris Kyba C.Ss.R was Celebrant. Cantors, Wayne Boczulak & Ladmer Moskal led in the singing of the responses. The Epistle-reader was Teralyne Vadeboncoeur and the Crossbearer was Aiden Yanko. The interment followed in Sts. Peter & Paul Parish Cemetery at Jasmin with Jeremy, Cory, Nathan & Ryan Yanko, Trevor & Bryce Mandziak serving as the casketbearers. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Tuesday, May 20th, 2014 7:00pm, St. Vladimir's Church Wednesday, May 21st, 2014 10:00am, St. Vladimir's Church