Obituary of Bella Kozak

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Program". KOZAK - Bella Kozak, resident of Extendicare Au Claire Home in Edmonton, formerly of the Insinger-Theodore district, beloved widow of Bill, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at the Home. She was 97 years of age. Bella Kozak was born on her parent's farm in the Sheho District of Saskatchewan on February 18, 1917. She was the daughter of Gora and Domna (nee: Bazarsky) Maksymniuk. She grew up on the farm and attended Walkowitz School and completed grade 8. She loved her sports and was known to be the best ball player. She loved math and was always good with numbers. In fact, a month ago she asked if her income tax was completed. On September 26, 1937 Bella was united in marriage to Bill Kozak in the Sheho-south Ukrainian Orthodox Church with Rev. Salohub officiating. They lived in Toronto, Ontario for a short time in 1941. Bill and Bella farmed in the Insinger (Lysenko) District until September 1951. That same year in August they moved into the village of Insinger and then to Theodore, Sask. In 1977 Bella and Bill were church members of the Lysenko Ukrainian Orthodox Church. They transferred to the Insinger Ukrainian Orthodox church in 1951, Theodore Orthodox church in 1977 and later Bella after Bill's death became a member of the Yorkton Ukrainian Orthodox church. Bella was a member of the Ladies Aid in Insinger and Theodore and she also served terms as president of both. She was also a member of the Theodore Hospital Auxillary. Bella was a post mistress in Insinger, from 1972-1978. Bella's main interests were church, gardening, crochet, cross stitch and some knitting. She played Bingo but her passion was in playing cards and she was adamant in winning. Bella was an excellent cook and cooked for many wedding receptions. While Bill was alive they loved to sing together and sang at several weddings. She loved to dance and they both went two-stepping a lot. Bella moved to Edmonton at the age of 85 yrs. to be close with her family until the time of passing. Bella is survived by her loving family: daughter Janet Bilokryly, grandson Grant (Kara) Bilokryly; son Kenny (Joyce), granddaughter Claudette (Rick), great-grandsons Steven and Michael; grandson Curtis (Shelley) and great grandchildren Tyler and Allison. She also leaves to mourn many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Bella was predeceased by her parents and her six brothers -- Gora, Matt, Bill, John, Nick, George and one sister Mary and her husband Bill in 1992 and son-in-law Maurice in 2013. Her funeral service was celebrated on Friday, February 28, 2014 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre, Yorkton, with Very Rev. Father Mel Slashinsky, Celebrant. The responses were led by Cantor, Gerald Yaholnitsky, assisted by members of the Holy Transfiguration Church Choir. The crossbearer was Claudette Kozak. The interment followed in the family plot in the Garden of St. Luke with Grant Bilokryly, Curtis Kozak, Steven Friske, Michael Friske, Rick Rooyakers and Wade Windjack serving as the casketbearers. A memorial luncheon followed the interment, where son Ken offered a tribute to Bella and thanks to all who participated. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com Memorials were to the Shelwin House. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Visitation Details Thursday, February 27th, 2014 7:00pm - 8:00pmService Information Friday, February 28th, 2014 10:00am, Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens