Obituary of Marie Shewchuk

A memorial folder from the funeral service can be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Program". SHEWCHUK - Mrs. Marie Shewchuk of Yorkton, formerly of the Calder district, beloved wife of the late Alex Shewchuk passed away on December 24, 2013 at the Regina General Hospital. She was 84 years of age. Marie was born in the Calder district on the family farm August 15, 1929 to Andrew and Margaret (nee Gilchuk) Sawchuk, homestead settlers of the province. Marie, the eldest and only daughter, along with her younger brother Peter, attended the Chornawka School where she completed the offered grades. In later years, Marie received her Grade 12 through equivalency testing. On May 29, 1947 Marie was united in marriage to Alexander Shewchuk, son of Eli and Kathryn (nee Butz) of the MacNutt area. The couple first settled and farmed east of Calder, and later moved their growing family into town when their children were ready for school. The couple was blessed with five children: Rosemarie, Iris, Shirley, Vivian and Wayne. Marie worked alongside Alex to grow their farming operation. She loved to bring meals out to the field and to operate the combine during harvest. She took an active role in all aspects of the day to day chores and decision making. While raising her family in Calder, she was an active member in both the Calder community and the St. Peters Orthodox Church. In her younger years, she curled and hosted many a gathering. She enjoyed making quilts, crocheting and sewing for her family. The couple loved their trips to Mexico, California, and other locations in the US and Canada. Alex drove and Marie documented their travels in detailed journals. Marie loved to garden, especially her flowers; tulips in the spring and later in the season, her lilies. She took great pride in her home and seemed to always be decorating and rearranging her furniture for a new look. In 1976, the couple looked for a different lifestyle; they semi-retired and moved out west to Vernon, British Columbia. They built a new home at 9401 Bel Air Drive in the Coldstream area. Marie planted and established an award winning manicured yard, complete with walnut and fruit trees. They enjoyed their time away from the farm, making new friends and touring the BC interior. The couple cherished the many back home visitors that stopped in for a visit and a stay. In 1996, the year following the passing of Alex, Marie relocated to Yorkton and her new home at 192 Morrison Drive. Again she set out to decorate and to landscape this new yard. Marie remained in her home until her health dictated a move to her current duplex residence. Marie could always be trusted to know the latest current events. She loved to listen to CBC and took great interest in both local and global affairs. She could argue politics with the very best. She loved to visit and was a great conversationalist. She always had baking on hand and will be remembered for her homemade bread and donuts. She loved her family and took special joy in her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She cherished those times together and looked forward to the cards and calls she received. She was grateful for a good life and will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her family and many friends. Marie leaves to mourn her passing four daughters: Rosemarie (Gilbert) Andrews of MacNutt and their children Jocelyn (Greg) Andrews, Chantelle (Dino) D'Andreamatteo, Sharla (Bryan) Hordenchuk ; Iris Shewchuk of Vernon, BC and her daughter Erin (Randy) Zayshley; Shirley (Ed) Podollan of Joussard, AB and their children Alex and Christine Podollan; Vivian (Michael) Tessier of Orleans, Ontario and their children Sarah (Arthur) Halpenny and Mike Tessier Jr.; and one Son, Wayne (Sandi) Shewchuk of Yorkton and their children Zak and Lexi Shewchuk; eight Great grandchildren: Jacob and Versailles Zayshley; Marco and Michael D'Andreamatteo; Tyrone, Eli and Shirletta Podollan; Brayden Hordenchuk; and Brother Peter (Judy) Sawchuk of Yorkton and his daughters Donna (Dennis) Sliva and Sherry Bobowski ; Sisters-in-laws: Anne Shewchuk, Margaret Yakubowski, Elsie Perpeluk, Vicki Sorochuk and Doris Adams; Brother- in- law: Bill Shewchuk ; also left to mourn are numerous extended family members and friends. Marie was predeceased by her husband Alexander (1995); her parents Andrew and Margaret Sawchuk as well as other extended family members. The Prayer Service was held on Sunday, December 29, 2013 at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre. The Funeral Service was held Monday, December 30, 2013 at Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton with Very Rev. Father Mel Slashinsky officiating. The responses were led by cantor, Gerald Yaholnitsky and members of the Parish Choir. The crossbearer was sister-in-law, Judy Sawchuk and the banner bearers were granddaughters, Lexi Shewchuk and Erin Zayshley. The interment followed in the Garden of Gethsemane at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Zak Shewchuk, Michael Tessier Sr., Bryan Hordenchuk, Dino D'Andreamatteo, Mike Wandy and Russell Shewchuk serving as the casket bearers. Memorials honouring Marie's life may be made to Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church or the Stars Ambulance Service. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com Vichnaya Pamyat! Memory Eternal! Service Information Sunday, December 29th, 2013 7:00pm Monday, December 30th, 2013 10:00am, Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens