Obituary of Effie Hardy

HARDY - Mrs. Effie Hardy of Yorkton, beloved wife of the late Ray Hardy passed away peacefully on August 3, 2011. Effie was born on January 7, 1924 to Lena (nee Zazelenchuk) and John Matechuk in the Playmore district of Saskatchewan. She grew up on the family farm and attended Doyle Country School and completed her grade ten education in Yorkton at the Yorkton Collegiate. With her birth date that of Ukrainian Christmas Day, the family would celebrate both occasions the same day. This trend would carry on through many years of her life. After finishing school, Effie moved to Yorkton and started her first job as a housekeeper for a large family. From there she was employed for a short time at the Yorkton Creamery. Completing a bookkeeping course Effie started employment with Logan & Black. There she also learnt the lumber business and eventually assisted in the sales Department as well. It was during that time that Effie met her future husband, Ray Hardy. Ray and Effie met at a local dance and after six weeks of dating married six months later on May 13, 1944 at St Gerard Parish in Yorkton! The couple made their home in Yorkton, eventually building their house in 1953. A few years later, their union was blessed with two children, Grant and Candace Dawn. After the children were born, Effie was a full time mom and very active in the Catholic Church and with the parents association of St. Mary's School. When the children were young, she would take them to mass every day (a four mile walk, uphill, both ways!) In 1972, Effie went back to work as a Bookkeeper/Office Manager for Parker Quine and Co. and established some life long friends. There she would work until her retirement, in 1985. Effie was an active member of the Yorkton Pro Life, Wroxton & District 50 Plus Club, St Gerard's CWL, St Gerard's Senior Choir and in later years, the Blue Army. She had a very strong devotion to the Catholic Church and in particular, the Blessed Mother. In her later years, she would spend many hours praying. Her favorite prayer was the Rosary. Through her life, Effie was a caregiver. She devoted much time to seeing to her parents' needs as they eventually moved in to Effie & Ray's house. She also looked after her father- in -law Joe Hardy, Ray's uncle Andrew Hardy and his Aunt, Mary Dolney. Effie was always trying to help in any way possible. Later in life she also assisted with the care of her older sisters Martha and Mary. In 1968 she helped a young mother and daughter who fled from Czechoslovakia (now known as Czech Republic) to speak English. Effie enjoyed reading and in particular she enjoyed reading about vitamins, and minerals. She would spend many hours reading about diseases and how they could be managed through proper nutrition and vitamins. Effie would never fail to share her knowledge with anyone whether you wanted to hear it or not! Effie enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren (and great- grandchildren) and attending many of their school functions. She also enjoyed gardening, camping, playing board games, cards, bingo and travelling, especially to Hawaii. Ray predeceased Effie on Jan 21, 1996. Effie continued to live on her own until August 1, 2008, when her daughter moved in to live with her. With her health failing, Effie moved into Long Term Care of the Sunrise Health Region on April 19th. After a short stay in Norquay, she moved to Weber House at the Yorkton & District Nursing Home on May 27th. A Prayer Vigil was held on Sunday, August 7th at St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Father Francis Hengen officiating. Shirley Barnes served as the reader. The hymns sung at the vigil were "The Lord is My Hope", "Psalm 119"and "Immaculate Mary". The funeral mass was celebrated on Monday, August 8th at St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Fr. Francis Hengen and Rev. Fr. Basil Chomos as the Con celebrants. The cross bearer was Frances Mroczko and the cantor was Francis Deters. The pianist's were Diana Hornung (Prayers), Katherine Flaman (Mass). St. Gerard's Choir led in the singing of the Hymns, "Here I am Lord", "Psalm 23", "You are Near", "Be Not Afraid" and "Holy God We Praise Thy Name". The readings were given by Debbie & Keith Hayward. Offering of Gifts were presented by Adeline Oystreck and Maxine Paydli. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Collin Hoffman, Noel Krohn, Bernard Peleshytyk, Brennen Peleshytyk, John Derbowka and Jonathon Derbowka serving as the casket bearers. Memorials in honour of Effie's life can be made to Canadian Diabetes Association, Sunrise Health Region or Mass Offerings. Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com Service Information Monday, August 8th, 2011 10:00am, St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church Interment Details Yorkton City Cemetery