Obituary of Sophie Nickolayou

NICKOLAYOU - Mrs. Sophie Nickolayou, resident of the Theodore Health Care Centre, passed away on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at the Canora Hospital. She was 84 years of age. Sophie Nickolayou (Dmyterko) was born August 1, 1926 at the family farm in the Ituna district, the second youngest child of 9 siblings born to Prokop and Dora Dmyterko. She received her education at Hard Rock School (which still stands in Ituna today). Sophie was united in marriage to Humphrey Nickolayou on November 11, 1944 at the Russian Orthodox Church, northeast of Insinger. Sophie actively farmed with Humphrey in the Insinger area until 1979 at which time they moved to Yorkton. They still made a point of coming out to help on the family farm. After Humphrey's passing, Sophie continued to help out, especially in the spring and fall. Sophie belonged to the Ukrainian Ladies Association in Insinger and also in Yorkton, giving her over 50 years of dedicated service with the association. She also made time to help at the Ukrainian Orthodox Auditorium in Yorkton. With a natural talent and zest for singing, Sophie was a part of the Church Choir for many years. Her extra help with the Wroxton Orthodox Church was also appreciated. Sophie always had a special place in her heart for her grandsons, Mark and Corey and her great grandchildren, Auckland, Chase, Hutton and Illia. Sophie moved to Queen Elizabeth Court in March, 2009 and enjoyed many a card game with old and new friends. She enjoyed going out and driving friends to different events in the city. Her health failed in November, 2009 and most of her remaining months were spent in hospital and Sacred Heart and Theodore Care Home. Predeceased by her parents; brothers, Matt, John, Nick and Peter; sisters, Mary in infancy, Katie Milo and Rosie Gulaga; husband Humphrey in 1994; sister-in-law Katie Dmyterko and brothers-in-law Alex Gulaga, John Milo and Steve Koback. She leaves to cherish her memory, her sons Eugene (Betty) of Insinger and Morris (Fran) of Insinger; grandsons Mark (Raissa) of Regina and Corey of Yorkton; great grandchildren Auckland, Chase, Hutton and Illia; sister Mary Koback of Vermillon, AB; sisters-in-law Olga Dmyterko and Frances Krushen, both of Ituna and by numerous nieces and nephews. The prayer service was held on Sunday evening, March 6, 2011 from Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton. The funeral service was held on Monday morning, March 7, 2011 from Holy Transfiguration Church with Very Rev. Father Mel Slashinsky officiating. Cantor, Gerald Yaholnitsky led members of the Parish Choir in the singing of the responses. The crossbearer was George Prokopchuk. Walter & Evelyn Fedusiak attended the memorial book. Members of the Olena Pchilka branch of the Ukrainian Women's Association attended the service and lit the honor candles in Sophie's memory. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Glen, Brian & Terry Dmyterko, Gerald and Darryl Milo, and Alan Dzuba serving as the casketbearers. A memorial luncheon took place at the Ukrainian Orthodox Auditorium following the interment. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Monday, March 7th, 2011 10:00am, Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church Interment Details Yorkton City Cemetery