Obituary of Nell Rohatinsky

ROHATINSKY - Nell Rohatinsky was the second of seven children born to Mike and Pauline Michalishen on the family homestead in the Willowbrook district, on January 14th 1922. She enjoyed growing up on the farm with her 4 brothers and 2 sisters and shared chores and responsibilities in the mixed farming operation. Nell married Julius Rohatinsky on June 17th, 1945 and they settled in Yorkton where, as a busy homemaker, she raised 6 children; Raymond, Larry, Diane, Irvin, Rick, and Greg. In 1970, Nell, Julius and their youngest children, Rick and Greg, moved to Edmonton to join Diane, Irvin and their spouses to begin a new chapter in their lives. In 1980, Nell was widowed and about a year later, she moved back to Yorkton where she lived for several years. In the late 1980s, she moved back to Sherwood Park, a community just outside of Edmonton, where she stayed until 2007 when she once again returned home to Yorkton. She treasured living close to her brothers, sisters, and son Irvin, and being able to visit with them often. Her true joy in life was spending time with friends and family. Nell's Catholic faith was always a comfort to her, especially during life's challenges. At her senior's apartment in Sherwood Park, Nell made friends and joined in group sing-a-longs and game nights. She attended church regularly and usually in the company of one of her friends. Nell's 6 children blessed her with 19 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, whom she all adored. Within the next couple of months 2 more great- grandchildren will add to that number. Nell would have reveled in the challenge of cooking for that large group! Nell's home-cooked meals were delicious. She always had enough food to feed an army and a knack of being able to make a scrumptious lunch in a moment's notice. Not to mention Nell's scuffles, which would make faces light up and mouths water. Nell had a heart attack in November 2004 and after a short recovery, she continued to enjoy good health until October 2008 when her health began to decline. She passed away quietly on December 11, 2008 with niece Evelyn Loster by her side. She was predeceased by her father Mike in 1975, her mother Pauline in 1979, her husband Julius in February 1980, and her brother Joe in October 2008. She leaves to mourn her loss her children: Raymond (Sylvia) of Provo, Utah; Larry, of Portland Oregon; Diane Stevens (Bob) of Sherwood Park, Alberta; Irvin (Debbie) of Yorkton, Saskatchewan; Rick (Nancy) of Redwood Meadows, Alberta; and Greg (Patty) of Edmonton, Alberta; siblings Kay Popowich, Walter McLashen (Olga); Ed McLashen (Helen); Olga Duff; and Stan Mickalishen (Kay). The Prayer Vigil service was held on Tuesday evening, December 16, 2008 from St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church. The Lay-presiders were Deanna Pellatt and Ingrid Prost. Organist, Katherine Flaman led members of the parish choir in the singing of the hymns 'Christ Be Our Light', Psalm 27, and 'Lord Jesus of You I Will Sing'. The Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 from St. Gerard's Church with Rev. Father Thomas Nguyen officiating. Lay-readers were Nancy Rohatinsky and Cory Stevens. The crossbearer was Evelyn Loster. Organist, Pam Yaremko led members of the parish choir and the congregation in the hymns 'God is Alive', Psalm 138, 'Holy Darkness', 'On Eagles Wings', 'Song of the Angels', and 'Amazing Grace'. The interment took place in the Garden of St. Luke at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Rick, Greg, Eric and Reid Rohatinsky, and Bob and Corey Stevens serving as the casketbearers. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Wednesday, December 17th, 2008 1:30pm, St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens