Obituary of Mary Balanuik

BALANUIK - Mrs. Mary Balanuik of Yorkton passed away on October 29, 2007 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. She was 87 years of age. Mary Balanuik was a daughter of Peter and Polly (nee Lackten) Skwernuik. Mom was born in the Kamsack district and attended Mcllvary and Two Creek School. Following her education she helped on the family farm. On October 3th & 4th, 1936 she was united in marriage to John Balanuik at Kamsack. They were than blessed with the birth of Eileen in 1939 & Johnny in 1941. Mom stayed home and looked after Eileen & Johnny, until they moved to Ontario where mom went to work. The couple returned to the Wroxton district in 1945 where they acquired land and began farming then at which time they were blessed with the birth of Reginald in 1946 and Linda in 1947 that being the year they took over the family farm in the Kamsack district. In 1968 they moved to Kamsack but continued to farm until 1978. Mom worked at the Kamsack Union Hospital in housekeeping. In 1983 they moved to Yorkton where they resided. On November 6, 2006 mom moved to Bentley's till May 12, 2007 when she was hospitalized. In June and again in August mom went through two amputations of her leg in Regina. Mom was transferred to Melville Hospital, than Foam Lake Nursing Home and on October 9th mom was taken to Yorkton Nursing Home. On October 29th mom was taken to Yorkton Hospital where she peacefully passed away. Mom loved her bingo, talking to everyone, fishing and travelling with dad. Mom was predeceased by her parents, by her loving husband John in 1989, infant son Reginald 1946, granddaughter Melinda in 1978, and grandson Johnny in 2003. Mom leaves to mourn her passing and to cherish her memory daughter Eileen Bjerke of Yorkton, son Johnny and his wife Pauline of Yorkton, daughter Linda and her husband Peter Thiessen of Saskatoon ten grandchildren; Glenda Grainger of Watson Lake, Yukon Andy Bjerke of Chatham, Ontario, Calvin Bjerke of Regina, Brian Bjerke of Edmonton, Theresa Tkachuk of Yorkton, Darcy Balaniuk of Yorkton, Timothy Balaniuk of Yorkton, Martie Balaniuk of Calgary, Colette Brakstad of Saskatoon, Annette Thiessen of Saskatoon; 19 great grand children; her sister Betty of Hamilton, Anne (George) of Kamsack, brother Peter (Nellie) of Yorkton, sister Eleanor of Winnipeg, sister in law Mary Tkatchuk of Yorkton. As well as nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The funeral service was held on Saturday, November 3rd at the Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home with Mrs. Margaret Yost officiating. Taped solo selections included "Amazing Grace", "Homesick" and "In the Arms of An Angel". Garry Tetoff conveyed a tribute with a special poem. Serving as honourary bearers were Garry Tetoff and Wayne Skwernuik. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Andy Bjerke, Timothy Balaniuk, Calvin Bjerke, Brian Bjerke, Darcy Balaniuk and Kenny Tkachuk serving as the casket bearers. Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Interment Details Yorkton City Cemetery