Obituary of Anne Maystrowich

MAYSTROWICH - Mrs. Anne Maystrowich, a resident of St. Paul Lutheran Home in Melville and formerly of the Fenwood district died peacefully on January 8th, 2007. She was 84 years, 11 months, 4 days of age. Anne was born February 4, 1922, the ninth child of Frank and Katherine Dubiel. Like so many others raised on the family farm, Anne worked along side her brothers in the fields, milked cows, baked the best home made bread, and helped with the cleaning and gardening. Anne attended Maxwelton School up to grade eight. During 1932, Anne was taught by Alec Maystrowich, her future brother-in-law. Anne often teased Alec in later years, asking him if she would have been spared the strap had he known she was going to be his sister-in-law? Anne left school in the spring of 1936 to stay at home and help out full time on the farm. Eight years later, on June 18, 1944, Anne married Joe, a boy from the neighborhood and moved to his home about two miles from the family farm. There she continued to live the life of a farmer's wife and mother for more than fifty years. Anne became a mother for the first time in October of 1947 with the birth of their daughter Elaine. Life was Mom's first gift, love was the second and understanding the third. Anne continued to give these gifts to three more children: Eugene born May of 1951, Allan born May of 1953 and Dianna born October of 1954. She loved us and kept a special place in her heart for each and every one of her grandchildren. True joy for Anne was being able to hold her grandchildren, to watch them grow and spend time with them, walking around the farm or baking home made cookies - honey jam jams in particular. When it came to her grandchildren, her patience was infinite. Through the years, Anne became the nucleus for our family. She wove a fine silken thread that kept our family together. She gave us color (orange cupboards with yellow kitchen walls), laughter (with her mischievous nature), warmth and the security of unconditional love. She was a hard worker and life was not always easy for Anne, but she never complained and through it all she lived her life by the Golden Rule. She walked quietly among us, often in the background, and because of her shyness went unnoticed, yet she was always there for us, for her family, for her friends and for her neighbors. Anne had the secret, the secret for getting through the disappointments of life, and that was to take life with a grain of salt. She had a wonderful sense of humor, and through her humor we caught glimpses of who Anne really was and those of us who shared these moments with her were truly blessed. Anne was a kind, caring, quiet, soft spoken, sweet person. She always looked for the best in everyone and never spoke a harsh word against anyone. She loved Ukrainian music and walks along a country road. She loved to dance, to garden and to visit with family and friends. "God gave us a precious gift, a gift beyond compare. For He gave us a gracious Mother full of love and tender care". He has now taken her home, to a place of peace and rest and today we have come together to say good bye. Good bye to a wonderful mother and grandmother, to the arms that held us, to a kind and gentle lady. Mom go in peace, in the knowledge that you will live on in our hearts and in our memories. Thank you for giving us life, love and understanding. She is predeceased by her husband Joe [1999]; her mother Katherine Dubiel[nee-Zulyniak] 1965, her father Frank Dubiel 1970. Her granddaughter Sherelle 1974. Her sisters Agnus Bohay [1996] Mary Wlock [1999] Tannie Pillipow [2006]. Her brothers Claudie {1980] Mike [1988] Andrew [1992] John [2001] Joe [2003]; her sister-in-law Mary Dubiel [1991]; her brothers in law Mike Pillipow[1982], John Wlock [1986], Pete Blazieko [2006]. She leaves to cherish her memory and to celebrate her life her daughter Elaine and husband Raymond Gorchinski of Jedburgh; her son Eugene and wife Bev of Yorkton; her son Allan and [friend Julie] of Yorkton; her daughter Dianna and husband Pat Doyle of Devon, AB. Anne was blessed with twelve grandchildren and three great grandchildren, Sherelle [1965-1974] Rick [Cindy and son Monte ] Gorchinski of Lloydminster, AB. Joanne [Craig and son Rylan] Pihach of Homefield, Shannon [Troy and son Hayden] Morin of Winnipeg, MB Brent [fiance Michelle] Maystrowich of Regina, Mark [friend Danielle] Maystrowich of Saskatoon, Cory Maystrowich of Calgary, AB, Ryan [fiance Shawna] Maystrowich of Saskatoon, Tammy [friend Brian] Maystrowich of Calgary, AB, Patrick Doyle of Calgary, AB, Jennifer and Crystal Doyle of Devon, AB. Anne also leaves to mourn her passing , her sisters Nellie Dubiel of Yorkton, Julia Blazeiko of Willowbrook, Rosie [Metro] Washek of Regina, brother in law Fred Bohay of Goodeve, sisters in law Helen Dubiel of Yorkton and Doreen Dubiel of Yorkton, daughter in law Delores of Calgary; as well as many nieces and nephews and dear friends. Prayers were held on Friday, January 12th at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton. Requiem Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Saturday, January 13th at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church with Very Rev. Bryan Bayda, C.Ss.R. as the Celebrant. The responses were led by Colette Karapita, Ed Pindus and Parish Choir members. The cross bearer was Monte Gorchinski and the epistle reader was Tammy Maystrowich. "Everyone who knew Anne" were considered honourary bearers. The interment took place in the Garden of Crucifixion at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Brent Maystrowich, Ryan Maystrowich, Mark Maystrowich, Cory Maystrowich, Patrick Doyle and Rick Gorchinski serving as the casket bearers. The eulogy was shared by Jennifer Doyle. Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.