Obituary of Iris Ann Wasylyshen

The family of Iris Wasylyshen of Yorkton, widow of Henry Wasylyshen sadly announce her passing on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. She was 85 years of age.

She was born March 29, 1938 at Canora Hospital, the first child of Peter and Katherine (Drushka) Korney.

 

She attended the one-room Mazeppa School from Grades 1 to 9, a two-mile walk from home and was a student at Canora Composite High from Grades 9 to 12. During this time, she was involved with the church choir at Mazeppa and Ukrainian school in Canora.

 

Following graduation, she worked as a receptionist for Dr. A. Danylchuk. Working in Canora and going to Gorlitz dances on weekends with friends and co-workers was a pleasant pastime. This is where she met Henry and began dating. The couple married October 10, 1959 at Holy Spirit Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Mazeppa. They made their home in Yorkton and raised three children, Ivan Henry (born 1960), Donald Peter (1962) and James Wade (1969) in Yorkton with many happy times spent at Mazeppa and Gorlitz family farms.

 

Iris was a member of the Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church, as well as the church choir and Women’s Association, Olena Pchilka branch, serving as treasurer and Promin reporter for several years. She was also a member of St. Basil’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Gorlitz.

Iris enjoyed reading, knitting afghans and gardening. She also enjoyed helping with chores at the farm.

She lived independently for a year after Henry’s passing in 2016. For the past five years, she has been a resident at Yorkton Crossing enjoying a good quality of life and made several new friends.

 

Predeceased by her loving husband, Henry, and her parents, Peter and Katherine Korney, she is survived by her sons, Ivan (Kathie) of Onanole, MB, Donald (Lisa) and their son, Zachary of Gorlitz and James (Karen) of Qualicum, BC and her son, Anthony (Dani) ; her sister, Sandra (Art) Laing of Priddis, AB and three children, Marian (Vange) Tzitzoglakis, Dale and Lorne Zavislake; plus several other relatives and friends.

 

As per Iris’ wishes, a private family service will be held at Bailey’s Funeral Home with the Rev. Fr. Michael Faryna officiating. Interment to follow at St. Basil’s, Gorlitz.

 

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a donation to St. Basil’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church fund, C/O Don Wasylyshen, RR #2, Canora, SK S0A 0L0.

 

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