Obituary of Lorraine Peleshytyk

Lorraine Peleshytyk of the Yorkton & District Nursing Home and formerly of Calder passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 90. She was in her 91^st year.

Lorraine was born on December 21, 1932 near Playmore, Saskatchewan, the youngest daughter of Waselena (nee Zazelenchuk) and John Matechuk. She had 4 sisters and a half brother and was raised on the family farm. Her parents were part of the Ukrainian wave that populated the Canadian West, turning Saskatchewan into a bread basket. Lorraine maintained their Ukrainian traditions and strong work ethic.

Gregarious and fun loving, Lorraine met a handsome farmer, William Peleshytyk at a community dance, and the couple married on November 14, 1953. They resided on the farm until their son Bernard took over farming, and then moved to Calder.

As was customary in the community, Lorraine was an integral part of the family farming business, raising 3 children, tending to her usual brood of 200 chicks and growing a large garden each year. Lorraine always had an abundance of vegetables which she happily shared with family and friends.

Lorraine loved berry picking, turning saskatoons, pincherries and cranberries into delicious jellies, jams and pies. She was also an avid mushroom picker, readily able to identify those safe to eat, an important skill. Her family ate “organic produce” before the term became popular.

In winter months, Lorraine kept busy with rugmaking, knitting and crocheting as well as keeping track of her favourite soaps, including The Edge of Night and Another World, even finding time to put together a Rubik’s Cube.

Lorraine was a great cook and enjoyed having friends and family over for hearty meals. Unexpected visitors and travelling salespeople never left her table with just a cup of coffee.

Lorraine was an active member of the Wroxton Ukrainian Orthodox Church, contributing her beautiful singing voice to the church choir and Christmas caroling.

In later years, Lorraine was also an active member of the Wroxton and District 50 Plus Club, especially enjoying the weekly bingo games. She also enjoyed playing cards, with cribbage being a family favourite pastime.

As her health declined in her twilight years, Lorraine took great pleasure in meeting her great grandchildren, Brody, Ophelia and Kyleigh.

Lorraine was predeceased by her husband William Peleshytyk, her sisters Mary Derbowka, Martha Novakowski, Effie Hardy, Ethel Styba and half brother John Oystrick. She is survived by her children: Shirley Peleshytyk of Edmonton, Diana (Andrew Freeman) Pelyk of Canberra, Australia and Bernard (Sandra) Peleshytyk of Yorkton and grandchildren Brennen (Kendra) Peleshytyk and Shayla Peleshytyk (Josh Michaud), her great-grandchildren Brody and Kyleigh Peleshytyk, and Ophelia Michaud, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.