Obituary of Pat Mandziak

MANDZIAK - The family of Pat Mandziak, beloved wife of Harry Mandziak of the Kelliher District, sadly announce her passing on February 27, 2024. How do you capture, in a few short paragraphs, the essence of a person who was loved beyond measure? Pat was kind and gentle, humble with her own accomplishments while being fiercely proud of her children and grandchildren, and was always generous with her time and gifts. Percilia was born in the Horse Lake District on June 23, 1937, to John and Eva (Antonishyn) Buczulak. Her name was inspired by a character in a book her favourite aunt, Nettie, had read, but she always preferred to be called Patricia, and later, Pat. The family moved to the farm north of Kelliher when Pat was two, and when she became school-age, she attended New Haven School and Kelliher School. Pat’s parents always stressed the importance of a good education, so following high school, Pat moved to Moose Jaw to attend Saskatchewan Teachers’ College. Poplar Peak School, a one-room school south of Lestock, was Pat’s first teaching position. She spent a year there before moving to teach in Southey for three years, followed by four years in Esterhazy. During this time, Pat continued to upgrade her classes at the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan, as well as completing correspondence courses through the University of Ottawa. Before starting her family, Pat taught in Kelliher, then subbed there for many years while raising her children.  On July 8, 1967, Pat was united in marriage to Harry Mandziak at Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ituna. She described Harry as kind, understanding, and very ambitious, and loved that he always put family first. Pat and Harry were blessed with three children, Terelyne, Trevor, and Bryce. Pat was proud of the successful and fruitful marriage she and Harry had, as well as the thriving farm they built through hard work and determination. Nothing, however, matched the pride Pat felt in her children and grandchildren. Mom’s love language was food, and no one ever left her home hungry. Mom was a chronicler of her times, and we are so blessed that she left the gift of her diaries, record books, family histories, and a personal history. Reading was always a favourite pastime, and Mom was happy to have more time later in life to do that, as well as her word and number puzzles and playing on her phone. Pat was predeceased by her parents John and Eva Buczulak and her infant brother, Willy, as well as several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Following a short and intense illness, Pat completed her earthly journey at the Ituna Pioneer Health Centre on February 27, 2024. We are so very grateful for the loving care Mom received at the Health Centre in the last week of her life. Left to mourn are Pat’s husband of 56 years, Harry; children Terelyne (Jim) Vadeboncoeur, Trevor (Bonnie), and Bryce (Delaine); grandchildren Jessica (Cody) Phelps, Morgan (Brooklyn) Mandziak, Abby (Elliot) Vadeboncoeur, Kendyl (Aidan) Mandziak, Luke Vadeboncoeur, Tanner Mandziak, Kyla Mandziak, Megan Vadeboncoeur, Alexis Mandziak, and Jaxon Mandziak; sister Adeline Wuschenny, and brothers Philip (Linda) Buczulak and Bradley (Sandy) Buczulak; sisters-in-law Pauline Hrynuik and Natalie Lilley, and brother-in-law Nick (Peggy) Mandziak, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Pat was looking forward to being great-grandmother to a baby due soon. Prayers were held on Friday, March 1, 2024 and the Funeral Liturgy was held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, both from Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church, Ituna, Saskatchewan with Father Jeffrey Stephaniuk as Celebrant. The cross bearer was Megan Vadeboncoeur and Jessica Phelps read the Epistle. The eulogy was delivered by Abby Vadeboncoeur, Kendyl Mandziak and Alexis Mandziak. The interment followed in the Jasmin Catholic Cemetery with Morgan Mandziak, Luke Vadeboncoeur, Tanner Mandziak, Kyla Mandziak, Jaxon Mandziak, Aaron Buczulak and Kelly Mandziak serving as casket bearers. Pat was passionate about fundraising for and the upkeep of the Jasmin Catholic Cemetery, where so many of her family members rest. Memorial donations can be made to the Jasmin Catholic Cemetery as gifts of remembrance. Condolences may be left for the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com.

Вічна Памיять! – Eternal Memory