Obituary of Julia Skrepnek
The family of Julia (Julie) Skrepnek of Saskatoon and formerly of Yorkton, beloved wife of the late George Skrepnek, sadly announces her passing on December 31, 2024. Julie was 96 years of age.
Prayers will be held on Wednesday, January 22 at 7:00 p.m. from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Fr. Dmytro Dnistrian C.Ss.R officiating.
The Funeral Liturgy will be held on Thursday, January 23 at 10:30 a.m. from St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Dmytro Dnistrian C.Ss.R as Celebrant.
The Rosary led by members of the UCWL will precede at 10:00 a.m.
CLICK HERE to view livestream beginning at 10:15 a.m.
The interment will follow in the Yorkton City Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made St. Ann's Senior Citizens Village (2910 Louise St., Saskatoon, SK S7J 3L8) as gifts of remembrance.
Julia (Julie) Skrepnek was born on March 19, 1928 to Harry and Lena (nee Kurylowich) Kluk on the family farm near Benito, Manitoba. She was the third of nine children and attended school in Benito. She helped on the family farm and then worked as a nurse’s aid in the Canora Union Hospital. She loved singing and dancing, especially Ukrainian. She met George Skrepnek at a wedding where he was the best man and they were married on August 6, 1955 in Arran, Saskatchewan. They lived and worked in Yorkton and raised two daughters: Barbara and Patricia.
Julie was a devoted wife and mother, hardworking and generous in spirit. She could grow just about anything. Her flower and vegetable gardens were lush and bountiful which she shared with family and friends. She loved to cook and bake (to satisfy George’s sweet tooth). Her pantry and freezers were FULL of preserves and she was a wonderful hostess. After a visit, we would always leave with a care package of food. She enjoyed watching hockey and football with George and cheered for the Blue Jays. Julie was a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Parish and the UCWLC, and she and George volunteered at the Cultural Centre for many years.
After George’s passing in 1996, Julie remained in Yorkton and then moved to Saskatoon in 2007 to be closer to her daughters. She resided at St. Volodymyr Villa and spent every Sunday attending liturgy at Sts. Peter & Paul Parish and then supper with family. In April 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Julie had a stroke and was welcomed into the care of St. Ann’s Nursing Home. During this time, the St. Ann’s staff became like family. They were exceptionally attentive to all of her needs, filling her life with care, friendship and entertaining activities. Julie became known as the “jigsaw puzzle queen” at St. Ann’s.
Julie had a deep faith and centered her life around God and her church community. She attended Liturgy and the Rosary every day as she was able and prayed for her family and friends constantly. Julie loved spending time with her children, grand-children and great-grand-children and was so very proud of each and every one.
Julie passed away peacefully on the morning of December 31, 2024 after a brief respiratory illness at the age of 96. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters Dr. Barbara (Robert) Anderson of Saskatoon and Patricia (Michael) Vereschagin of Saskatoon. Five grandchildren: Dr. Sarah (Dr. Thomas) Chewerda of Scappoose, Oregon, USA; David (Sarah) Anderson of Saskatoon; Heather Anderson and Ryan Downey of Gibsons, BC; Rebecca Vereschagin of Saskatoon; Shawn (Erika) Vereschagin of Kinistino, SK. Six great-grandchildren: Aspen and Elias Chewerda, Evelyn and Audrey Anderson and Stella and Emilia Vereschagin. One sister: Theresa Genik of Kinistino, two sisters-in-law: Violet Kluk of Yorkton and Marge Kluke of Beausejour, MB and one brother-in-law Joe Mizsak of Vancouver, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Julie was predeceased by her husband George; parents Harry and Lena; sisters Mary, Victoria, Patricia, Elsie and Rosemarie (in infancy); brothers Ben and Mursel, along with many in-laws of the Kluk and Skrepnek families.
