Obituary of Julia Matsalla
The family of Julia Matsalla of Yorkton, widow of Bernard Matsalla, sadly announce her passing on Sunday, August 10, 2025, Julia was 82 years of age.
Julia was born June 16, 1943 in Canora, Saskatchewan as the eldest child of Pauline and Anton Swiderski. She had 3 brothers Louis, Richard, Gerald and sister Geraldine. At the age of 18, she worked for 1 year at the Saint Boniface San in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Ben came into her life first time on a blind date in 1959, which resulted in a marriage October 20, 1962, and one child, Sidney in 1965. Ben purchased land in the RM of Invermay where he built a house that they lived in till 1974, when they moved to Yorkton. Julia worked in retail for 1 year, then completed a 1-year business course at the YRHS graduating with honours. For 25 years she worked at the Canada employment Centre then making a career move she retired and opened her “Julia’s House of Stitches” operating out of her home. If you ever went to Julia’s home most times she would be coming to the bottom of the stairs in the basement or you would hear her hollering, “I’m down here” from her sewing room. Magic happened in that sewing room on her special sewing and embroidery machines. Everything from alterations on wedding dresses, pants, jackets, to creating outfits and dresses from scratch, to sewing her own new creations – embellishing them with beautiful embroidery including Ukrainian blouses and her own suits. She also crocheted and has done cross stitching leaving some of these legacies with family to enjoy. Those hands and fingers created some beautiful pieces over the years.
Over the years Julia took on a role of helping and giving a place to stay to numerous young kids and adults furthering education or starting new jobs, even billeting some hockey players. This resulted in having long lasting relationships over the years that she enjoyed hearing about their accomplishments and growth. Her door was always open to everyone as were her opinions whether they were agreed to or not.
Julia’s most pleasurable moments were supporting her granddaughter at her horse events and the Shymanski girls at their events. Again, supporting youth, she took on the role of god parent and inherited over 40 nieces and nephews who she tried her best to keep up to date with their accomplishments and lives. Julia even made time to be a parishioner of St. Gerard’s Church for many years.
In 2019 Ben made sure that Julia would be safe and not have to worry about being alone in a house, moving themselves to the Bentley just before he passed away. Julia then moved to the Yorkton District Nursing Home in 2023 until her passing.
Julia is predeceased by her parents Pauline and Anton Swiderski and spouse Benard Matsalla.
She leaves to celebrate her life son Sidney (Deb); granddaughter Makayla Matsalla (Kaycee); Siblings Louis (Elaine) Swiderski, Richard (Alice) Swiderski, Gerald (Sheila) Swiderski, sister Geraldine Brodziak; as well as many family and friends.
May you all remember the good times and conversations that were shared between yourselves and Julia.
Mom, you got your wish, you are now with dad. You are at peace and all pain is gone. Thank you for everything.
Visitation was held on Friday, August 15, 2025 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre. The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, August 16, 2025 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Crystal Bailey, Certified Celebrant officiating. The cross bearer was Darlene Shymanski. Makayla Matsalla and Mavis Lutz read scripture. The eulogy was delivered by Christa Swiderski. Words of thanks was given by Sidney Matsalla. The honourary urn bearers were the Shymanski Family and all of Julia’s family and friends in the past 82 years that touched her life with their presence. The inurnment followed in the Garden of Memories, Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Makayla Matsalla serving as urn bearer.
Memorial donations may be made to Dobrowody Cemetery or to St. Anthony’s Church, Rama as gifts of remembrance.
