Obituary of Sister Suzanne Kokuruds, SSMI
The SSMI of Yorkton sadly announce the passing of Sister Suzanne Koruruds on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
Prayers will be held on Tuesday, December 9 at 6:30p.m. with the Rosary to precede at 6:00p.m. from St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Yorkton.
The Funeral Liturgy will take place on Wednesday, December 10 at 10:00a.m. from St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Yorkton.
A Concludng Liturgy will be held on Thursday, December 11 at 10:00a.m. from the Bethany Home Chapel, Winnipeg, MB.
The Interment will take place in the Sister's section of Holy Family Cemetery, Winnipeg, MB.
Memorials in memory of Sister Suzanne may be made to Lubov SSMI Foundation, 1085 Main St., Winnipeg, MB. R2W 3S1
Sister Suzanne Eleanor Kokuruds, SSMI
October 29, 1934-December 3, 2025
After a courageous battle with cancer, Sister Suzanne Kokuruds passed to her eternal reward, quickly and quietly, on 03 December 2025, in the Yorkton Regional Hospital, Yorkton, SK. She had celebrated her 91st year of life and 73 years of serving the Lord as a Sister Servant of Mary Immaculate.
Sister Suzanne Eleanor Kokuruds was born in Grandview, Manitoba, to Michael Kukurudz and Anne Leschyshyn, their only daughter and sister to three brothers—Bill, Russel and Delmar.
Eleanor attended grade school and three years of high school in Manitoba. She completed her Grade 12 and graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Yorkton, SK. in 1952. Little did anyone know that she would spend her last half century of life in Yorkton.
Following graduation, and as every other graduate, was choosing her life’s path. Eleanor surprised many with her choice. Upon reflection, she courageously got on the train and headed east to Ancaster, ON—the Noviciate of the Sisters Servant of Mary Immaculate (SSMI). She heeded the Lord’s call, and chose to serve God, her church and people with her whole heart, mind and soul as a Religious Sister. Her family and friends were puzzled, but Eleanor did things her way and often caught people off guard. She entered the Congregation of the SSMI on July 27, 1952. She received her habit and took the religious name of Suzanne on January 28, 1953. She made her first profession of vows on January 29, 1955, and final profession, August 15, 1958.
Sister Suzanne began her teaching ministry soon after her first vows. She completed Teacher’s College in Toronto, and continued completing a BA degree from the University of Saskatchewan. She also expanded her teaching qualifications for Ontario at the Ontario College of Education, in Toronto. She often reminisced about her long rides on the Toronto street car, travelling to and from college. How wonderful and exciting it was for a girl from Petlura, MB to be in the midst of the marvels of the grand metropolis of Toronto.
Sr. Suzanne’s first experience in a classroom was in Regina, SK with grades one & two. At the age of 90, she still remembered all the words to songs she taught her grade ones. The convent was on John Street, steps away from General Hospital where she had her first surgery fighting cancer. Sister Suzanne also taught elementary classes in Saskatoon, SK before returning to Ontario to teach in Ancaster, ON at Mount Mary Immaculate Academy (MMIA), a sister school to Sacred Heart Academy (SHA). During this time, her evenings were filled with teaching Ukrainian
While teaching at MMIA from 1964-1970, and from 1972 at SHA (now SHHS) in Yorkton, Sister Suzanne took post-graduate studies during the summer months at Laval University, Quebec City. As well, Sister received a study year at Laval and completed her MA in French Studies. An avid learner, Sister Suzanne received a bursary for additional studies at Quimper University in France, was sponsored for workshops in Vancouver, Winnipeg and at the Centre Educatif et Culturel. She also participated in many, various SSMI community renewal workshops.
Sister Suzanne remained on staff at SHHS until her retirement in 1997, teaching English, History and French. She remained involved with SHHS after retirement, standing on various committees with her Alma Mater, and attending as many school events as possible.
In all, Sister Suzanne taught for 42 years. She also served her Congregation as Provincial Councillor. In her retirement years, she wrote biographies of prominent Canadian SSMI for publication, and translated a script for a video biography of the co-foundress of the SSMI Congregation: Life ~ Spirit ~ Sainthood: Sister Josaphata Hordashevska.
Sister Suzanne often spent her holiday time with family, especially when her parents were in need of care. She had an opportunity to travel to the Holy Land, Russia and Ukraine in 1978, and after her studies in France, visited the SSMI Generalate in Rome. She also reminisced often about her travels to Expo 1967 and later her travels throughout eastern Canada with her SSMI sisters.
Sister Suzanne was known for her straight-forward honesty, flavoured with wit. She is well remembered for her annual Toasts to the Queen at SHHS graduation banquets. She was always ready to prepare a “grace before meals” for many a banquet or dinner, and would look at one with horror should anyone suggest that she repeat a grace she had said before. Sr. Suzanne was always prepared with words of wisdom, and mindful to consult others before delegating tasks.
Sister Suzanne was predeceased by her parents, brothers Russell and Bill and his wife Patricia. She leaves to remember her love and dedication are her brother Delmar, his wife, Jo-Anne, nieces and nephews, great nieces, the Sisters in the SSMI Congregation, and many, many friends—many of whom are former co-staff, students and parents of students.
Sister Suzanne will be missed. May her memory be eternal.
Вічна їй пам’ять!
