Obituary of Iris Hawka
The family of Iris Hawka sadly announces her passing on May 18, 2026 at Yorkton Regional Health Centre. She was 88 years of age.
Mom was predeceased by her husband and love of her life, Jack; her son-in-law, Bob Barton; her parents, Peter and Mary Makowetski; her parents-in-law, David and Anna Hawka. She was also predeceased by her siblings and their spouses- Jean and Stanley Kowalyshyn, Frances and Melvin Rasmussen, and Allan Makowetski.
Mom is survived by her daughter, Jacquie and her son, Sheldon (Lynn); grandsons Cameron (Susan) and Wade (Kelsey) Barton; her great-grandchildren, Cole, Addison, Carson and Connor Barton; sisters-in-law Allie Hawka and Bette (Barry) Johb; nieces and nephews.
Mom was born at the farm home in the Jedburgh district on May 7, 1938. She attended a one room school and always regretted she did not have the opportunity to complete high school However, as a mature student she completed by correspondence the dental assistant program from NAIT. She completed both the theory and practical components with flying colours.
In 1975 Mom began employment with Dr. Harley Large. When Dr. Large retired, she continued working in the same practice with Dr. Jack Junek. Mom held both dentists in high regard and considered them friends. She also enjoyed the friendship of the other office staff she worked with.
Mom and Dad met in 1956 and were married in 1957. Their fifty-six years of marriage were filled with many happy times with family and friends. They were happy to welcome their children in 1957 and 1959. In 1961 they bought the family home on Fifth Avenue North and several of their neighbours became lifelong best friends. They enjoyed working together to make their yard beautiful. Mom got enormous satisfaction having a yard and deck filled with flowers. They enjoyed winter weekends cross country skiing. They especially enjoyed golfing at York Lake Golf Course with friends and the Two Ball Foursome Crew. Their annual trip to the mountains always included golfing at their favourite courses followed by delicious meals at excellent restaurants. For a few years they would go on a second golf trip to coincide with the apple harvest season. They would bring back boxes of various varieties of apples to share with friends and family.
After our dad’s passing in March 2014, Mom remained in our family home. In 2021 she moved to the Bentley. She felt safe and secure there and she enjoyed the company of the other residents – especially her card playing crew. Following a fall in late December, she became a resident at Theodore Nursing Home.
The centre of Mom’s life was her family. She was a loving and caring mother to her children and a wonderful and generous grandma to her grandsons. Even though we did not grow up with pets, she cared for the “granddogs” we brought into our family. She had a special attachment to Razor who came to their house daily for doggy day care. For Mom one of her greatest pleasures recently was to be sitting around the table with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren sharing a meal and conversation. I know she was proud of us.
Mom was heartbroken when Dad passed away and she lost her best friend and partner in life. She missed him so much! We have faith that they have had joyful reunion!
We wish to thank the many people who assisted in caring for our mom and grandmother these past few years: the staff at The Bentley, the staff at the Theodore Nursing Home, Dr. VanHeerden and nursing staff on Second South who compassionately cared for mom on her last days.
Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma: We love you and will miss you forever.
