SOFIA TESARSKI

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SOFIA TESARSKI Peacefully, and surrounded by her loving husband and family, Sofia passed on to her Forever Home on May 17, 2007 while at Middlechurch Care Home. Born to Mikhailo and Paraska Shepit, she was the last surviving member of her large family and was predeceased by her parents, her seven brothers: John, Nikolai, Elia, Dmytra, George, William and Alexander; her five sisters: Aksenia, Katerina, Elena, Maria and Wasylka, and her grandson Bradley Hayes. Left to mourn her passing are her devoted husband of 70 years Felix; her daughter Deanna (Frank Hayes), grandchildren, Holly (Paul Graham), Heather (Mike Shaw); son Daniel (Gale), grandchildren Christopher (Audrey), Katherine Harder, Valerie (Kenneth Anderson), Jennifer (Quinn Barreth); daughter Sonia Harvey, grandchildren Tanya (Simon Robinson), Tracey, Michael and Richard Harvey; daughter Patricia (William Pillon), grandchildren Joel (Jillian) Goralski, Kerry (Kathleen) Goralski, Candise (Ryan Gugenheimer) as well as 22 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and family friends. Sofia was born in the Bukovinian community of Sirko, Manitoba on March 29, 1915. She worked on the family farm and cared for her ailing mother until 1937 when she married Felix Tesarski, a school teacher and together they raised their family in various rural Manitoba communities before settling in Norwood in 1949. They soon became members of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral. Sofia served many years as a Starsha Sestretsia (Altar Guild) and was subsequently nominated an honorary Sestretsia . During this time she was a valued member of the Ukrainian Women's Association and devoted many hours volunteering for the Church Cooking group and sewing for the Canadian Red Cross. In 1957 they built a new home in Garden City. Here Sofia loved to entertain her many family members and friends. She was a devoted wife and mother, a wonderful cook and a passionate gardener. She was a dedicated church member and enjoyed part-time work for a number of years. In 2000 Sofia and Felix chose to move to Amber Meadow Retirement Residence until 2002 when Sofia's health required her to move to Middlechurch Care Home where she was lovingly cared for until she was called to her final home . Sofiyka , as she was affectionately called, had a smile that lit up a room; she was loved by everyone. We, her family, will forever have her wonderful memories woven into our lives. We are grateful for the loving care given to her by those who looked after her, particularly her special companion, Zena Thiede, the A1 staff of Middlechurch, the priests and the many friends who visited her. Prayer Services will be held on Sunday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 1175 Main Street. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, May 21 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral. Burial will take place on Tuesday, May 22 at 11:00 a.m. at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens, 4477 Main Street. Those who wish to do so, may make a contribution in memory of Sofia to the Ukrainian Women's Association or to the Parkinson's Society. Arrangements entrusted to: Glen Eden Funeral Home 4477 Main Street 338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 19, 2007