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VICTORIA SEBASTIAN KERELUK -
Date of Passing: Aug 18, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryVICTORIA SEBASTIAN KERELUK 1926 - 2013 After a much too lengthy stay in the Glengarry Hospital in Victoria, BC, Vicci drew her last breath in the early morning hours of Sunday, August 18, 2013. She is survived by her son, George Joseph (Jackie) of Victoria and daughter, Kathryn Marie Connors of Vancouver along with her siblings, Ed of Winnipeg and Val (Tim) Hastings of Hazelridge, MB. She had two grandchildren, Christine (Christopher) Taber and Jason Kereluk; two great-grandchildren, William and Noah Taber; and numerous nephews, nieces and relatives of both the Sebastian and Kereluk families. Vicci had an accomplished musical career as a violinist and soloist and as a teacher of violin, piano and theory. Beginning at the very early age of four, and encouraged by her parents, she studied with Leonard Danyluk of Transcona and then the Bornoff School of Music in Winnipeg where she was awarded a scholarship. Later, as a professional, she joined the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra at its inception. She also played with the Winnipeg Chamber Music Club and the Winnipeg CBC Orchestra. Upon winning two scholarships in 1950, she moved to Chicago to study at the Chicago Musical College under Hans Basserman. After marriage to Bill Kereluk while in Chicago, they made many moves following both of their career paths to Seattle, Vancouver, Slocan, Lumby, Kamloops, Calgary and then Victoria where she last taught at the Craigdarroch Castle Conservatory. She proudly instructed violin Master Classes at the Banff School of Fine Arts and participated in workshops at the Okanagan Summer School of the Arts during summers while living in the interior of BC, this while she was Concertmistress of the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra. While there she also formed the Baroque String Ensemble "The Chaconne Strings", the Kamloops Youth Orchestra and the Okanagan Symphony Trio. In following years, she moved to Calgary where she was concertmaster of both the Calgary Civic Symphony and the Concert Arts Ensemble and was on the faculty of the Mount Royal College Conservatory of Music. In Victoria, in addition to teaching at Craigdarroch Castle, she played with the Victoria Symphony, she was the founder of the Re-Starters' for older adults and she also was involved with the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra. Vicci was predeceased by her husband Bill (2001) her parents Joseph (1968) and Mary (1995) and many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. Dementia as a result of a series of strokes took away her abilities, her independence, and finally, her life. Her devoted children spent many years supporting her in her care home and obtaining the ultimate in health care that was available for her. The staff at her most recent residence, the Glengarry Hospital, provided her with loving and compassionate care to her end for which we are all grateful. A private family service is pending. Never forgotten, forever missed.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 24, 2013
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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Vicci taught me violin in Kamloops, Calgary and Victoria. I was raised in Kamloops, but when she moved away, my parents arranged for me to fly to wherever Vicci was so that I could continue to learn under her. She took me under her wing every other weekend, housed me, fed me and taught me beautiful music. I think of her often. She was inspiring and helped keep me grounded throughout my teenage years. - Posted by: Elizabeth Harris (nee Engen) (Student) on: Dec 30, 2013
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It was with great sadness that I came across this obituary of your mom Kathee. I was in the process of looking for you. Such fond memories I have of your mom and our visits to Naramata when she was teaching during the summer. She was always so very kind to me. I remember the summer of 77 when I stayed with your mom and you in Kamloops. My father had been transferred to the Maritimes and after my first year University I came back to Kamloops to work. I so remember checking coats when she played at her concerts. Thinking of you all with thoughts and prayers. Please contact me if you get this message. As Always, Gail Richard - Posted by: Gail Richard (Boucher) (Friend of Kathy's during Kamloops years.) on: Nov 10, 2013
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I had the pleasure of knowing Vicci since the late 70's when we both lived in Kamloops. She and I both played in the Okanogan Symphony and then in the Kamloops Symphony, often as stand partners. We had great chats as we drove from Kamloops to Vernon together in her little car... quite quickly as I remember! Our paths crossed again in Victoria, again through music, as we played in the then-new Victoria Chamber Orchestra. Vicci had such great spirit, always with a bright smile on her face and great enthusiasm for everything she did. We at the VCO were so sorry to see her slip away through dementia. I've missed her. I heard about the progress of her illness through her son George, who along with his wife Jackie, have become very good friends of mine and my husband Mike's. Mike and I send our heartfelt condolences to them and all their family at this sad time. Your mom was a wonderful woman. - Posted by: Susan Colonval (friend) on: Aug 24, 2013
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Dearest Kathee, George, and family. Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your mother. She is at peace now, playing her violin for all of her admirers whom she has joined. Your mother always had the highest standards and played the violin with the perfection of a true professional. I loved to hear her music and remember the time I sat with her and she was suggesting music for my wedding. I still recognize those beautiful songs we chose. I also remember her playing before the entrance to the church, over and over and over and over again, never letting on that things were not going as planned and our photographer was lost and we were all waiting. Everyone enjoyed her playing so much, they never noticed. How we all chuckled after that! Your mom was a beautiful lady who will be greatly missed by so many. Big hugs and love, Leslie xoxoxo - Posted by: Leslie (Sebastian) Hardy (Niece) on: Aug 24, 2013
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Though I have not seen Aunt Vicci in many years, I do miss you and have reflected on many things about you these last few days. Lots of giggles and smiles...! In particular, of memories at Kawkawa Lake! - Posted by: Pauline Kereluk (niece) on: Aug 24, 2013
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My deepest sympathy to George, Kathy and the rest of Vicky's family. I remember Vicky playing the piano when my parents and I would visit Auntie Mary and Uncle Joe. I think that is where I got the idea to learn piano. Vicky's fingers would float over the ivories, and I would sit there and watch her, as a little child, totally amazed at the music that was coming out of the piano. I would like to share a quote with Vicky's family. Vicky has not died, but merely gone away, to a better place, free of pain and suffering. We will be re-united with Vicky again some day. Rest in Peace, Vicky. You are loved and will be missed. - Posted by: Patricia Homenick (Cousin(from Mother's side)) on: Aug 24, 2013