SOPHIE SYTNYK (WASILKA)

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SOPHIE SYTNYK
(nee WASILKA)
April 5, 1923 - May 28, 2019

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of our dear mother and grandmother, Sophie Sytnyk, of Shoal Lake, MB. Sophie died on May 28, 2019, at the Shoal Lake - Strathclair Health Centre, with family at her side, at the age of 96 years.
Sophie was predeceased by her husband Joseph Sytnyk, sisters, Anne Koski and Mary Kowal, and her parents, Steven and Catherine Wasilka. Cherishing her memory are her twin sister Eileen Ewachewski and sister-in-law Phyllis Tutkaluk of Shoal Lake, MB, brother-in-law Alex Sytnyk (Pat) from Newport Beach, California, three sons, Glen J. Sytnyk of Winnipeg, MB (daughters, Sarah and Shelby), Brian Sytnyk of Reston, MB (son Jordan Allard) and Perry Sytnyk (Darlene, daughters, Laura, Breanne and son James) of Shoal Lake, MB, two daughters, Adele Thorne of Vancouver, BC (daughter Maya Korbynn) and Gayle Mitchell (Randy, sons, Cameron, Alex and Jordan) of West Kelowna, BC, in addition to Sophie's nieces and nephews, close friends and neighbours.
Sophie (Sophia) and her twin sister Eileen were born April 5, 1923, in the rural municipality of Vista, MB. Their parents, Steven and Catherine Wasilka (nee Polechata), already had two older daughters, Anne and Mary. In 1930 the family moved south of Shoal Lake where Sophie and Eileen attended Ethel School for Grades 1 to 8. They often walked two miles or rode a pony to this one room school. Eight years later the family moved one mile east of Shoal Lake where they attended high school. Upon Sophie's Grade 12 graduation in 1941, Permit Teachers were required as many teachers were called to serve in the Second World War. Sophie accepted a teaching position at Ridgeland School in Sundown, located in the southeastern corner of Manitoba. She shared many fond memories of her full year of teaching in the one room school house while boarding with the wonderful Strymbiski family. In 1942/1943 Sophie attended Normal School in Winnipeg to further her teaching education. Thereafter, from 1943 to 1946 she enjoyed teaching Grades 1 to 8 at King School, a one room school located northwest of Shoal Lake.
Between the years 1941 to 1946, while Sophie was teaching, she corresponded to her sweetheart Joseph Sytnyk of Oakburn, MB. On November 17, 1946 they were married at Dolyny Church north of Oakburn. They began farming seven miles south of Shoal Lake in the Raven Lake District, where they resided until 1991 when they retired to their new home in Shoal Lake. They were blessed with five children, namely Adele, Glen, Brian, Gayle and Perry, all of whom were born in Hamiota Hospital. Over the years both Sophie and Joe were very involved in their children's school activities and community clubs. Sophie encouraged her children to participate in Shoal Lake 4-H and McConnell 4-H Beef Club activities including public speaking, to travel extensively, to take music lessons, and most importantly Sophie ensured all her children achieved a university education.
Sophie was very committed to participating in numerous community organizations. On October 24, 2015 she was awarded an Honorary Life Membership with Manitoba Association of Agricultural Societies in recognition of her 39 years of meritorious service with Shoal Lake Agricultural Society. She served as Director of Horticulture at the annual Shoal Lake Fair for roughly 20 years and was an exhibitor at the Shoal Lake and Hamiota fairs for over 40 years. Sophie was a member of the Shoal Lake Royal Canadian Legion Auxiliary Branch #72 for 21 years where she served as President in 2000 and 2001. In 1979 Sophie received recognition from the Canadian Council on 4-H Clubs for over 19 years of leadership. She was active with the St. Josaphat's Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Shoal Lake throughout her life.
Sophie was a passionate gardener and a very talented artist. She enjoyed writing and being rather spirited, wasn't afraid to pen a strong letter to support a good cause or to express her opinion. She frequently submitted items of interest to the local Crossroads newspaper. Sophie and Joe loved travelling and made family trips to Australia, Hawaii, Mexico, Florida, California, and Arizona. At 88 years of age Sophie enjoyed a cruise to Alaska with her daughters, Adele and Gayle, and her granddaughter, Maya. Remarkably, at the age of 95 Sophie made a memorable road trip to West Kelowna with her sons, Glen J. and Brian to celebrate Christmas with daughter Gayle and son-in-law Randy Mitchell. This trip was a perfect example of how Sophie encouraged many others to dream big, to believe in and to achieve your life goals regardless of age, gender, ethnic background or personal challenges. She was a real inspiration and quite the interesting character.
The Celebration of Life was held on June 6, 2019 at St. Josaphat's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Shoal Lake with Father Mykhaylo Khomitskyy officiating. Interment followed at the Ukrainian Catholic Parish Cemetery. The Crossbearer was grandson James Sytnyk. Pallbearers were Rick Ewachewski, Jordan Allard, Randy Mitchell, Ian Paterson, Lynda Wasylyshyn and Ron Gerelus. Honorary Pallbearers were Alex Sytnyk, Lionel Ditz, Delmar Hyrsak, David Sytnyk and John Simpson.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to Shoal Lake Agricultural Society or Prairie Mountain Regional Museum, c/o Shoal Lake, Manitoba, R0J 1Z0.
Rae's Funeral Service (www.raesfs.ca) was in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: Jun 15, 2019

SOPHIE SYTNYK
(nee WASILKA)

With great sadness our family announces the peaceful passing of our amazing mother on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at Shoal Lake - Strathclair Health Centre, aged 96 years.
Sophie is the beloved wife of the late Joseph Sytnyk. She is lovingly remembered by her twin sister Eileen Ewachewski, sister-in-law Phyllis Tutkaluk, brother-in-law Alex Sytnyk (Pat), sons, Glen J. of Winnipeg, Brian of Reston and Perry (Darlene) of Shoal Lake and daughters, Adele Thorne of Vancouver and Gayle (Randy) Mitchell of West Kelowna, BC and their families, plus many other close relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., at St. Josaphat's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Shoal Lake, Manitoba. Interment to follow in the Parish Cemetery. Father Mykhaylo Khomitskyy will officiate.
Donations in memory of Sophie may be made to Shoal Lake Prairie Mountain Regional Museum or to the Shoal Lake Agricultural Society.
A complete obituary will follow.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared at Rae's Funeral Service, www.raesfs.ca, (204) 759-2160.
Publish Date: Jun 1, 2019

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 01, 2019, Jun 15, 2019