OBITUARIES

Anna Fleming

Anna Fleming passed away peacefully on June 29, 2000 after a lengthy illness. Anna was born November 3, 1919 in Moose Jaw, Sask. Anna was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Zenovia Melnychuk, sister Kary Yarmie, sister Lena Kitzul, and brother Fred Mellen. Anna is survived by her loving husband Gordon, son Donald (Kay) Fleming, daughter Judith Fleming, daughter Barbara (Ashley) Lon, grandchildren: Michele Glaze, Scott Fleming (Allison), Darnell Lariviere (Bill), Jason Schmidt (Kim), Andrea Nelson (Ken), Erica, Ryan and Michael Long, great grandchildren: Andrew and Shelby Glaze, Tyler Fleming, sister Mary Kozak, sister-in-law Olga Mellen, and brother-in-law Elmer Kitzul, numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Gordon and Anna would have been married 60 years on July 10. Anna was a very compassionate and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Anna was an avid reader and loved to golf. She will be missed by all who knew her. A memorial service was held Tuesday, July 4 at 2:00 p.m. from Grace United Church, Weyburn, with Rev. William Corkum officiating. All those in attendance were considered to be honorary pallbearers. Flowers gratefully declined. Friends so wishing may make donations in memoriam to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Sask., 2360-2nd Ave., Regina, Sask. S4R 1A6. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.

Maria Katarzyna Okreglak

On Tuesday, July 4, 2000, Maria Katarzyna "Babcia" Okreglak, late of Weyburn, passed away at the Weyburn General Hospital at the age of 79 years. Predeceased by her parents Joseph and Katarzyna Staszel, and one daughter Helena and her husband Stan. Maria is survived by one sister Emily (Ed) Mus of Weyburn; one brother Tadeusz (Helena) Staszel of Poland; one daughter, Anna (Alex) Lipowiecki of Weyburn; one son, Stanislaw Okreglak of Chicago, Ill, USA; granddaughters, Kasia (fiance Garry Magnien), Loli (Mike Herberholz), Gosia and six other grandchildren; two special great grandchildren, Michelle and Adrian; as well as many special nieces and nephews here and in Poland. Born in the pastoral community of Oleza, Zakopane on May 5, 1921, our Babcia spent her childhood surrounded by the Tatra Mountains and lush farmlands of southern Poland. She worked the family farm, took care of her two younger siblings, Tadeusz and Emily and struggled with a limited academic education. She learned of struggle, patience, disappointment and the value of family through her care and attention to the land, livestock and people she encountered. She married and endured a marriage tainted with the stench of alcohol. She gave birth to three children, Helena, Stanislaw and Hania. Her maternal heart was wrenched when she had to bury her infant daughter Helena after scarlet fever claimed her life. She raised Stan and Anna in the Roman Catholic tradition she was raised in. After the murder of her husband, she took to cooking at a school and was soon loved by all the children and community alike. She opened her home, heart and faith to any and all who needed. Her children grew, married and ventured away. Anna moved to Canada to start a new life with a new Canadian husband, Alex. Maria raised her granddaughter until she too left for Canada. At the age of 60, when most people are planning retirement, my Babcia moved to Canada to be with her daughter. She tended to gardens, flowers, kittens, chickens and her beloved grandchildren. How fortunate we were to have her here for 19 years. She gave to all who were privileged to have known her sense of serenity, sense of acceptance and above all a sense of themselves. Her countless kneeling rosary prayers protected, inspired and blessed us all. Thank you Babcia. We are what we are because of you. Rest well and God Bless You. A prayer service was held Friday, July 7 at 7:00 p.m. from St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, Weyburn, with Father Jozef Nabawanic presiding. Interment will take place in Poland in November. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in her memory to the Violence Intervention Program or to Weyburn Pro Life. Arrangements were in care of Hastings-Dionne Funeral Home Inc., Weyburn.

Lillian Reine

Mrs. Lillian Reine, resident of Anderson Lodge in Yorkton passed away on Friday, June 23, 2000. She was 89 years and 22 days of age. Lillian Evelyn Reine was born on June 1, 1911 at Norquay, SK. She was raised on the family farm near Norquay and received her education at Grantsburg School. After taking her high school at Norquay, she attended the Regina Normal School for her teacher training. She taught in many places. In June of 1936, she was married to Norten Reine of Weyburn. The couple resided on the family farm near Weyburn and from September of 1939 to June of 1941 Lillian taught in the Minton area. In June of 1941 the couple moved to Norquay, where they built a home on an acreage. Lillian taught the primary grades there. From 1957 to 1968 she taught in the Kindersley School Unit. For six years she served as principal of LaPorte School and taught the primary class. In 1968 the couple moved back to their home in Norquay, where Lillian taught a grade one class until her retirement in June of 1971. they continued to reside in Norquay until 1974 when they moved to Yorkton. Music was always an important part of Lillian's life. From an early age she served as church organist and pianist. She accompanied choirs as well as soloists and singing groups. Lillian grew up in the Lutheran Church where she served as organist for several years. After her marriage, she and Norten were active members in the Covenant Church at Weyburn and later at Norquay. After moving to Yorkton they transferred their membership to the Church of the Nazarene. In April of this year Lillian was hospitalized, later entering the Yorkton and District Nursing Home before being transferred to the Anderson Lodge earlier this month. Predeceased by her loving husband Norten on December 21, 1982; a daughter in infancy; her father Engvald in 1945; her mother Annie in 1949; four brothers, Knudt in 1965, Theodore in 1957, Arthur in 1978 and Irvin in 1987; four sisters, Ida Johnson in 1949, Ella Anderson in 1976, Sena Ryan in 1975 and Myrtle Adie in 1984. She is survived by a sister Ethel Larson of Sturgis, a brother Melvin Reine of Norquay and a sister-in-law Cecelia and her husband Norman Johnsrude of Weyburn; numerous nieces, nephews, and her many other relatives and friends. The funeral service was held on Tuesday, June 27 from the Church of the Nazarene in Yorkton. Pastor Richard Gibson officiated. The interment followed in the Garden of St. Mark at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Lyle and Allan Reine, Robert Knutson, Cory Larson, Harold Johnsrude and David Larson serving as the casket bearers. Arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.

Marion Alice Irwin

Marion Alice Irwin, age 70, passed away peacefully with family at her side on Friday, June 30, 2000. Funeral service was held Tuesday, July 4 at 2:00 p.m. from Zion Lutheran Church, Weyburn, with Pastor Ron Bestvater officiating. Interment followed in Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn. All those in attendance were considered to be honorary pallbearers. The active pallbearers were: Brad Irwin, Kelly Stovra, Jonathan Hutt, David McLeod, Jim Hutt and Curtis Mazur. Predeceased by her husband Jack, father Arne Stovra, brothers Vernon and Lawrence Stovra, brother-in-law Eugene Irwin, sisters-in-law Bernice Freeman and Muriel Hudson. Marion will be lovingly remembered by her children: Wayne Irwin of Weyburn, Bill (Anette) Irwin of Calgary, and Maureen (Henry) Van Schubert of Weyburn, her mother May Stovra of Weyburn, a very special granddaughter Erin of Calgary, sisters-in-law Marilyn Stovra of Regina and Isobel Irwin of Weyburn, as well as aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. Marion was born October 29, 1929 and grew up on the farm north of Lake Alma, SK. She took her public schooling at Appollo and Westdale schools. Following graduation from the Weyburn Collegiate Institute, Marion attended Normal School in Moose Jaw and taught at Roughbark School in the Goodwater District. On July 12, 1950 she was united in marriage to Jack Irwin. They lived on the farm in the Goodwater District until 1973, when they moved to make their home in Weyburn. Marion devoted her life to her family and was always there to provide her love and support in all that they did. She always maintained an immaculate home and spent many hours making sure everything was spotless and in its place. She was looking forward to life in her new condo when she became ill. She enjoyed visiting with friends and family, playing cards, crossword puzzles, and traveling to Calgary. Marion was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Weyburn. Her faith gave her the courage to face her illness with strength and dignity. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to Zion Lutheran Church, in her memory. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.

Mary Virginia Hanson

Mary Virginia Hanson (nee Chowaniec). On Wednesday, July 5, 2000, Mary Hanson, late of Fillmore Union Health Center, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 years. Born on December 22, 1917 at Cedoux, she was predeceased by her husband Grant in 1967; parents John and Caroline Chowaniec; sisters, Anne and Florence; brother Philip. Mary will be deeply missed by her sons Garry (Janice) and Terry (Marilyn); grandchildren: Robin (Glenn) Wiens, Rhonda (Alan) Emde, Mark (Anndi) Hanson, Angela (Don) Lubiens, Kerry, Karla and Corey Hanson; sister, Helen Welta, Sophie (Clarence) Leas, Ruth (Quin) Mann, Wanda (Elmer) Hart and brother Rudy (Theresa) Chowaniec; numerous nieces and nephews. To many of the young boys of the district she was simply Akela, head of the wolf pack. Being Cub Master for more than 20 years, she then went on to achieve her Gilwell Scout Award. As a 4-H judge and leader, Mary spent many hours with young people. Her many interests in nature included her flowers, rocks and wildlife. She had a passion for travel, reading and taking her grandchildren on cookouts. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

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