Annie Kewaluk of Canora and formerly of Norquay passed away peacefully at the Canora Gateway Lodge on April 20, 2013 at the age of 99 years. Annie was born in Canora on July 24, 1913, to Jim and Justina (Beck) Rudnisky. Her grandparents, Peter and Melanka Beck emigrated from the Ukraine and settled in the Canora district. In 1918 at the age of six, Annie and her family moved to a farm north of Swan Plain, SK. She recalled there was no bridge yet and they got wet crossing the Swan River. Annie attended the Porcupine School for a time and then was united in marriage to Metro Kewaluk in 1930. They lived two and a half miles north of Swan Plain. They had three children, Pauline (who passed away in infancy), Sam and Paul. Annie had a sharp and detailed memory which never left her and all enjoyed her story-telling. As her nieces and nephews who lived close by, she was like a mother to us. We recalled the meat cutting, cow milking, butter making, egg selling that went on in those days. The smell of homemade bread, donuts, cinnamon buns, cakes and pies and the famous Christmas orange punch, along with all the Ukrainian delicacies. One fine day as we sat eating candy, we heard a sound coming from the bedroom, much to our surprise, two boxes lined with straw and two hens sitting on eggs in hopes of a new hatch of chicks. Annie was a seamstress and sewed beautiful dresses for the ladies around, no need to purchase a pattern, just material and a measuring tape. Annie was a quiet, thoughtful, generous and caring person and will be lovingly remembered for these qualities. Annie's Bible was never far away and her relationship with her God was evident in all aspects of her life. In the mid 1980's, Metro and Annie relocated to Norquay and lived in the low rental housing where she continued to garden and sew, but really enjoyed socializing at the senior centre and attending church. After Metro's passing, Annie continued to reside in Norquay until she became a resident of the Gateway Lodge in Canora in 2012. If there was a problem she could not solve, she would say, "God is smarter than we are". She was predeceased by her parents; her husband; her children; her step-brothers: Steve and Bill Rudnisky; her brothers: Nick and Peter Rudnisky; her sisters: Mary Lubkey and Francis Perrick. She leaves to celebrate her life two special grandchildren: Dean (Cheri) Kewaluk and Kevin Kewaluk and two very special great grandchildren: Jessica and Brandon Kewaluk all of Regina, SK as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The Funeral Service was held on Thursday, April 24, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Leson's Funeral Home, Canora with Velda Dahlin of the United Church of Canada officiating. Interment followed in the Canora Cemetery. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency or to the Norquay United Church as tokens of remembrance. Those unable to attend may sign the on-line guest book at www.lesonsfuneralhome.ca . Arrangements were entrusted to LESON'S FUNERAL HOME, Canora. (563-5671)
