Mrs. Natalie Killnack of Saskatoon, formerly of Tadmore, Canora and Yorkton suffered a massive stroke and passed away at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon on Tuesday, March 1, with nieces and nephew by her side. Natalie Killnack (Kozakewich) was born December 12, 1925 to Dora (Kohuch) and Fred Kozakewich on a farm in the Sheho Farms District. She was the fifth child of seven. She attended White Creek School and later graduated from Sacred Heart Academy, Yorkton in 1944. Following high school she continued her Education in Moose Jaw and graduated in 1945 from Teachers College. Natalie taught mostly elementary grades in Leslie, Crystal Lake, Tadmore, Rama and for the remaining 16 years at the Radar Base at Orcadia, outside of Yorkton. Aunty retired from teaching in 1980. Natalie loved her career of educating the youth. She had a need to become a teacher and this is what she quoted: "The Sister Servants is the reason I chose to become a teacher. They carved my life. If it were not for them I would have not had the High school education or the teaching profession". While teaching in Tadmore, she met the love of her life Peter Killnack. They were united in marriage on July 12, 1951 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, Sheho farms by Rev Fr. S. Evanochko. Religion was very important to her, attending Sunday mass was a priority. She prayed faithfully for her health and for the good health and needs of others. Throughout the years she and Peter enjoyed one another's company, visiting family, friends going for drives, enjoying the countryside, scenery, picking mushrooms and wild berries and tending to Peter's horses and dog "Charlie" were things they shared together. Natalie resided in Yorkton for many years before moving to an acreage near Tadmore. She loved it out there! It was close to Crystal Lake and the scenery was beautiful and peaceful. Having a large yard kept a plentiful garden and many different flowers. She appreciated the large yard and long driveway, as she always enjoyed early morning walks, occupied by Charlie at times. She enjoyed nature. Natalie enjoyed traveling. She had the opportunity to visit family in the Ukraine, toured Brazil, Thailand, explored many states in the USA and traveled throughout Canada. She made many trips to Toronto to visit her sisters and families. Reading was her passion. She read several hundred books, her love of reading ranged from true stories, stories from the past days, religious stories and real life books. She kept a detailed diary of all the books she read and the dates she read them. Always learning. Each fall she looked forward to coming back to the Sheho south district to attend the annual Mass and grave blessing of family members. She liked to take a drive after mass and reminisce about her childhood years and spending time visiting with old neighbours, friends, nieces, nephews and cousins. She loved to cook and help others to cook often visiting her nieces' home to help make many perogies and cabbage rolls. One never left her home hungry or without an exchange of recipes. Aunty LOVED to shop for clothes and would often find good deals. After moving to Saskatoon to the Primrose Chateau, she appreciated the Van service to take her to the mall and have her nails done and maybe more shopping.....Volunteering her time and giving back to others was important. She helped with church activities, a helping hand and an ear to listen to. In the fall of 2002 Natalie moved to Canora. She missed the quiet rural life, she had many coffee friends and took up Ukrainian dancing in 2003, loved it!! As her health began to change and after Peter passed away she pondered the idea of moving to Saskatoon. She moved to the Primrose Chateau in January of 2008. She had her freedom and supervision. She loved the staff and residents and had friends and was busy. The best was having her brother Mike live in the same facility, it brought her joy. They kept on eye on each other!!! When Auntie had Dr. appointments she always asked her niece Rosemarie and husband Wayne or Frances or Theresa to take her. Auntie was extremely grateful for all they did for her. She was a kind hearted, soft spoken, caring, generous, proud and strong willed lady. We will miss her weekly phone chats! Natalie was predeceased by her parents Dora (1965), Fred (1977), husband Peter (2004), brothers Nick (1984), Mike (2015), sisters Theresa Chaikowski (1979), Paulette Floyd (2004), Mary Slota (2004), father and mother-in-law Anton Killnack (1962), Mary (1993), brothers-in-law Joe and Steve Killnack, Bill Michaels, Walter Slota (2005), Robert Floyd and sister-in-law Nell Michaels. She leaves to mourn her sister: Sr. Anne Marie Kozakewich SSMI, Toronto. Nieces, nephews, from the Killnack, Kozakewich family and many cherised FRIENDS! A Prayer Service was held on Sunday, March 7, 2016 and the Funeral Divine Liturgy on Monday, March 8, 2016, both at St. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canora with Rev. Father Joakim Rac as the Celebrant. The cantor, Genevieve Borys led members of the Parish Choir in the singing of the responses. Members of the UCWLC paid tribute with an honour guard. The cross bearer was Ashley Chaikowski and the epistle reader was Christine Kokoski. The interment took place in the Canora Town Cemetery with Chad Killniak, Wayne Berry, Harry Kozakewich, Theresa Litwin, Murray Slota, David Kielniak, Chad Kielniak and Cory Kilniak serving as the casket bearers. Highlights of Natalie's life were shared by Christine Kokoski. Following the memorial reception acknowledgements were given by Melody Chaikowski and a tribute conveyed by David Kielniak. Memorials may be given as Liturgy Offerings or to the Lupus Foundation. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com. Vichnaya Pamyat!
