Thelma Kowalyk. August 19, 1923 - March 13, 2016. Thelma passed away peacefully with her son by her side on Sunday, March 13, 2016 at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital in Moose Jaw after a brief illness. Thelma at the age of 92, was predeceased by her beloved husband John (1975). She will be greatly missed by her loving son Martin, by her brother Metro Skwarchuk, as well as by her nieces, nephews and friends. She is predeceased by her older brothers Bill, Steve and George, her younger brother William and by her oldest sister Mary. She was born to Wasyl and Annie Skwarchuk on the family farm near Springside/Drobot District, SK on August 19, 1923 and grew up attending a rural school in the Springside/Drobot District. She was involved in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and got to know John Kowalyk, a nearby neighbour, at the various dances and socials that were held over the years. They were wed in 1946 and the young couple soon took over John's family farm. As a CPR employee, John moved the family a few times between Manitoba and Alberta, while always maintaining the family farm with the help of Thelma. By 1963 the family settled in Moose Jaw and Thelma became an LPN working at Valley View Centre, the Union Hospital and finally at Pioneers Lodge from which she retired in 1991. She was a local union member with CUPE and SGEU, continued ongoing training and received various service awards throughout her career. During her working years, she remained involved with St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Moose Jaw and after John's early passing in 1975, Thelma immersed herself in church life at St. Vlad's. She was also a member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Holy Transfiguration in Yorkton. She believed strongly and practiced her faith. She loved singing in the choir and she liked to learn how to play various musical instruments. Many enjoyed her baked goods, often prepared for bake sales to support the various outreaches of the church, not to mention the catered meals for many church functions. At home, she loved her garden, taking a lot of pride in growing beautiful flowers and vegetables. She enjoyed canning, pickling and processing her own home grown vegetables. She was an expert at crocheting, winning several competitions. Thelma also loved sewing, knitting and cross-stitching. Thelma spent much of her time reading, especially Ukrainian texts. She was fluent in the Ukrainian language. Thelma belonged to the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada for over 26 years and was acknowledged for her dedication to the Ukrainian community, its faith and culture. She loved learning and was interested in different geographical features. She traveled often, going to Provincial and Federal parks and attended various festivals. Thelma liked to socialize, whether it was a fancy restaurant or simply coffee with friends; often engaging in discussions about various issues regarding local, provincial and federal politics. She enjoyed various sports and over the years attended some Saskatchewan Roughriders games, as well as some NHL games in Edmonton. Thelma was a very kind, caring person who willingly shared her heart, good morals, gave good advice and respected others. Thelma's humour and personality will be missed by all who knew her. A Prayer Service was held at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Holy Transfiguration, 89 Bradbrooke Drive, Yorkton, SK on Monday, March 21, 2016 commencing at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Liturgy was held on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Holy Transfiguration followed by interment at the Yorkton Cemetery with The Very Reverend Mel Slashinsky presiding over all. Arrangements are entrusted to Parkview Funeral Chapel, 474 Hochelaga St West, Moose Jaw, SK. 306-694-5500. Blair & Kelly Scott, Funeral Directors. Please see our online book of condolences at .
