Katherine Lysak, beloved wife of the late Metro Lysak was called by her Lord on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at the age of 86 years. Katherine was born June 1, 1928 to Unufrey and Maria Fenuik (nee-Medelko) on the family farm near Insinger. She was born a twin with her brother Nick. In her younger years she attended Asgarth School and following her schooling she took a number of jobs as a babysitter with various families in the nearby districts. These jobs were very enjoyable and rewarding to her. She later found employment on a farm near Jedburgh, owned by Wasyl and Wasylena Lysak, which is where she met the love of her life Metro, the handsome son of her employers. They were united in marriage on November 15, 1945 in Yorkton. They settled on the family farm in the Jedburgh-Theodore district and shared their love of working the land and raising cattle. They had three children, Diane, Wayne and Donna. Together they taught them to appreciate the importance of family, hard work and supporting one another. Life was busy on the farm. Spring seeding, harvesting and gardening were exciting times for Katherine. She took an active role in all of the farm activities right up until the time of her passing. She shared her knowledge and wisdom of the land with all her family by providing her son Wayne with advise on what calendar days were the best for putting in the crop, with her daughter Diane and son-in-law Garry when planting the garden, and with her daughter Donna when they went mushroom picking. She loved the farm and all that it entailed. She was most comfortable working outdoors alongside her husband or on her own either: cutting grass on the riding lawnmower, harrowing on one of the fields, taking the quad to check how Wayne was doing with the field work, and of course wearing that ball cap turned backwards as she went about her business on the farm. Katherine and Matt enjoyed the company of many friends and family during their 52 years of marriage. They both appreciated all the friendly visits, late night card games and the many large, delicious meals where no one went home hungry. Katherine was passionate about cross-stitching and many of her works of art are displayed in her children's homes. Katherine was never afraid of hard work and would give of herself far more than she would ever take. Her generosity was humbling and she never refused to lend a hand or welcome people into their home. Katherine was deeply devoted to our Heavenly Father, to her Orthodox faith and to her church. She was an active member of the Westbrook Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Ladies Auxiliary. She eagerly participated in all church activities and always looked forward to annual hram with her family. Following her husband's passing, Katherine moved to Theodore in 1997 and continued to be a blessing to her family and friends. She had a positive attitude and even with health issues never complained, but taught others how to be thankful for the many blessings of life. Her kind, gentle and positive personality resulted in hosting many enjoyable nights of playing cards (her favourites being Skip-Bo and Kaiser) and listening to the Saturday Night Get-Together on the radio. Katherine preferred to be in the company of others and never hesitated to stop and visit with people, young or old. Upon leaving her home you would always have leftovers in one hand, a chocolate bar in the other, and her smile left on your face. She continued to remain active by participating in Perogy Pincher Days, socializing with friends at the Casino and making regular trips to the farm. She often spoke about the many good times shared with the many friends she deeply cared about. Katherine was happiest when she was with her family. She looked forward to the annual family summer holiday to Clear Lake and the traditional holidays of Christmas and Easter when she could teach her family the value of tradition and the importance of the Ukrainian culture. She looked forward to celebrating her birthday on the farm with a bon-fire and wiener roast on the drive-way. Katherine's life was built on faith, respect and generosity. She never asked for much in life and was grateful for what she was given. She strived to make her children and grandchildren value good health and happiness, to be thankful for what you have and to see the good in everyone and everything. Her warmth and kindness were assets that she carried throughout her life, allowing her to be a true person, genuine in her words and actions. Her advice was always given with years of wisdom and never hurtful. Her love was unconditional. Katherine was a very proud and loving wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great- Grandmother. She was especially proud to have been able to see all of her grandchildren grow up, begin their careers and be happily married. When Katherine became a grandmother she embraced the name Baba and it soon became the name that everyone knew her by. This was because Katherine was a genuine Baba to every person she met which is why she was never introduced as my Baba, but our Baba. She was the best Baba we could ever ask for. Katherine was predeceased by her father, Unufrey in 1973, her mother, Maria Feniuk in 1992, sister Katherine in 1923, brother Metro in 1985, twin brother Nick in 1989, brother Walter in 1937, sister Nellie in 1997 and her husband Metro in 1997. Katherine leaves to celebrate and rejoice in her memory her beloved children: daughter Diane and her husband Garry Gawryliuk of Yorkton, son Wayne and his wife Lorraine of Yorkton and daughter Donna and her husband Bryan Bilokreli of Saskatoon. Katherine also leaves her memory to four very special grand-children: Mitchell Lysak and his wife Jamie of Saskatoon, Kenton Lysak and his wife Katherine of Saskatoon, Melanie Wagar and her husband Jason of Saskatoon, and Mandy Bast and her husband Jonny of Saskatoon. Her memory will be passed on to her great-granddaughter Riya Wagar and to her newest great grandson Komrie Wagar who was born on the day that Katherine passed away. She was so excited and proud to hear about his arrival that morning. Katherine also leaves to celebrate her life her sisters: Lena Danyliuk of Yorkton, Mary Moldowan of Yorkton, her brother Edward Feniuk and his wife Betty of Winnipeg, and her sister-in-law Kay Lysak of Dauphin as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbors. The Prayer Service was held on Monday, March 9, 2015 and the Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 , both services were held from Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton, Saskatchewan with the Very Reverend Father Mel Slashinsky officiating. The Cantor was Gerald Yaholnitsky assisted by members of the Church Choir. The Cross Bearer was Ron Bilokreli; the Banner Bearers were Glenn Wiseman and Bob Thompson; and the Palamars were Henry Wasylyshen and Nick Heshka. Following a reception in the Ukrainian Orthodox Auditorium, the Interment Service took place in the Westbook Cemetery with Mitchell Lysak, Kenton Lysak, Jason Wagar, Jonny Bast, Wes Moldowan and Perry Moldowan serving as the casket bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, SK.            Â
