Marie Sawka (nee Chalupiak) was born on December 5, 1922 in the Ketchen district of Saskatchewan, daughter of Stephania (nee Derin) and Steve Chalupiak. She was the oldest daughter of seven children. Marie was raised on the family farm. She attended Netchie Hills School until the tenth grade and was an exceptional student. In 1942, Marie married John Sawka. The couple farmed in the Preeceville district. She was known for her involvement and contributions within the community, including Sports Days, the Curling Club and school related functions. John and Marie moved to Yorkton in 1966. Marie was a long time member of the New Horizons Senior Centre; she served as treasurer and secretary. She aIso campaigned for the Heart Association and the Red Cross, as well she volunteered with the elderly. She enjoyed playing cards and sight-seeing. During her many years in Yorkton Marie had been a faithful parishioner of St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church. John predeceased her in 2009; Marie continued to maintain her independence until moving to Saskatoon in 2013 to be closer to family. She was admitted to the Royal University Hospital and passed after a brief illness on January 28, 2014 at the age of 91. Marie was predeceased by siblings Billy, Walter, Annie, Mike and Joe. She leaves to cherish her memory her two daughters: Elizabeth/Betty Burke of Huntington Beach, CA; Carroll (Robert) Naphin of Saskatoon; grandchildren & great grandchildren: Dave (Tavia) Burke, Jacob, Kayleigh & Jenna; Ray (Timothea) Burke, Sarah & Ashley; Ryan (Lisa) Burke, Alexandra & James; Jill (Brad) Zdunich, Logan & Janae; Joseph (Anna) Naphin, Drew, Eden & Jude; her brother William of Yorkton, as well as many other relatives and friends. We will always miss her. Prayer services were held on Friday evening, February 7, 2014 from the Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home. The Funeral Liturgy was celebrated on Saturday, February 8, 2014 from St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Fr. Peter Pidskalny C.Ss.R. as Celebrant. Walter Prystai was the Sacristan and daughter Elizabeth/Betty read the Epistle. The cross bearers were Jill Zdunich and Ed Chalupiak. The responses were led by Ed Pindus and St. Mary's Choir members. The interment took place in the Garden of St. Matthew at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Joseph Naphin, Ray, David & Ryan Burke, Brad Zdunich and Kenny Chalupiak serving as the casket bearers. A memorial luncheon in the Family Centre followed the interment service. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com. Memorials were to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
