Irene Strilchuk of Yorkton passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon. She was 80 years of age. Irene was born on October 2, 1932 on a farm north of Yorkton to Wasyl & Maria (nee Kacedan) Strilchuk. In 1939 the family moved to Yorkton where Irene attended school at Sacred Heart and the Yorkton Collegiate Institute. Following graduation she took a secretarial course in Winnipeg. She returned to Yorkton and obtained employment with the Government of Saskatchewan in 1952, and worked in both Yorkton and Saskatoon. Irene took early retirement in 1987, eventually returning to Yorkton to be a care giver to her mother. One of the highlights of her life was a trip to Ukraine where she had the privilege of visiting a village where her parents were born, and meeting many of her relatives. Irene was very grateful that her parents instilled in her the love of her Ukrainian heritage, culture, traditions and religion. She loved to attend and participate in Ukrainian concerts. She was a member of St. Mary's Church choir for many years. She was a faithful member of St. Mary's Church and over the years a member of several Ukrainian organizations. Irene was predeceased by her father Wasyl (1977), mother Maria (2004), a brother Yaroslaw in infancy, and aunt and uncle in Canada, and several aunts, uncles & cousins in Ukraine. She leaves to mourn her passing her cousins: Walter (Lisa) Stasyshyn and their family of Toronto; and Rev. Wolodymyr Sluzar of Winnipeg; as well as numerous relatives in Ukraine. The Prayer Service was held on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home preceded by the Holy Rosary led by St. Mary's Ukrainian Choir. The Requiem Divine Liturgy was held on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Father Ray Lukie, C.Ss.R. as the Celebrant. The responses were led by Ed Pindus, Colette Ukrainetz and parish choir members. The cross bearer was Sidney Chorney; altar server was Alex Hajduk; epistle reader was John Wasylynka and wreath bearer was Anna Gulka. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with John Wasylynka, Terry Baron, Peter Baran, Peter Moroz, Glen Tymiak and Norman Yasinsky serving as the casket bearers. Reflections & Remembrances of Irene's life were shared by George Sluzar, Lisa Stasyshyn and Julie Knapp. Words of appreciation were conveyed by John Wasylynka. Memorials in memory of Irene may be made to the Children of Chornobyl Canadian Fund, 2118 - A Bloor Street West, Suite 200, Toronto, ON M6S 1M8 Condolences may to sent by visiting Xpuctoc Bockpec! Christ is Risen! Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.
