It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother, Margaret Eleanor Yaholnitsky (Hamilton) on August 12, 2015 at the age of 95. We will cherish our memories of her, particularly her sweet disposition and her loving nature. Margaret was born in Winnipeg, MB on June 25, 1920. Her parents, James Renwick Hamilton and Mary Elizabeth Hamilton (Lord) were Northern Ireland immigrants who came to Canada to settle in Winnipeg in 1910 and 1913. Having two siblings, Jack and Dorothy, Margaret was the youngest of the three children. The family moved to Yorkton in late September of 1920 where Margaret's father became salesman auditor for the North Star Oil Company. Margaret attended Simpson School, The Yorkton Collegiate Institute and finally received her stenographic education at the Angus School of Commerce in Winnipeg. She was employed for three years as stenographer/cashier for the T. Eaton Co. and then was employed by Canadian Utilities until her marriage to Stephen Yaholnitsky in 1946. The couple spent four academic seasons in Toronto, ON where Steve attended the College of Dentistry, University of Toronto. They returned to Yorkton in 1951 where Steve worked with Dr. Wes Watchler and then set up his own practice in 1952. In 1953, during the severe polio epidemic, Margaret contracted the disease that affected her limbs. Daughter, Gwyneth Jean, age 14 months, died three weeks later. Doctors were sure that Margaret would never walk again, but she participated in an extensive physiotherapy program and was able to walk until age 94. The love of her life, Steve, passed away in 2003. Margaret attended First Baptist Church in Yorkton and was very actively involved in its activities. She loved music and sang in the church choir. She attended C. G. I. T. with Kelly McNair as leader and later became a leader. She regularly attended the Baptist Women's missionary group and actively supported the Yorkton Arts Council. Margaret leaves to mourn her son, Stuart Yaholnitsky (Willa), children Morgan and Scott; daughter, Marcia McLean (Greg), children Brendan, Kelsea (Alexander Kielly) and Taylor; son, Bruce Yaholnitsky (Gwen), children Hannah, Kevin and Rachel. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, August 22, 2015 from First Baptist Church in Yorkton, SK with Pastor Steve Rosluk officiating. The organist, Karen DeLong, led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "The King of Love My Shepherd Is" and "Blessed Be the Tie That Binds". Special Music selections included Kelsea McLean who sang, "Amazing Grace"; friends from the Zion Mennonite Church in Swift Current and a recorded piece, "Remembrance" sung by the Swift Current Comp. Chamber Singers. Susan Brooker read the 23rd Psalm. Words of tribute and eulogy were shared by Brendan McLean, Stuart Yaholnitsky, Bruce Yaholnitsky and Marcia McLean. The Interment Service followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Morgan Yaholnitsky, Scott Yaholnitsky, Brendan McLean, Kelsea McLean, Taylor McLean, Hannah Yaholnitsky, Kevin Yaholnitsky and Rachel Yaholnitsky serving as the casket bearers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church, 35 Smith St E., Yorkton, SK., S3N 0H3. 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, Saskatchewan.
