Victoria Olga HnatiwAugust 7, 1920 - July 5, 2010Mrs. Victoria Olga (nee Dopka) Hnatiw of Saskatoon (and formerly of Bruno) passed away very peacefully on Monday, July 5, 2010, with her devoted family by her side. Her death occurred one month and two days prior to her 90th. birthday. Victoria was born on Saturday, August 7, 1920, to Sam and Patricia (nee Gasiourowski) Dopka at home on their farm near Plunkett, where she was raised. At a young age, Victoria became a caregiver when her mother got sick. Following her education at Badger Rural School, Victoria moved to Fort William, ON, (which is now part of Thunder Bay), where she was employed at the airplane factory. She loved it there and gained "another family" and many new friends; however, she received a call to return home and, even though she preferred to remain in Fort William, she obliged. Eventually, Victoria met Mike Hnatiw, the love of her life, and they were married in St. Mary's Church on April 23, 1942. That summer, the newly-wed couple bought a farm in the Bruno area and started a mixed-farm operation, which would eventually include a large amount and variety of farm animals, such as cattle, horses, bantam chickens, ducks, geese, sheep, cats and dogs. Over the next few years, Victoria and Mike were blessed with three children, a son and two daughters, and also raised a niece, Elizabeth, from the age of two-and-a-half. As well as tending to the needs of her children and to her domestic chores, planting and harvesting a large garden, and taking care of her flower beds, she worked side-by-side with her husband in every aspect of operating their farm, including running the farm machinery, and even grading the roads. When Mike was away inspecting for the P.F.R.A. and adjusting for Municipal Hail, Victoria's workload was even heavier. In addition, even though their house was small, during the winter months, Victoria took her dad in and took care of him. There were a lot of difficult years for Victoria. She loved the farm though, and never gave up on her dream and hope for better things to come when her family could gain independence and security. An excellent role model, Victoria's work ethics were an inspiration to her children as they learned how to be responsible, with each of them having their chores too, from tending to the cows, bringing the wood home, hauling snow, butchering and selling chickens, and planting and harvesting potatoes. The meals she prepared for her family or visitors were second to none, especially her perogies, cabbage rolls, homemade sausages, donuts, apple strudel and many other family favorites. Victoria felt her highest calling in life was being a good wife and mother. When problems arose - which was evident when you were raising four children with very little money - she did the best she could to deal with them. Victoria maintained that if you have common sense and use it, that in itself was a high education, but with a better education, you can improve yourself even more. With the skills she learned, the diversity of ideas and the ingenuity she had, when little was supplied, she could make something out of nothing. A congenial hostess, Victoria always looked forward to visits from her relatives from the United States, Ontario, and southern Saskatchewan. Victoria loved to return those visits and made many trips to their homes. She also enjoyed attending the festival at Dauphin, Manitoba. On Tuesday, April 23, 1996, the day that marked Victoria and Mike's 54th. wedding anniversary, Mike passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. Soon after, Victoria moved to Saskatoon. She enjoyed living there and gained many new friends. When Victoria's health began to fail, preventing her from being as active as she wanted to be, she never complained, but always said "God knows what He is doing." She so appreciated the visits from her relatives who travelled long distances to see her one more time and to say their goodbyes, preferring that rather than when it was too late. Victoria found great comfort from her special friend, Olga Kautz, who was always by her side. Buttons, her precious pet Chihuahua, followed her around like a shadow. A very important part of Victoria's life had been going to church on Sunday and praying faithfully every day, which she loved. Her faith was very strong which was evident in the way she lived and the peace she had as she was dying. Indeed, the words from Matthew 25:23, "Well done my good and faithful servant", could be easily said of her. "Thank you Mom and Grandma. You may be gone from our sight but will always be in our memories; you may be gone from our touch but will always be in our hearts." Victoria is lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her son, two daughters, and their families: Bernard Hnatiw of Saskatoon; Diane (Cyril) Senko of Guernsey and their family, Shawn, and Holly (Jon), all of Saskatoon; and Gloria (Joe) Zimmerman of Watrous and their family, Crystal (Bill) of Warman; niece/daughter, Elizabeth Hrynkiw of Saskatoon and her children, Russell of Kelvington, Allan of Big River, Terry of Almeda, Karen and Carol, both of Saskatoon, and their families; and by other nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Mike Hnatiw; daughter-in-law, Cathy (nee Chuey) Hnatiw; nephew/son-in-law, John Hrynkiw; great-niece/granddaughter, Cheryl Hrynkiw; nephew, Nick Kobylak Jr.; great-nephew, Ed Kobylak (twin); one sister, Mary Kobylak; two brothers: Mike Dopka, and a brother in infancy; and by two brothers-in-law: Steve Shmagelski and Nick Kobylak. The Prayer Vigil for Victoria was held on Thursday, July 8, 2010, at 8:00 p.m., and the Mass of Christian Burial was offered on Friday, July 9, 2010, at 11:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. David Tumback. Others taking part were: Jon Stushnoff, cross bearer; Holly Senko and Crystal Zimmerman, scripture readers; Shawn Senko, intentions; Diane Senko and Gloria Zimmerman, gift bearers. Pallbearers were Shawn Senko, Holly Senko, Crystal Zimmerman, Cyril Senko, Joe Zimmerman and Steve Kobylak. Both services were held at Holy Family R.C. Church, Saskatoon. Victoria was laid to rest next to her beloved husband in The Last Supper section of Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Saskatoon.
In loving memory of our dear Mother and Grandmother on the first anniversary of her death, Bernard, Diane, Gloria and families.
God saw she was getting tiredWhen a cure was not to be.So He put his arms around herAnd whispered "Come to Me"With tearful eyes we watched her sufferAnd saw her fade away.Although we loved her dearlyWe could not make her stay.A golden heart stopped beatingHard working hands at rest.God broke our hearts to prove to usHe only takes "The Best".
